I've long worked behind the lens. When I started experimenting with photography almost a decade ago, I was heavily criticised for the wrong angles, the misfocused subjects, and my pointless artistry. I tried and tried without proper equipment or professional guidance, but the determination to validate my photography skills had kept me going against the currents of criticism. In the midst of helping others 'capture a moment', as I would call it, I saw myself starting to request for similar photos to be taken for me, in hopes of keeping memories of my own in photographs.
One person told me once, 'You're kinda like a model'. That was about 4 years ago, when I had finished high school for a couple of months. My hair was flowing a little freer than before and I had more time on my hands to run around Johor Bahru with my friends, looking for adventures and photoshoots. That 5-word line was an inspiration I did not see coming. In fact, I did not realise it had done the magic until it was a bit too late. Little did I expect, products of all the adventures I had ever taken since were 'aesthetic' Instagram photos. And I have never looked back.
I soon decided that I do like the spotlight- or the focal point of cameras. My Instagram was filled, slowly but surely, with photos of myself as the main subject. I am NOT talking about selfies or awkward photos with friends at tourist attractions, but a slow unstopping transition from a student's lifestyle and achievement timeline, to a collage of my college self in photogenic settings that only went wilder as I aged. When I came to the UK in September 2019, the world was my oyster as both a photographer and an aspiring model. I wanted to make use of cityscapes and the changing seasons to 'create' a different aesthetic I was not able to back in Malaysia. And so the adventures continued, so did fun photoshoots with friends (or rather them being burdened with the high photography standards I have requested), and my Instagram feeds. I was almost sure anyone who knew me back in college saw this coming- me travelling and modelling for photos.
And then, the world changed. No one got to travel again. I came back to the UK for my second year of studies after a fruitful summer in Malaysia. I was ready to embrace the nature since travelling across cities was banned but going to local parks was not. Little did my friends and I realise we were surrounded by a number of nature reserves, fords and even a golf course before we moved into our rented house in Canley, Coventry. Stressful evenings or frosty mornings always saw us out and about, in our attempt to appreciate the greenery, which is a fresh idea from the typical city ventures. And without a doubt, Instagram photos were the products of these adventures.
This year, despite unfruitful investments in a modeling portfolio and a potential modeling career, I have managed to book photoshoots with 2 local photographers. I was not charged for the photos as we call these sessions Time for Prints, where each party benefits by supplying the other with their time. We went out seeking a fun time around Coventry and Rugby, while I have used the experiences as learning opportunities. I was undoubtedly skeptical about sessions with strangers as such at the start, but they have always made me feel comfortable and respected. Thus, to me, it was not just a random session to be out there posing for photos I can't make money from. But rather, an opportunity to befriend someone truly passionate about what they do, and to merge the creative energies we both could bring to the table. I noticed how, despite a global pandemic, they have managed to make use of their talents as a floatation device and a creative outlet. I would love to relate this to Taylor Swift's production of her two pandemic albums, folklore and evermore, which serve the exact purpose with their themes surrounding escapism. This ability to channel personal experiences in a time which observes never ending uncertainties, and continue creating art in that climate inspires me in and out. It's also important to mention the role this plays in maintaining a good mental health, especially during such trying times.
I used to be so conscious about how I look as I had an oily, acned face and a skinny physique. Yet, being captured in photos aesthetically has helped me gain confidence in myself and appreciation towards my body. I pushed myself to take care of my skin, my hair and even got a training buddy to perform workouts at home. I have spent so long convincing myself and those around me that I will never get fat or buffed. My metabolism rate says it all (like I literally get skinny without exercising, which is an ironic curse, shocking to many, but if you're not like us you'll probably never understand why it is so much of a pain- we hardly look healthy or attractive). Doing weights workout for 1-2 hours per day, 5 days per week, for the first 5 months of 2021 straight, and pushing my physical limits most of the time (not gonna lie, I cheated sometimes) have helped me gain muscle definition. I had spent 2 years in KTJ focusing on cross-country and sadly I did not gain weight even though I ate a lot. It was the wrong kind of exercise, and there was a lack of focus on the nutrients I consumed. Looking healthier now has helped me gain so much confidence that it is reflected in the photos I then take. So, just a message to the high-metabolism peeps out there, you CAN get healthier, you CAN get buffer, just adjust your lifestyle (keep track of your protein or calorie intakes, and be consistent with your workouts).
Beyond my ventures in photography and modelling, this pandemic has put me and my artistic friends together. I didn't realise this, but while creating Warwick MSA's Mnight script, I was surrounded by individuals incredibly enthusiastic about their creative works. We stayed back after writing sessions, did karaoke, shared with one another the progress we have made with our creative projects. I was constantly mesmerised by their motivation and this has prompted me to work harder to 'create', and to up my game in the quality of my art. It is the passion I see in them that I would like to highlight. For me, I still found chances to photograph and to model in a pandemic, all because of true passion.
So, what is your passion? Maybe start by asking yourself, what has the pandemic NOT stopped you from wanting to do? And what have you managed to grab hold of, as a coping mechanism for your mental health, during the traumatising waves of Covid-19? It's likely that you have chosen something you genuinely love.
PS. Check me out on Instagram @euanthum for my photos! If you love photography, modelling or travelling, and would live to connect, feel free to hit me up!
By,
Euan Thum.
One person told me once, 'You're kinda like a model'. That was about 4 years ago, when I had finished high school for a couple of months. My hair was flowing a little freer than before and I had more time on my hands to run around Johor Bahru with my friends, looking for adventures and photoshoots. That 5-word line was an inspiration I did not see coming. In fact, I did not realise it had done the magic until it was a bit too late. Little did I expect, products of all the adventures I had ever taken since were 'aesthetic' Instagram photos. And I have never looked back.
Photos by: Amelia Leong, Sean Thum, Phil Yeh, Tai Yu, Yuki Hoon, KTJ SFC, Brian Ng, Leon Thum, Thum Voon Thik
I soon decided that I do like the spotlight- or the focal point of cameras. My Instagram was filled, slowly but surely, with photos of myself as the main subject. I am NOT talking about selfies or awkward photos with friends at tourist attractions, but a slow unstopping transition from a student's lifestyle and achievement timeline, to a collage of my college self in photogenic settings that only went wilder as I aged. When I came to the UK in September 2019, the world was my oyster as both a photographer and an aspiring model. I wanted to make use of cityscapes and the changing seasons to 'create' a different aesthetic I was not able to back in Malaysia. And so the adventures continued, so did fun photoshoots with friends (or rather them being burdened with the high photography standards I have requested), and my Instagram feeds. I was almost sure anyone who knew me back in college saw this coming- me travelling and modelling for photos.
And then, the world changed. No one got to travel again. I came back to the UK for my second year of studies after a fruitful summer in Malaysia. I was ready to embrace the nature since travelling across cities was banned but going to local parks was not. Little did my friends and I realise we were surrounded by a number of nature reserves, fords and even a golf course before we moved into our rented house in Canley, Coventry. Stressful evenings or frosty mornings always saw us out and about, in our attempt to appreciate the greenery, which is a fresh idea from the typical city ventures. And without a doubt, Instagram photos were the products of these adventures.
Photos by: Ler Wei Jun, Zach Chia
This year, despite unfruitful investments in a modeling portfolio and a potential modeling career, I have managed to book photoshoots with 2 local photographers. I was not charged for the photos as we call these sessions Time for Prints, where each party benefits by supplying the other with their time. We went out seeking a fun time around Coventry and Rugby, while I have used the experiences as learning opportunities. I was undoubtedly skeptical about sessions with strangers as such at the start, but they have always made me feel comfortable and respected. Thus, to me, it was not just a random session to be out there posing for photos I can't make money from. But rather, an opportunity to befriend someone truly passionate about what they do, and to merge the creative energies we both could bring to the table. I noticed how, despite a global pandemic, they have managed to make use of their talents as a floatation device and a creative outlet. I would love to relate this to Taylor Swift's production of her two pandemic albums, folklore and evermore, which serve the exact purpose with their themes surrounding escapism. This ability to channel personal experiences in a time which observes never ending uncertainties, and continue creating art in that climate inspires me in and out. It's also important to mention the role this plays in maintaining a good mental health, especially during such trying times.
Photos by: Andrew Robertson, Ler Wei Jun
I used to be so conscious about how I look as I had an oily, acned face and a skinny physique. Yet, being captured in photos aesthetically has helped me gain confidence in myself and appreciation towards my body. I pushed myself to take care of my skin, my hair and even got a training buddy to perform workouts at home. I have spent so long convincing myself and those around me that I will never get fat or buffed. My metabolism rate says it all (like I literally get skinny without exercising, which is an ironic curse, shocking to many, but if you're not like us you'll probably never understand why it is so much of a pain- we hardly look healthy or attractive). Doing weights workout for 1-2 hours per day, 5 days per week, for the first 5 months of 2021 straight, and pushing my physical limits most of the time (not gonna lie, I cheated sometimes) have helped me gain muscle definition. I had spent 2 years in KTJ focusing on cross-country and sadly I did not gain weight even though I ate a lot. It was the wrong kind of exercise, and there was a lack of focus on the nutrients I consumed. Looking healthier now has helped me gain so much confidence that it is reflected in the photos I then take. So, just a message to the high-metabolism peeps out there, you CAN get healthier, you CAN get buffer, just adjust your lifestyle (keep track of your protein or calorie intakes, and be consistent with your workouts).
Beyond my ventures in photography and modelling, this pandemic has put me and my artistic friends together. I didn't realise this, but while creating Warwick MSA's Mnight script, I was surrounded by individuals incredibly enthusiastic about their creative works. We stayed back after writing sessions, did karaoke, shared with one another the progress we have made with our creative projects. I was constantly mesmerised by their motivation and this has prompted me to work harder to 'create', and to up my game in the quality of my art. It is the passion I see in them that I would like to highlight. For me, I still found chances to photograph and to model in a pandemic, all because of true passion.
So, what is your passion? Maybe start by asking yourself, what has the pandemic NOT stopped you from wanting to do? And what have you managed to grab hold of, as a coping mechanism for your mental health, during the traumatising waves of Covid-19? It's likely that you have chosen something you genuinely love.
PS. Check me out on Instagram @euanthum for my photos! If you love photography, modelling or travelling, and would live to connect, feel free to hit me up!
By,
Euan Thum.
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