Aloysius Lim, an accredited photographer and one of the two creative minds behind renowned wedding studio Lightedpixels, has always been passionate for music. From following concerts and music festivals in his earlier years, he has risen to become one of Singapore’s top-of-mind event photographers. Despite his impressively diverse portfolio, he wasn’t exempted from the challenges of the past two years. We spoke with Aloysius to learn the direct effects of such challenges to him, what he did to cope, and how he foresees it affecting his craft in the long term. 

How did you get into event photography? Please share with us how you started? 

When I first picked up photography, I was trying to figure out what genre I would really love and enjoy shooting without ever getting bored of it. It didn’t take long to conclude that I wanted to focus on music and concert photography.  

Some time back in 2003, Electrico, a local band I used to follow, decided to come out of hiatus and started playing shows again. I went to their shows and brought a digital point-and-shoot camera gifted to me by my father. The photos weren’t great, and I really wanted to be able to take better photos with the camera, so I started shooting more by going to more free concerts and just learning through trial and error.  

As the point-and-shoot camera had its limitations, I saved up and bought a DSLR camera, hoping to get better photos at concerts. It took me quite a while to get there, but I think I managed pretty well. 

The past two years have been quite a challenge for photographers. What did you do to cope with this?  

I think the past two years have been challenging for everyone but the human spirit is amazing. We learn to adapt and make the best out of the situation. 

I dabbled a little into the world of livestreaming. The team received some requests for livestreaming weddings since the number of guests needed to be limited, and so we gave it a shot. 

This new adventure came with many challenges. We had to basically learn a whole lot within a short period of time. I spoke to friends who have done livestreaming for a while, read online and watched a lot of YouTube videos. However, that was the easier part! The tough part was getting all the equipment and accessories needed. The entire world was into livestreaming during that time, which caused a global shortage of many necessary items, like video capture card and multi camera switcher. Luckily, I was able to order both online but they took a while to arrive. After procuring the equipment, we still needed to learn to set up, so we did countless test runs in preparation for the actual event.   

There were so many variables at play to get it to work. We had to learn to set our cameras up for live streaming and learn how to use our new livestreaming equipment. We then had to learn how to set up the audio and use the software to ensure everything runs smoothly.  

When the actual event came, we had to head to the venue at least two hours before it started to set up and do a test-run to make sure that it ran smoothly. Even with that, there were still variables beyond our control like the platform used for the live stream. It was very much a learn-as-you-go process. I was thankful for friends who were able to help and guide us when we had issues.  

It was a good learning process for all of us and that kept us busy for a while. 

I’ve also learnt to use a pen and tablet for post-processing work during the circuit breaker period. I am still not good with it, but at least I know how to use it now.  

Were there other areas of photography you explored? What were these? 

During the past two years, I’ve also had many opportunities to try out food photography. It’s definitely new territory and one of the more challenging genres to shoot. 

Food photography is not as simple as it looks. Along the way, I’ve learnt a little about lighting and the importance of food styling. In the first few shoots, I focused on the lighting and keeping the image clean and simple. Soon, I learnt that we could add props to make the images more interesting and have more depth. Even human elements such as a hand holding a bowl of rice can help elevate a shot.  

One time, I had to shoot steamed buns in a dim sum basket. After getting the clean and close-up shots, I saw a steamer used for tablecloths. I thought I could put the steamer below the basket to make it look as though the buns were steaming hot. After some trial and error with the backdrop and lighting, we managed to get the shot and it was a success for the team! 

What did you turn to for motivation, especially whenever a creative block hits? 

Music remains my biggest motivation. I listen to a lot of music and follow many musicians on social media. I worked with many of them during the past 2 years whenever the opportunity arose. It’s always nice to see fellow creatives go through their own creative process—it keeps me motivated. With that, I tell myself that I can do the same!  

Like many others, I’ve consumed a lot of information from social media. Lots of photographers, videographers and artists have put out amazing content, especially these two years.  

One takeaway is that we are usually inspired by recent images that speak out to you. If I see an image I’m really amazed by, I will usually spend a little more time looking at it and wonder how the photographer shot it and the equipment used.  

I follow a couple of accounts that show the behind-the-scene shots, equipment used and the final processed image. That helps a lot in understanding the process. I’ve also been more interested in learning about using external lighting for portraits and products, so looking at more of these images on social media helps in improving my craft. I’ve also been learning a lot from reading photography-related articles and watching new photography techniques on YouTube. I then practice these new techniques on my own whenever I’m out to shoot or even at home.  

When I experience a creative block, one of the ways I’ve tried to keep creative is to just take one lens that I wouldn’t normally use, head out and try to get some interesting photos.   

Using just one less commonly used lens forces me to step back and take my time to compose my images and frame them properly. Since it is not an assignment, there is no pressure to deliver anything. It’s quite liberating. At the same time, it allows me familiarise myself with a new focal length. For example, I have always used the FE 135mm F1.8 GM (SEL135F18GM) lens solely for portraits and decided to just head on out with it to do some street photography. After more time out with it, I now use it more often at events and concerts. The lens’ versatility has allowed me to elevate my skills and helped me dive deeper into other genres of photography, which I now do with better finesse. 

How has your work benefitted from your venture into these new avenues of photography? 

I do hope my work will be better than ever! Of course, I strive to give my 100% at every shoot, and the goal is to always be better at the next.  

The past two years has taught me to slow down a little and appreciate the things and environment around us. I think that would help to see the bigger picture and approach a shoot in a more positive manner, which hopefully would translate to better images.  

One of the main things I’ve done differently is to force myself to use lenses that I won’t normally use. For example, the SEL135F18GM lens isn’t one lens that I would have brought out for events but now I would bring it out and use it even to take a few photos to see the difference in perspective. It might not translate to better images all the time, but it adds to the variety that you’re able to have and give your client. 

What do you think should aspiring photographers and hobbyists prioritise when they experience challenges in terms of motivation and lack of creativity? 

I think taking good care of your mental health is just as important as your physical body.  

The importance of mental health has been talked about a lot during the pandemic as more people are affected by it. When you feel off, take the time to breathe and acknowledge that something is not right. When you feel a little stressed, it’s good to take time off and do something that you really love. It could be going for a walk, run, cycle or just lying in bed and listening to music. There are apps and smart watches that teach you breathing methods to help clear your mind and calm you down.  

I’ve been trying to go for jogs and walks more often and my favourite route would be along the Marina Bay area. If I see anything interesting along the way, I stop to take some photos with my phone.  

I believe that if you take good care of yourself, you would be able to live and work better!

What is your final advice to photographers, amateurs, and professionals alike, to continue with their craft? 

I think it’s important to just take out your camera and take as many photos as you can. It can be in the comfort of your home or simply around the neighbourhood. You can start by using one lens, preferably one that you wouldn’t normally use. If you want to try a new lens, you could borrow from a friend, rent, or even loan it from the Sony Loan a Lens program. 

A good practice is to take your camera out every day with you. It’s important to be familiar with your gear and get out to experience different shooting environments. Shooting and experimenting with friends help too! You can make it a point to head out to the same venue at different times of the day and be surprised with the kinds of photos you will create. There are many forums and social media groups where you can post images and get feedback on your work and seek advice on camera issues too. Photography communities online are very approachable and you can learn a lot from them.