With a deep-rooted affection for candidly capturing the essence of daily life, Sinsee’s lens uncovers the poetry hidden within the ordinary moments that unfold on the bustling streets.
A true visionary, Sinsee Ho embraces the challenge of finding art in the commonplace, and in doing so, she paints a vivid tapestry of Kuala Lumpur's cultural fabric. Her photographs resonate with the colorful Malaysia's diverse local groups, showcasing the kaleidoscope of life that flourishes amidst the urban chaos. Through her lens, she immortalizes the fleeting moments of strangers' lives, infusing each frame with a rich palette of hues that mirror the vibrant tapestry of the city.
As an enthusiast of street photography myself, I stand in awe of her unwavering dedication and courage. Venturing into the streets to capture raw reality requires not only keen observation but also quick reactions and finesse. Through her quality works, Sinsee invites us all to experience the energy, the chaos, and the beauty that pulse through Kuala Lumpur's veins.
Join me in welcoming a photographer whose artistry reminds us that there is poetry in every step we take, every face we encounter, and every corner we turn.
For those eager to delve deeper into the world of captivating street photography, I encourage you to visit her Instagram page. As you browse through her work, you will discover that her talent has not gone unnoticed. With each accolade, she solidifies her status as a visionary storyteller, unraveling the intricate narratives that unfold on the city's bustling streets.
1. Can you share a moment when you first fell in love with street photography and realized its unique appeal to you?
I think it started from my travels after I got my first dslr. In the beginning, I was simply taking the usual touristy travel photos. For example, a photo of a building/landmark. But soon after, I felt adding a human element would make the photo more interesting. As time goes by, I was drawn more to the rhythm and life found on the street. The unpredictability of a street scene and the opportunity to inject my vision made me fell in love with this genre. If I have to give a timeline, this love affair probably has started to blossom around year 2017-2018.
photo by Sinsee Ho
2. Street photography demands quick thinking and bravery to capture fleeting moments. Could you describe an instance where you had to act fast and summon courage to capture an unexpected scene?
I don’t count myself brave or quick. I lost count how many moments I have missed because I wasn’t quick enough. With experience, I think I anticipate a bit better now but there’s still much to improve for me.
3. Reflections in store windows and car windows seem to be a recurring theme in your photography. What draws you to this aspect of urban life, and how do you incorporate these reflections into your compositions?
I shoot intuitively without realising I had slowly developed a theme/style over time. I guess I’m always trying to find creative ways to compose my shots - frames, reflections or shadows are ways to help add another layer of depth to the image. By doing so, I am including my vision into a scene, in a way creating fiction out of reality (as someone quoted).
Coincidentally, I had a project titled, Becoming Memories (to be exhibited in Kuala Lumpur in Sept/Oct 2023), a series of street photos of Kuala Lumpur during endemic phase of Covid-19 in which the images were mainly shot through glass and/or reflections as my interpretation in denoting a sense of distance, a quiet desire to put this period of our times as a distant past rather than a lived reality.
4. In the bustling energy of a busy street, finding the decisive moment can be challenging. What strategies do you employ to recognize and capture those significant moments amidst the chaos?
Although there are times in which I can anticipate a decisive moment but most of the time, I simply click the shutter instinctively, operating at a subconscious level. I believe it’s not so much of what one sees but how one sees that matters. Every photographer responds to a scene differently, so ultimately we capture shots based on how we feel. My idea of a decisive moment may be different from another photographer.
photo by Sinsee Ho
5. Your street photography often reflects a sense of humor and diversity of the different groups of people in Malaysia. How do you approach your subjects and naturally infuse those elements into your shots ?
Taking shots that include humor element is always a challenge. I usually do not interact with the subjects as I want to capture candid moments.
6. Composition plays a vital role in your work. Could you discuss your thought process behind arranging elements within the frame to create visually compelling and meaningful images?
Ideally, I hope to see balance in my photo, so very instinctively I will click the shutter when all the elements fall into place.
7. Your portfolio showcases the art of finding poetry in everyday street scenes. Could you elaborate on how you approach presenting these poetic moments to your audience? What particular aspects of the ordinary streets do you aim to highlight through your work, and what kind of poetic narratives are you seeking to convey?
Poetry or art can be made out of the most simple, everyday occurrences. How we pick and present those moments made all the difference. In an urban setting when we can be overwhelmed with noise and chaos, I find it rewarding if I could present a poetic narrative with elements that work in harmony or in contrast - moments that evoke an emotion within, to offer the audience a frame which they can have their own interpretation too. Hopefully this will inspire a greater appreciation for the everyday and mundane.
photo by Sinsee Ho
8. Street photography requires a keen eye for details. How do you train yourself to notice the subtle and intriguing aspects of ordinary scenes that others might overlook?
I get into the habit of taking photos with my eyes without a camera. I think the more we train our eyes to see those little details, the better we are in seeing. It’s a cliche but practice makes perfect.
9. Pursuing a career in street photography can be demanding. Could you share a particularly challenging experience you've faced and how you overcame it to continue pursuing your passion?
As I shoot street photos primarily for my own pleasure, I do not find it demanding. I simply love the process and will count it a blessing if I can do this as long as I can live. Moving forward, I hope to have photo series or projects that will turn to be monographs or photobooks.
phot by Sinsee Ho
10. For those who are passionate about street photography and aspire to follow a similar path, what advice would you offer to help them navigate the dynamic and often unpredictable world of capturing life on the streets?
Go out and shoot as often as you can. When you love doing street photography, there is no other exhilarating feeling than creating something. For beginners, I suggest trying different styles by experimenting with various focal lengths, whether to shoot from a distance or close to subjects. After a while, you’ll find your “comfort zone” but always have an open mind to learn up new things and from others. Some of us will find our unique voice quickly, others might take a while. But more importantly, enjoy the process and have fun.
Thanks Sinsee Ho and please find more her work
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