Eric Peris, 84 probably could be addressed as The Master of Photography. He is a well known photographer since those days. He has been growing old together with his photography skills. Eric Peris is one such storyteller. His quiet voice and gentle features speak of a man who has seen much of the world; they also reveal a desire to see even more. The distant expression in Eric’s brown eyes is not to be confused with being distracted, it only means a new idea is germinating in his mind. It is always known as directors, scriptwriters and photographers have different perspectives and mindset. The way they look into a story or an incident will differ from an ordinary person’s view.
Family Background
His father is a Sri Lankan native. He had studied painting in Paris and was already a well-known artist. He was a musician and dramatist as well. His mother was a Kuala Lumpur-born Malaysian. She also had a background in music and the arts. He has an older sister. He also had an older brother who had passed away before Peris was born. When he was a little child, his family relocated from Johor Bahru to Muar on the invitation of the Chinese theatre owner Mr. Koh Koon Toh. Mr. Koh requested Eric’s dad to assist him in the theatre.
Beginning of Eric Peris’s career
Born in 1939, Peris’ career as a photojournalist resulted in the production of numerous masterpieces, captured by the lens of his humble camera. The legendary Malaysian photographer is particularly well-known for the breathtaking beauty of his photography and the seemingly easy way in which even the most basic concepts suddenly come to life in his images. The New Straits Times (NST), where Eric worked as a photojournalist and then as its photo editor and mentored a whole generation of press photographers, was where Eric’s career first took off.
After Retirement
It was reported in 2009, that after his retirement Eric divided his time between staging exhibitions, taking photos, and taking care of his mother, who was in her 90s. He was on the regional selection committee for the Joop Swart Master Class World Press Photo Foundation’s annual Young Press Photographers programme, one of the most prominent gatherings in the world of photography.
A talk with Peris
Peris, who turned 84 this year, is still very much a working and enthusiastic photographer. He spoke passionately about his life’s work at a “Walk and Talk” event at an exhibition displaying his photography collection.
During the talk, he said that he got a realisation one day. He thought that he should be able to act on his own views and think for him. There were no more books or publications after that day. He was working entirely of his own free will. Peris became an independent photographer after that, choosing what to shoot and where to travel.
“You have to be a loner to be a photographer. Group collaboration is impossible.”
– Says Peris
According to Peris, one piece of advise he frequently gives to prospective photographers is to not worry too much about their camera’s quality.
“A simple camera is available for purchase, but the mind controlling the camera’s actions is what matters most. A focusing ring, an aperture, and a shutter are all you need. That’s it.”
Peris still practices photography even at this age, by capturing his garden daily using his camera. He also stated that we should understand our camera and practice often. He also advised that there is no need for an expensive camera to capture a quality picture. That doesn’t makes any difference in the picture. . The art of photography requires constant training. It is perpetual. Another piece of mind from Peris was our photography should not hurt anyone. The most crucial photography tip, according to Peris, is to avoid taking the same photo of the same subject twice. Exhibitions should never be repeated. That practice encouraged him to do 43 solo exhibitions. It also helped him to brainstorm new creative concepts. Peris smiled when asked how he wanted to be remembered in the future, replying, “Just as a committed photographer. Nothing more than that.
Numerous images from Peris’ illustrious career are included in “The Archive Project: Eric Peris,” most of them are monochrome. “The Archive Project: Eric Peris” is available until 3rd May 2024. Visit the National Art Gallery’s website for further details.
Source: Free Malaysia Today, Invisible Photographer Asia , The Edge Malaysia
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