Main image via Unsplash + Instagram
It’s only been a few days into 2022 and the year is already off to a good start for Ling Hou Wah.
The 17-year-old Malaysian student was shocked to find that Apple had featured his photo on its official Instagram page. Score!
The picture, which Apple posted on the first day of New Year was captioned: “Take a step back and look at the big picture..” and it features a lone figure sitting on a pier.
Overjoyed by the news, Ling took to his Instagram account saying: “Woke up this morning only to find my photo to be featured on @apple Official Instagram. Can’t believe that this is my 1st and best gift of 2022. Thank you to everyone for supporting me and making this possible.”
According to Ling, he captured the photo using his iPhone 12 Pro Max and it was taken almost a year ago in January (2021). The shot was taken from an observation deck at the Kepong Metropolitan Park in Kuala Lumpur.
“I really did not expect to be featured. I took the photo in January last year and only posted on my Instagram page in July. In December, Apple emailed saying they are considering the photo to be featured on their Instagram page and needed me to provide some information,” Ling told LifestyleTech.
The anonymous person in the photo happened to be walking along the pier and Ling immediately took advantage of the moment to capture the ‘minimalist shot’.
“I believe the person in the photo was part of a group taking wedding photos at the pier. I wanted to achieve a minimalist shot so I decided to just focus on the person looking at the water. For me, the picture is about the sense of calmness,” he said.
On his Instagram, Ling first posted the picture with the caption: “Friends—An important aspect in our lives that can boost our happiness, improve our confidence or provide support during bad times. Without them, we will feel lonely and suffer from health problems.”
The Puchong-born boy, who is currently preparing for his SPM examinations, said he started developing an interest in photography back in 2018.
Ling added that he is super grateful to have his photo featured on Apple’s Instagram where it has received more than 98,000 likes. Now that’s something to be proud of!
“Photography is a hobby and avenue for me to relieve stress. Whenever I feel bogged down by online classes and revisions to prepare for SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia), I will take time off to shoot some photos,” he said.
Ling not only captures pictures with his mobile phone, but he also has an interest in drone photography. You may see more of his astonishing work on his Instagram page. And boy, we must say..he’s got some pretty good photography skills!
Aside from Ling, other groups of Malaysian have also had their pictures featured on Apple’s Instagram page. These include policeman Azmeer Iskandar with his Terengganu beach photo, student Dinie Aiman Sukhaizar’s image of a paddy field in Perlis and Muhammad Faris Danial Mohd Faizal’s picture of sunset at Sabak Bernam.
The Apple Instagram page has over 27 million followers where it features images taken by iPhone users from around the world using the hashtag #ShotoniPhone.
We are so happy to see Malaysians featured by the brand and we’re super proud to have these super talented Malaysian photographers. Malaysia boleh!
What do you think of the pictures? Let us know in the comments.
Info via The Star