An Exclusive Interview with Siew Bee Lim

Born in 1965 in Singapore, photography was one of the old hobbies of Siew Bee Lim. Now she would like to learn it formally via Light & Composition platform as she believes it’s not too late. Since primary school she is not good in drawing; she doesn’t have artistic hand that some of her classmates have. Nonetheless, she likes reading since young, and would try to appreciate Chinese paintings. Few years after she started working as a Programmer, she took up photography as a hobby. She attended a short course which included a session in the darkroom. In those days, good photographs were dependent on good darkroom skills. It was unlikely that she spent much time in the darkroom. Hence the hobby didn’t last long then. She believes that the present learning experience has a longer way to go.

In this “Exclusive Interview” section, today we have the opportunity to talk with Siew Bee Lim, as one of her photographs were winners of Photo of the Month – 91st Month, 1st place as well as 3rd Place for Photo of the Month 89th Month. Let’s discover more about Siew Bee Lim, and her forays into photography in the following interview with her.

An Exclusive Interview with Siew Bee Lim, winner of Photo of the Month – 91st Month.

Light & Composition: Greetings from Light & Composition, Siew Bee Lim. How does it feel being selected as the winner of Photo of the Month, 91st Month?

Siew Bee Lim:I feel happy and grateful. I think I am a bit lucky to have captured the moment.

L&C: Your photograph “Sharing an Umbrella,” was selected as Photo of the Month 91st Month, 1st place is a wonderful Minimalistic Photograph with artistic perspective, correct lighting, and very well presented. Overall, a great composition! Tell us more about your experience of taking this photography.

Sharing an Umbrella, by Siew Bee Lim

Siew Bee: One raining day afternoon, I went to this place outside a shopping mall to photograph. The open space was empty most of the time, as pedestrians preferred to walk under the shelter. This couple carrying a beautiful umbrella walked from the middle to the other end. They were out of my frame before I could click. I promptly changed to portrait view and clicked.

L&C: Besides this winning photographs, many people liked and voted for other photographs of yours in the Photo of the Month contest. You must be proud. How do you see your journey to the world of photography so far?

Siew Bee: I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the viewers who liked and voted for my photographs. Perhaps they find them interesting? I have gained some confidence, and hope to continue taking interesting or artistic photographs.

L&C: As we know, you are originally from Singapore. Do you think the rich diverse cultural and artistic heritage of Singapore portrayed a different essence to you?

Siew Bee: Since primary school I had teachers from different cultures. Since upper primary I am not good in drawing; I don’t have artistic hand that some of my classmates have. Nonetheless, I like reading since young, and would try to appreciate Chinese paintings. Few years after I started working as a Programmer, I took up photography as a hobby. I attended a short course which included a session in the darkroom. In those days, good photographs were dependent on good darkroom skills. It was unlikely that I spent much time in the darkroom. Hence this hobby didn’t last long then.

L&C: Do you like a particular genre of photography and if so, why?

Siew Bee: I would take different genre of photographs depending on situations. At present I like Street and Candid Photography most. I like to photograph subjects in their natural motions. I am far from being good at them; plenty of room to improve.

L&C: One of the keys to any style of photography is visualization. Please tell us how you started this process and what you did afterwards.

Siew Bee: I recognize the fact that my style of photography is a work-in-progress. I am at learning stage of my visualization process.

L&C: Have you ever exhibited your work? If so, then tell us about your first exhibiting experience.

Siew Bee: No, I have not exhibited any photograph.

L&C: Are you involved with any photography organizations? How does this help you in your photography?

Siew Bee: I am doing the online course offers by Light & Composition. It enables me to learn photography formally. For this I am grateful to the Light & Composition community.

L&C: What advice would you give our readers who want to take part in the journey around the world with photography?

Siew Bee: Come and join the photography course offers by Light & Composition. Here we learn to take interesting photographs that are completely unaltered.

L&C: Thank you, Siew Bee, for sharing your feelings and experiences with us.