FUN-FILLED

July 14, 2009 in Event by alvinleong

FUN-FILLED & PHOTO FANTASTIC TREASURES OF THE RAINFORESTS 2009

“Treasures of the Rainforest Photography Challenge and Conference” (TOTR 2009) the very first photography conference held in Sarawak by joint organizers the Alvin Leong Academy of Photography and the Hilton Hotel chain in Kuching. TOTR 2009 was held from 12 to 15 June with over 40 participants from Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and even Europe. TOTR 2009 received support from the Sarawak Tourism Board, Canon, Sarawak Convention Bureau, Open University Malaysia, Signature Photographers, Click!, CandidSyndrome and Borneo Adventure.

TOTR 2009 was aimed to bring in a boost to the professional photography industry particularly in Malaysia. Eight internationally renowned Malaysian photographers committed time off their busy schedules to help out in TOTR 2009. Photography talks and shooting sessions were conducted by Alvin Leong from Alvin Leong Photography, Jim Liau from Jim Liau Photography, Saiful Nang from CandidSyndrome, Patrick Low from the Exes Studio, Jimin Lai a prominent photojournalist, Jason Victor from Jason Victor Photography, Zung from ThePhotoz and Yusuf Hashim from PhotoMalaysia.com.

Abundance was in store for the participants of TOTR 2009. There was plenty of excitement when the group made stopovers in the colourful Serian and Lachau Town Weekend Market. Participants were lead to explore the markets and provided with hands-on photography guidance by the professionals. Participants were also treated to an exotic trip by longboat along the rivers into Nanga Sumpa Iban Longhouse, one of the few authentic native longhouses remaining in Sarawak.

TOTR 2009 was a huge success and a step closer towards a breakthrough for the photography industry in Malaysia. The excitement continued on even after the event. Due to the overwhelming responds received, the organizers have decided to make TOTR an annual event. The next Treasures of the Rainforest will be organized in 2010 with the theme of “Sarawak the Destination, Celebration of Life” with a promise of exciting activities and workshops. For more information and updates on TOTR 2010, please contact the Alvin Leong Academy of Photography at info@alvinleongacademy.com or visit www.alvinleongacademy.com.

Please see below are the photos taken by Edwin Lay

Day 1