My great-great-grandfather was one of the pioneer photographer in Malaya in the 1900s. Before that, he used to be a portrait illustrator. However, he was fascinated when he first saw a British sailor using a camera to capture portrait. Soon he acquired the photography skills and opened his first photo studio named
Keng U in High Street, now known as Jalan Tun H.S. Lee in Kuala Lumpur.
My great-grandfather later came into the business to join his father running the photo studio. His vision was far and within a short period of time Keng U prospered and expanded from north in Sungei Petani, Kedah to south in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan. All his five sons, the eldest of which was my grandfather, were intensively trained to become professional photographers even by the age of 20.
My grandfather operated his own photo studio named Keng Sing in Jalan Bangsar in 1957. Together with my father, they built a successful team in outdoor and studio photography.
As a child, I was already exposed to photography. Day in and day out my grandfather and father would only talk about photography at home. Photo exposure, hand coloring, soft focus were common words I heard. As I grew older, I used to follow my father to Keng Sing to help during the school holidays; that was the beginning of my keen interest in still arts. My passion for it grew since then.
I was determined to pursue my career in this field. Upon completion of my secondary education, I took up a two years course in 3D Animation which involves digital imaging, graphic design, still and moving arts.
After my studies I was attached to Dragon Optical Media Technologies Sdn. Bhd., where I gained tremendous experience and skills in video graphic and film editing. From 2002 I was doing some freelancing in videography and photography. I happened to meet a renowned photojournalist from Singapore. He saw my talent and creativity in photography and offered me to work for him as his official wedding and corporate videographer and photographer for two years.
I always dream that one day I can start my own photography/videography business under the brand name “Keng” (meaning lens in Cantonese) which was first started by my great-great grandfather. My dream has finally come true as from now I will embark on my new undertaking called Keng’s Photography. I now carry on the legacy of the photography business in my Lee Family. I am proud to be the 5th generation photographer.
