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Benny Hoh Photographs
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Parents have always felt the need to photograph their children at different stages of life. I’m sure most of us have that one embarrassing photograph – we’re a baby, lying on our tummy, smiling at the camera and oblivious that our naked body is on display.
Then as we progress into the album called our ‘Childhood’ which should be rightfully entitled, ‘Embarrassing Photos: Never to show future grandkids!’, we see ourselves at 2 years old, standing next to an icing-overloaded cake in the shape of a bunny. After that, we come across a weird family photo where everyone is not smiling, probably due to the extremely insane amount of time it took to get everyone neat and organised just for a split second of a click…..
However, studio photography is no longer so rigid and uptight. These days, you could probably walk in and request for the photographer to shoot a picture of you, sprawled on a leopard- themed couch. Such ease and comfort has gotten to parents and even though the age-old sin of photographing every stage of the kid’s life has not died off, the surroundings have definitely improved, making it a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
TheAsianParent uncovered one photo studio that not only shoots the mainstream of photos but interesting ones like expectant mothers, infants and such –Benny Hoh Photography . We had a click of an interview with the man himself, Benny Hoh.
TheAsianParent (TAP) : Why did you choose photography as your medium to the outside world?
Benny Hoh (B.H) : Nothing retains memories more than images. Many of us will remember a photo that has stricken us with exhilaration or grief. And as a team of professional creative artists with a heart and soul, we strive to capture all images with passion and determination. All for one common goal, to create the photograph that embodies the spirit, the beauty and the memories.
TAP : How important is photography in a child’s life?
B.H: Photography is important in every moment of our lives, as there will always be a new memorable episode that we relish in time to come. For a child, this is especially important. Every child is unique in his or her own ways, even among siblings. We are always astonished at how fast children grow up. Before we know it, infants can roll over and sit up. After a while, they will crawl, walk and then run. And do not forget their angelic and innocent smiles! When captured on photographs, all these moments will never be forgotten.
TAP : Asians are now catching up with the rest of the world in terms of photography, etc. In your opinion do you think more can be done to encourage Asians to get more involved with studio photography?
B.H: In the last few years, we can definitely see an uptrend in the appreciation of beautifully taken photographs in these regions. Our advice to people is not to rely too much on our memories; they tend to be fidgety and limited. With time always moving forward, do not procrastinate; capture important moments before they are gone. Parents must always take this in mind, as we have seen too many who lament on not having something to remember their children’s growing up.
One last note, a child’s wonderful growth starts when the mother is expecting, so pregnancy photography is also important.
TAP : How do you take photos of crying babies or fidgety children?
B.H: Patience, communication and little surprises in our studio. Parents have to understand that time is crucial for infants. We have to be patient, adapt to their behaviours and make them comfortable. We have many occasions in the studio when parents have to feed, change soiled diapers or just waiting for them to wake up from their little naps. For children, sincere communication and respect will generally get them to open up in front of the camera. Little surprises and toys will also do the trick. Lastly, crying babies do occasionally provide good opportunities for wonderful photos!
TAP : Do you provide clothes, costumes for kids to be photographed in?
B.H: We do not provide clothes and costumes in our studio. Parents have to bring their own outfit changes. We do mostly contemporary portraits. To us, facial expressions, and the “right” moments are more important in a photograph then costumes. The other reason will be hygiene and health concerns. Most of our parent clients prefer their own outfits, because they will be sure that their children will not be dressed in clothes worn by others. Infants and children will also be more photogenic in clothes they are comfortable in. And we also do not believe that all children must look like a lion, a bear, or a flower.
TAP : What, in your opinion, is the most difficult shot to take?
B.H: The shot that was never taken. And the one with the biggest smile.
TAP : Any advice to parents who are afraid of the flash, lights, etc that make cause epilepsy, etc in their child?
B.H: Medically, most people with photosensitive epilepsy are sensitive to flashing lights with 16 to 25 Hz frequencies, meaning flashing 16 to 25 times per second. Studio lights do not and cannot flash at such high frequencies. The lights are emitted only when a photo is taken.
Click you way to Benny Hoh Photography!