Be ready to be mesmerised by the wonders of pictures brought to life in cinematic motion. The way cinemagraph work is between still and motion pictures, certain parts are still yet other parts are moving; that’s the beauty of cinemagraph. Introducing this week’s special Marksmen, Asraf Isa showing you the attention-grabbing power of cinemagraph. Born and raised in Kuantan, currently a part of creative team of Media Prima Berhad as a Graphic Designer.
“I am 28, single and a little complicated.”
Ladies, sounds like he needs a muse.
How did you get into photography?
“Back in university, I was a graphic student with a minor in photography. I have constantly developed my interest towards photography and experienced a learning curve that allows me to understand the important elements including the tips & tricks, angle & composition, subjects, moments etc. I continued to grow as a freelancer shooting for products and events.”
What camera, lens and equipment are you currently using?
“Sony Mirrorless a6000 with standard kit lens & manual vintage Helios 44-2 58mm & classic Canon 550D with 50mm lens & zoom lens have always been my favourites. Well, smartphones (Iphone 7, previously Iphone 5S) too work for me to capture an instant moment.”
What’s your angle and vision for taking photos?
“Composition would be my utmost priority. I don’t have a specific angle but when it comes to preference, I love capturing moments and expressions or anything that I believe is interesting. “
Ansel Adams once said, “There are no rules for good photograph, there are only good photograph”.
Tell us about your travel adventures.
“I love to be fully prepared before I embark on my journey. I’ll ensure that I’m equipped with researches, information and all the necessary documents. I would choose a destination that is rich with its own flavour of uniqueness and serves diverse cultural heritage, besides of course foods that tickle your appetite. I like to experience a destination like a local, rather than acting tourist. I’ve frequently visited Indonesia because of their endless distinctiveness of sceneries and cultures. I’ve discovered Surabaya, Bandung, Bali, Jogjakarta, Palembang, Medan and Jakarta. But the most memorable country that I really want to revisit again is India.”
You shoot people from all over the world. Tell us an interesting story from a stranger that you’ve meet during your journey.
“Everyone that I captured has their own story, which makes it more meaningful. During my backpack trip to Kashmir, India; I met Adil, who has been rowing a boat around Dal Lake for a decade. Surprisingly, he was just 21 who got married at the age of 18. He was chatty and shared his stories about his life who stays in a small house together with his in-laws and two kids.”
“My experience travelling the globe to more than 10 countries has allowed me to get a wider exposure on diverse people with their own untold stories that I personally appreciate. These stories teach me to be eternally grateful and humble.”
We love your cinematic pictures. Explain to us the process of creating cinematic pictures.
“I was triggered by other Instagrammers when I first saw the cinematic effect. I was blown away and it took me 3 weeks to self-learn the technique on my own. What I love about this effect is, that it finally brought my still pictures, alive with a breath of amazingness. There are several available software that could be utilised including Adobe Photoshop and After Effect; also a couple of applications like Flixel and Platograph could fruit the same output. For an amateur, I would like to recommend Platograph as it is user-friendly produce a great cinematic pictures.”
How do you find shooting people compared to landscapes?
“As I have mentioned, moments and expressions always have a place in my heart. People with beautiful undiscovered stories would be interesting to be served on my photography tiles. I do appreciate the challenges and communication that I have with my subject of matter – the people. While social interaction is crucial when shooting people; landscape photography on the other hand requires me to be more precise in composition and subject.”
Any tips and tricks to common mistakes in creating cinematic pictures?
“A suitable photo would be a paramount importance. Choose a picture that contains a subject or object that could flawlessly create a motion. You have to be very precise and particular to not affect that stagnant subject or object. After all, practise makes perfect. Keep on exercising by using a different picture.”
Other local photographers that you admire.
“Nowadays, there are ton of good/experienced photographers in Malaysia. I admire the masterpieces of Hidayatullah (IG: muhdhidayatullah). He is a talented photographer, a filmmaker, a storyteller, and an avid traveller. He kills two birds with a stone by producing good quality of photography and videography. I adore his taste in tones and colours on his artworks. On top of it, I love the message that he conveys through his pictures as every picture has its own story and that deserves a spotlight in the world of photography.”
