Musicians Through My Camera Lens

By Khin Hooi

I joined Penang Philharmonic Orchestra in 2013, and the first group I participated in was called the Voices of Penang Philharmonic. After experiencing several different choral ensembles, I was eventually tasked with photographing concerts starting from 2022. Today, I would probably say that this has become my main role in PPO, as photography is one of the things I am most passionate about. I feel very fortunate to serve as the official photographer and to be responsible for documenting and preserving these moments.

It has also been a new learning experience for me, as I had the opportunity to connect with other experts in this field, such as the photographer for the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Through these conversations and exchanges, I became more interested in the technical side of concert photography and the equipment used to achieve certain shots and perspectives.

As a result, I recently purchased a new camera lens in order to photograph PPO concerts. It is a Canon RF 200-800mm lens. For photography enthusiasts, this lens is well known for its ability to zoom in closely on subjects from a distance. With it, I am now able to capture moments with greater clarity and personality than before.

Over the years, I have watched the same group of musicians perform concert after concert. I cannot help but admire their dedication to music and the many years they have spent honing their craft. It also warms my heart to see young musicians in the group who have already trained and practiced to the level of orchestral performance at such a young age. As a photographer, I strongly believe that photography is one of the best ways to capture the spirit and essence of a musical group.

Beyond the cameras, lenses, and technical settings, every photograph carries a story of dedication, growth, and passion. I hope to continue preserving these memories through my camera lens, one frame at a time.

Below are photos captured during "A Magical Music Adventure"