15 May Sony Photography Workshop: StoryTeller

Sony Photography Workshop: StoryTeller

 

Recently, I had the privilege of being part of Sony Photography Workshop: StoryTeller, a special photography gathering organized by Sony and Camzilla. Held at A Teluk A Space, Batu Maung, Penang, this 2-day, 1-night camping-style photography workshop brought together some of the most respected professional photographers and videographers from Malaysia’s northern region for an experience unlike any conventional workshop.

I was invited by Ting Wei from Finale, who had the idea of bringing together professional photographers and videographers, especially from the northern region, for a gathering where we could exchange ideas, share experiences, and talk honestly about the photography industry.

I had the privilege of being part of an incredible lineup of master photographers for this event:
Louis Gan – Louis Gan Photography, a name synonymous with refined wedding imagery
Ting Wei – Finale Studios, the creative mind behind the StoryTeller concept and the driving force who brought this gathering to life
Kelvin Chuah – Signature Masterpiece Studio, known for his cinematic storytelling approach

It was an honour to conduct this workshop together with such passionate and experienced master photographers.

It was Ting Wei’s vision to create a meaningful gathering — not just a workshop, but a real exchange of ideas, experiences, and perspectives among professionals who are genuinely invested in growing the industry together. That vision came alive beautifully over those two days.

More Than Just a Camera Workshop

Unlike a beginner photography class, StoryTeller was designed as an advanced photography workshop. The focus was not on how to operate a camera or explain basic settings. Most of the audience were already running their own photography businesses, so the conversations went much deeper.

We shared about our personal experiences in the industry, different business approaches, client communication, creative direction, and the challenges we face as professional photographers in Malaysia. It was refreshing to speak openly about the realities behind the work, not just the beautiful final images that people usually see.

For me, this is what made the workshop valuable. Photography is not only about technical skills. It is also about storytelling, branding, understanding people, managing expectations, and continuously growing as an artist and business owner.

Hands-On Photoshoot Session

After the sharing session, we moved into the hands-on workshop. A couple was invited for a live photoshoot, giving the participants a chance to observe how each coach worked on the field.

This part of the workshop allowed the audience to see how different photographers communicate with couples, direct poses, find the right angles, and use light in real situations. Each photographer has a different style and approach, so it was interesting for everyone to see how the same couple and same location could be interpreted in different ways.

We also shared how we use different lighting setups depending on the mood, environment, and story we want to create. For wedding and portrait photographers, this kind of real-time demonstration is often more useful than theory because it shows the actual decision-making process behind a shoot.

Sony also prepared a variety of lenses for the participants to try. This gave everyone the opportunity to experience different focal lengths and understand how each lens can affect composition, depth, and storytelling.

Chill, Grill, and Campfire Conversations

One of the most memorable parts of Sony Photography Workshop: StoryTeller was definitely the evening session. After the photoshoot, we had a chill and grill dinner, followed by a campfire session.

The atmosphere was relaxed, casual, and honest. Everyone could talk freely about photography, business struggles, client experiences, pricing, creativity, and the future of the industry. These are the kinds of conversations that rarely happen in formal workshops, but they are often the most valuable.

It was a fun and resourceful night, filled with stories, laughter, and meaningful exchanges. Spending the night at the camp also made the whole experience feel more like a retreat than a typical photography workshop.

Day Two: Editing and Reflection

The second morning wrapped up the workshop with an editing sharing session, where we walked through post-processing approaches and discussed how editing decisions contribute to the overall story of a wedding or event. It was a fitting close — a reminder that storytelling doesn’t end when the camera goes down.

After the editing session, the workshop officially came to an end, but the connections and conversations continued beyond the event.

Why Events Like StoryTeller Matter

The photography industry in Malaysia is growing, and so is the competition. But what sets great photographers apart isn’t just technical skill — it’s perspective, communication, and the ability to connect. StoryTeller wasn’t just a workshop; it was a reminder that the best way to grow is alongside others who challenge and inspire you.

A huge thank you to Sony Malaysia and Camzilla for making this happen, to Ting Wei for having the vision to bring us all together, and to every photographer and videographer who showed up with an open mind and a full heart.

If you’re a professional photographer in Malaysia looking to level up — not just your camera skills, but your business, your mindset, and your creative voice — keep your eyes open for the next StoryTeller event. You won’t want to miss it.

Let’s Connect and Grow Together

If you are a wedding industry professional, photographer, videographer, or creative business owner looking for Vernon to share his experience at your workshop, gathering, or industry event, feel free to contact us. We would be happy to connect, exchange ideas, and continue growing together as a creative community.