Malaysia through the lenses of a Mat Salleh: Episode 5

Faces in Kuala Lumpur

ktleong 26/02/2021

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Malaysia through the lenses of a Mat Salleh

By Philippe A.Durant

Happy Friday! Thanks to those who are following my photographic journey, for all the appreciation again.

Day 5: Faces in Kuala Lumpur

I want to finish the episodes dedicated to the capital city with a selection of the many candid (or not) photos taken of people representing the cultural diversity of the country. They were taken in the streets, in schools, parks, temples, etc. In spite of my lack of effort to speak and understand the various languages spoken in Malaysia, I have very often managed to connect with the hundreds of persons I have photographed everywhere in the country, which was essential for the quality of portraits. A simple smile, a few kind words, and a request for permission are often sufficient to make the person in front of the camera feel confident. To quote Jean-Luc Godard, “When you photograph a face… you photograph the soul behind it”.

This series cannot be strictly considered “portraits”, but rather just humans in general as they were there the precise moment I took the photos. There will probably be an episode dedicated to portrait photography itself, but just like for real journeys I am not sure where this virtual one will lead me and for how long.

Kuala Lumpur is not my favourite place on Earth and I guess that’s the reason, together with being busy working when I was living there, why I actually do not have too many photos. Tomorrow and the next few days will be dedicated to the Melaka area where I have spent a bit of time.

Do follow my daily postings about different themes and/or location and do not hesitate to comment constructively. Embark in a photographic journey in Malaysia through the lenses of a Mat Salleh.

Bon voyage.