Written by Azeera Az.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in a kampung near Pekan Manggatal. Like many kids, I dreamed of becoming a firefighter. Then one day, I saw an uncle with his DSLR, and I felt inspired to capture life through a lens. That moment made me realise I wanted to help people tell their stories through media, which is now essential in every industry. I also hope to share my journey venturing into the photography and videography industry, and guide the next generation to turn their passion into a career.
What inspired you to eventually pursue it full-time?
That early inspiration stayed with me as I grew older. What started with photography slowly grew into something deeper, and eventually led me into videography as a full-time career. What truly inspired me to pursue it professionally is the joy of capturing pure moments in life. The emotions recorded in photos and videos become memories that allow people to relive special events long after they have passed. I love being able to preserve moments like that.
As a photographer and videographer, what kind of stories or moments do you enjoy capturing the most?
Mostly wedding moments. Cause you cannot redo the emotions. And also about my life and the places that I go and travel. Other than personal stories, I also enjoy sharing knowledge about cameras and tech stuff.
Can you share a memorable moment or project in your career so far?
The day I was selected as Canon EOS Mentor for Sabah is a moment I can never forget. In my personal career, I also gained valuable experience working with TV Sabah and Sri Pelancongan Sabah. They are the ones who helped me in my career growth and opened up more opportunities. Thank you to Canon Malaysia, TV Sabah, and Sri Pelancongan Sabah.
In your line of work, you meet many different clients. What has been one of the more challenging experiences you’ve faced, and how did you handle it?
The most challenging part is whether the client loves the final product or not. I handle this by asking the client a day before the event what they want in the photos or videos, so I do not miss any important moments. Getting their event tentative is a must. Communication with the client is important to avoid hassle when re-editing.
Who is your biggest inspiration, or someone you look up to in photography or videography?
I have many people who inspire me, but the biggest influences are Peter McKinnon for photography, Sam Newton for storytelling and inspirational videos, and Sam Kolder for travel, workflow, and marketing videos.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting in photography or videography?
Honestly, just start with whatever you have. What really matters is your eye and the moments you capture. Don’t wait until everything is “perfect.” Just start, keep going, and stay consistent with it. That’s really how you grow.
What are your hopes for the future of your work and the industry?
In the future, I hope to continue growing in the photography and videography industry, especially within the business and creative space.
I also hope the industry will be more appreciated by business owners and media-related fields, as media plays an important role in how brands and people are presented in today’s digital world. Without it, it is difficult to build visibility in a social media-driven environment.
At the same time, I hope to keep improving my craft by learning new techniques, adapting to trends, and evolving with how the industry changes year by year.
As someone who captures many places and moments, where in Sabah you would encourage people to explore, or an activity they should try?
Don’t just go to the most popular places. Go to the ones that need to be explored more. Sabah is full of adventurous spots. Explore the places fewer people visit and experience the different cultures and hidden gems Sabah has to offer.
We all love food. What are your top three must-eat dishes or favourite places to eat in Sabah?
I enjoy Sinalau pork, mee sup KB, and Kon Lo sup ikan tomyum. I like any local restaurant with KDMR cuisine, as well as seafood restaurants especially in Gayang, Tuaran, and Gula Apong in Kota Belud. There are many great places, but these are my favourites.
Follow up with Evander on his upcoming projects at Facebook and Instagram.
