The first Malaysian Indian who has qualified for the level of Associate in the Master Photographers Association (MPA), United Kingdom’s leading qualification body for the professional wedding, portrait and commercial photographer is a young man from Klang, Rajan Athirajan.
This professional photographer made headlines again recently, by winning yet another international award, the Master Photographers International’s International Image Challenge, clinching the International Wedding Photographer of The Year 2019 award.
Raj, as he is fondly known, takes time off from his business, Raj Metha Photography, to talk to Varnam about his pursuit for the perfect picture.
Varnam (V): What about wedding photography intrigued you to pursue it full time?
Raj (R): It really wasn’t planned! I started out as an illustrator. One day, a friend from my band of school mates called me, and asked me to take pictures of his engagement ceremony. I obliged, and the pictures turned out really well.
The same couple requested me to photograph their wedding, but I declined. Unfortunately, the photographer they hired didn’t do a good job. I knew that I could have done a better job.
So I went out and got a good camera, it set me back by about RM 15,000 but it was a worthy investment. I then told my group of friends, “Eh, make sure the next one who gets married books me!” (laughs) It started picking up from there. Just like that, it has been 13 years since I set foot into the world of photography.
V: Tell us a little about the learning curve you endured on your journey to become a professional photographer.
R: Initially, I didn’t study the clients before going into an event. I quickly learnt that I need to get to know them before being a part of their event. So I insisted on meeting with the clients in person, before payment.
Truth be told, both parties need to be comfortable before the big day, and that is why getting to know the client helps tremendously. I’m not a fan of the you-pay-me-and-ill-come-snap-and-go-home kind of work ethic. That won’t result in the photos I take now. Communication is key to get good photos, especially for a wedding.
V: Tell us a little about the qualifications you hold in the various international photographers’ associations.
R: The Master Photographers Association (MPA) is one of the longest standing photographic associations in Britain. They promote continual professional development in photography.
There are three levels of qualification awarded by the MPA – Licentiate, Associate and Fellowship, these are akin to your degree, masters and PhD. I am an Associate in the MPA.
V: We also hear that you are the only Malaysian Indian to hold the post of an Associate in the Master Photographers Association..
R: Yes, I am! I was awarded with the Associate title this year. I sent in my photos to the association to be judged earlier this year. They had a look at my work and to my surprise, they said that my images are going to be used as a sample for the Associate level. I was even told that 6 photos can be submitted for the Fellowship level! They didn’t tell me which ones, of course. (laughs)
V: Wonderful! What about the Master Photographers International? We hear that you skipped a few steps in gaining the qualifications there..
R: I can’t deny that! The Master Photographers International (MPI) is based in Canada. Only professional photographers are allowed to be members. I sent them my profile, applying to become a member.
They got back to me saying that I am qualified enough to be a Craftsman Photographer, instead of a regular member. Again, I was pleasantly surprised and humbled by the international recognition of my talent.
V: We understand that you will be receiving quite a number of trophies this year from Canada!
Yes, I am awaiting my trophies for the Master Photographers International’s International Image Challenge, from Canada. This year I will be receiving one big trophy for the International Wedding Photographer of The Year 2019 award. The 7 photos I submitted also won smaller awards in the same competition, so there will be a few more trophies to look forward to.
V: We understand that you are the one of four Malaysian ambassadors of the Swiss light company, Elinchrom.
That’s right. I have been using the Swiss company Elinchrom’s lights for about 9 years now. Some time back, they called me for an interview, and I was asked to be their Malaysian brand ambassador. I was honoured! There are only four Malaysian ambassador and I’m the only Malaysian Indian.
V: What you have achieved internationally is no easy feat. What’s next for you, Raj?
There are a few areas I would love to delve into. One of them is teaching. I used to be an art teacher, and I would like to teach budding photographers the tips and tricks of the trade, a workshop perhaps.
V: Do you think that the photography workshop market is a little saturated with every other professional photographer conducting a workshop for some side income?
True, there are many workshops out there. But I can only speak about what I want to do – a workshop that goes in deep. I want to share the technical aspects of photography, the secrets of the trade. And I want to do this with proper modules. As for the creative aspect, that I will leave to the individual.
V: Who has been your pillar of support throughout your stint as a professional photographer?
My wife, Sumetha, has been with me from day one. That’s how I coined my business name, Raj Metha Photography. As a result of this unique name, people often mistake me to be of North Indian heritage!
V: Apart from your numerous international awards, what sets you apart from the other big players in the Malaysian wedding photography scene?
R: I personally take the pictures for every event I undertake! I don’t send my team to do the work. It’s just that I don’t believe in selling my brand instead of my skill. What I do believe in is good quality photography and client satisfaction.
V: What is your advise to people looking to hire a photographer for their big day?
R: Go through the photographer’s profile, and once you have narrowed it down, meet the photographer in person. Only once you get to know him or her will you be able to assess if you’re comfortable. From there, you will be able to gauge if they are the right fit for your event. It is important to have a good feeling about the person you are working with. In a nutshell, do your homework before deciding!
V: Looking back on your journey in the world of photography, how do you feel?
R: When I first started out, I was afraid. It was a totally new industry to me, and I didn’t know anyone. Looking at how far I have come, I am proud of how my work has improved. And I want to keep doing better. What keeps me going is my drive to do better, to be more creative and keep improving my work. The day I feel I cannot do something new will be the day I throw in the towel.
Check out Raj’s website here, or keep up with his events on Instagram here.
All images are credits of Raj Metha Photography.
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