Our CEO and chief photographer, Willy Foo, was interviewed by The New Paper as one of the nominees for the 2009 Martell’s Rising Personality Award. As we were thrilled and happy for his nomination, we were also happy to be involved in the Martell events that are on-going currently. The Martell Award is an annual effort to give recognition to 10 talents who are on the path of success and rising above. Voters will also be rewarded with exclusive prizes from Martell for their effort in giving support. To find out more, visit http://www.martell.com.sg. Here is the full write-up of the interview, titled Sharing Stories With His Lens, featured on page 27 of The New Paper on 18 Jan 2009:
We often forget who was behind the camera when we look at a beautiful picture. However, Willy Foo is one photographer who deserves all the credit he gets. Not only is the 33-year old an award-winning photographer, his effort in promoting his passion in Singapore is commendable. He regularly judges photography and conducts workshops for budding photographers. We find out what the man behind the lens is like.
Q: What makes a good photograph?
A: A good photograph should evoke an emotion or carry a message. It could be sharing a grandmother’s joy of playing with her grandson or stimulating a thought about preserving the beauty of nature.
Q: What makes a good photographer?
A: Other than being technically capable, a good photographer needs to communicate with both the subject of the photo and the viewer who looks at it.
Q: What is your most memorable photoshoot?
A: It was a shoot in a nature reserve in Seychelles, on an island called Cousin Island. There are thousands of birds on this little island and I took more good photos in that one hour than I ever did in my past four years of natue photography.
Q: Who is the most famous personality you’ve shot – and any secrets to share about him?
A: The one that probably struck me the most was Jackie Chan. I’ve shot him on two occasions and he’s always very friendly, with no airs at all. a very likeable person indeed.
Q: Do you like being photographed?
A: While I’m more comfortable being behind the camera, I know better than to shy away from the camera when people is pointing at me because people who sun the camera almost always spoil a potentially nice shot.
Q: There’s a rising popularity in photography among the youth here – how do you feel about that?
A: It’s fantastic that more people are picking up photography. It’s an easily accessible hobby and does not need to be expensive. I’ve started a “Singapore Photographers” group on facebok and currently have about 2,300 members. We have weekly contests, monthly gatherings and a very active community who’s there to learn and share in the spirit of helping each other.
Q: Who motivates you? Who inspires you?
A: Al Reis and Jack Trout, who wrote the infamous 22 Imutable Laws of Marketing. The book was published in 1993 but the concepts are still applicable today.
Q: What does the future hold for you?
A: I am planning to expand my range of services and I’m also starting to conduct courses for photography.
Q: What is your favorite genre of photography?
A: I would say travel photography. You are in a different environment and everything is new. You get fresh inspiration and you start to see things differently as well.
Q: What does it mean to be a Rising Personality, and what’s the best way to drink your Martell Cognac?
A: Its an affirmation that I’m on the right track and that I should’nt rest on my laurels. Try Martell with green tea. Its a pleasant mix.
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