© 2024 Asia Photo Festival. All rights reserved
Designed and Developed by ISENZ Creative
President
Asia Photographers Union
In the coming years, many photographers shall encounter lots of difficulties. This includes poor economy, work and family commitments, war, challenges from AI amongst others. Photography clubs all over the world encounter challenges which include loss of old membership and declining new membership. Many photographers witness numerous changes in the requirements in Salon photography, which is one of the major sources of income for most photography clubs.
Is this the end of photography clubs, or the end of photography? I beg to differ. People will continue to take photographs but for very differing reasons and motivations. Photography organisations need to reinvent themselves to stay relevant to their members and potential new members. Every country has its own unique culture. We are in no position to say who are doing the right or wrong things. However, Heritage is Nothing without Content, hence we should not live in the past but to move forward.
In my opinion, I always remind myself that photography as a hobby is a GAME, we should be happy enjoying this hobby. People will leave a hobby if it is not fun and happy.
To dig through the archives of images to choose the good ones to showcase to the world in the Asia Photography Festival is a fun thing to do. I hope participants of Asia Photography Festival enjoyed themselves while preparing for the ONE SHOT and APU SHOWCASE.
Let’s enjoy photography and BE HAPPY.
Photography is one of the best medium for self-expression and artistic creation. Naturally, with a Camera in hand a Photographer Artist can create wonders with the help of his imaginative skill. Imagination is the key for creation of Art - any art - even Photographic Art. This principle has withstood the test of time from several creative Photo Artists, to name a few like O. G. Rejlander (1857), Ansel Adams (1927), Yousuf Karsh (1950s), Pedro Luis Raota (1980s) to the present-day Photo Artists, and there are so many of them.
One more essential prerequisite for progress of Photography is the ‘Appreciation of Photographic Art’. Appreciation of Photographic Art is best done by the Jury like in the International Salons of Photography - the Jury who are rich not only in the technical aspects of Photography but also that of Art and artistic imagination. An impartial appreciation of Art will surely give tremendous stimulus to the growth of artistic creation.
President
Brunei Photographic Society (PFNBD)
Brunei Darussalam
I envision photography continuing to thrive as a powerful medium for storytelling and inspire creativity in new ways. With the advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence (Ai) driven editing tools to the massive improvements in camera capabilities, photographers have more opportunities to bring their creative visions to life.
My vision includes fostering a community of beginner to professional photographers coming together to learn, collaborate with one another and share experiences. I believe that photography is more than just capturing an image but it is about sharing a vision, preserving moments and connecting people on a deeper level.
I hope to see more people embracing and discover the joy of capturing the world through their unique perspectives whether it is through a smartphone or a professional camera equipment. Together, we can celebrate the art of photography as a bridge that connects people.
成都数码摄影家协会
中国
展望即将到来的2025年，愿你的镜头成为时间的魔法师，不仅记录下世界的万千色彩与壮丽景观，更能捕捉到那些平凡生活中的不凡瞬间——一抹微笑、一次拥抱、一束穿透云层的阳光，或是夜空中最亮的星。
让我们带着对美的无限追求，探索未知的角落，讲述每一个被忽略却值得铭记的故事。不论是街头巷尾的市井烟火，还是广袤自然的壮丽山河，都值得我们用心去感受，用镜头去诠释。在快门按下的那一刻，让瞬间成为永恒，让情感跨越时空的界限，触动每一个观者的心灵。
President & Founder
Pharaohs International Photographic Club – PIPC
Egypt
As the President of Pharaohs International Photographic Club - PIPC, I want to congratulate and express my sincere hope for the annual Asia Photo Festival 2024 and hope successful and exciting for all the participants. Being a worldwide organizations should say that special events such as this that make all the photographers in the world, brothers in arms. Photography is the universal language, no matter what your own language is we can speak to each other via photography.
President
Chhayapath, Calcutta
India
Photography continues to be one of the most accessible and evolving art forms, and my vision for its progress in the coming year focuses on several key areas:
- Affordable, high-quality gear and free or low-cost editing tools can democratize photography further. Smartphones already provide great accessibility, but expanding tools for underrepresented communities will broaden voices in visual storytelling.
- More online resources and communities offering free or affordable photography lessons to empower beginners.
- More emphasis on unique perspectives rather than replicating trends, enabling photographers to tell stories true to themselves.
- Better low-light performance, computational photography improvements, and even more intuitive interfaces for seamless user experiences.
- Digital platforms are helping photographers connect, collaborate, and learn from each other regardless of location.
- While digital platforms dominate, there’s hope for a resurgence in local galleries, exhibits, and meet ups to bring people together in person.
Ultimately, I hope photography continues to grow as a tool for storytelling, self-expression, and connection.
Director of ‘Gurukul Of Photographic Art (GPA)
India
I am optimist for the future of photography but we teachers and organizers of photographic institutions should work hard in this direction. We can organize workshops on different on topics like street photography, portrait photography ( particularly window light), fashion, food, product, travel, wildlife ,phone camera photography engaging young generation with free of charge or at affordable low fee. Since salon photography is also popular among many newcomers, organizing of workshop on 'How to select images for competition would be a good idea. also on 'How To Prepare A Portfolio'
Founder
GPA Indonesia
As a photographer, creating work that not only captures moments, but also conveys deep stories and genuine emotions is of utmost importance. In each shot, I want to invite the viewer to feel the beauty of the world around them, and understand perspectives they may not have seen before.
I want to explore a variety of themes, from natural beauty to urban life, and capture the essence of each unique moment and become a bridge between everyday life and the magic that is often overlooked.
Through photography, I want to invite people to think, feel and connect. I believe that every photo has the potential to change the way we see the world and encourage positive change in society.
President
Photographic Society of Penang
Malaysia
In the coming year, I envision photography embracing even greater innovation and accessibility, allowing diverse voices to be heard through the lens. With advancements in technology, particularly in AI and mobile photography, I hope to see an explosion of creativity where anyone can capture stunning images, regardless of their skill level.
I believe that photography will continue to evolve as a powerful medium for storytelling, shedding light on underrepresented narratives and fostering empathy across cultures. Social media platforms will further enhance this by encouraging collaboration and community engagement among photographers worldwide.
Moreover, I anticipate a growing emphasis on sustainability within the photography industry. As more photographers become aware of environmental issues, I hope to see a shift towards eco-friendly practices, both in how images are captured and shared.
Ultimately, my vision is for photography to remain a vital tool for connection, enabling us to document our shared human experience while inspiring future generations to explore the world through their unique perspectives.
President
The Photographic Society of Malaysia
Malaysia
The future of international photography is full of possibilities. With new technology, photography is moving from traditional methods to more creative and diverse styles. Digital tools, AI-generated images, and virtual reality give photographers more ways to express their ideas. Social media and globalization also make it easier to share and connect with different cultures, leading to new ideas and innovations.
However, there are challenges. The large number of images today makes it harder to stand out, and photographers need to create meaningful work. Issues like copyright and ethics also need attention.
In the future, photography will focus more on personal expression and thoughtful ideas. By working with other fields and sharing across cultures, photography will find new ways to combine art, technology, and human stories.
Chairman of the International Salons of Artistic Photography for Physicians “PhotoArtMedica”
Poland
Photography is timeless, it has a strong foundation. We witness its transformations, its evolution over the decades. Its advantage is precisely the transformations, the transformations made under the influence of the changing reality. The technological transformations of photographic equipment are still less influential than the changing awareness of photographers. On the one hand, seeing and becoming aware of the changing world, but on the other hand, remembering the strong foundations of photography from the past. Contemporary photography is becoming an extremely important tool shaping the awareness of the young generation in particular. Therefore, it is worth it for photographic artists to build the potential of values in their work without succumbing to negative global influences and solutions replacing human creativity.
President
“ARGUS” Photographic Society Oradea
Romania
From my point of view, I would say that photography will not necessarily progress but will follow the course it has been going so far: the ever-increasing dependence on advanced and expensive techniques and on complicated, too professional, sophisticated and also expensive image processing programs. Even if there are natural transformations in the technological era we are in, I still believe that it is moving away from the true spirit of photography. Salons of photography are becoming more and more within the financial possibilities of those who strive for high performance and what I see in the published results really makes me think!! Can I ask myself rhetorically if this trend is not marginalizing real talents in favor of the skilled handlers of those processing programs??!! On the other hand, I note that more and more salons are appearing and it seems that they are becoming a business!! I am not commenting on this phenomenon..., I’m just mentioning it… Personally, I am looking for other possibilities to present/promote my conception of photography, but I don't completely neglect photographic art salons either. Let future decide!!
President
Fotoclub Marx Jozsef,
Romania
Photography will become even more personalized, with an emphasis on unique artistic visions, and photographers will learn to use new techniques to express deeper and more personal messages. Tones will be deeper, shades will have hidden meanings.
President
Singapore Colour Photographic Society
Singapore
I envision the coming year as a time of growth, creativity, and inclusivity for our community. Photography is not just about capturing moments but also about telling stories, evoking emotions, and fostering connections.
In the next year, I hope to see our members pushing boundaries, experimenting with new techniques, and embracing emerging technologies like AI-enhanced editing and drone photography.
My vision is for our society to become a hub of inspiration and learning, where photographers of all skill levels feel supported and challenged. We aim to host workshops, exhibitions, and photo walks that explore diverse themes and cultures, encouraging members to see the world through fresh perspectives.
I also hope to use photography as a tool for advocacy, shining a light on critical social and environmental issues. By partnering with local organizations and showcasing impactful work, we can make a difference through the power of imagery.
Ultimately, my goal is to foster a vibrant, collaborative community that celebrates the transformative potential of photography while inspiring each member to achieve their creative best.
President
Society of Photographers Singapore (SPS)
Singapore
AI Photo Editor is indeed another new wave for image creativity, but we should also think about how photography can continue to maintain its independence and superiority in the field of art.
President
Taiwan Living Dragon Photography Club
Taiwan
Photography is my hobby and it allows me to meet like-minded friends from all over the world. Exchange and learn new knowledge with each other, and I look forward to continuing to exchange and learn with friends from all over the world in the future. This is the happiest thing for me. Secondly, I want to take pictures of the different characteristic cultures of different places, appreciate the different folk customs around the world, expand my knowledge, leave beautiful images, and make my life more colorful. Finally, I hope to achieve better results and encourage myself to keep moving forward.
President
Edremit Photography and Cinema Art Association (EDFOD)
Turkey
First of all, I would like to congratulate the Asian Photography Festival organization team and participants on behalf of myself and the Edremit Photography and Cinema Art Association (EDFOD), of which I am the president.
Photography organizations are very important for photographers to exhibit their works to art lovers. Photography is global, it knows no borders. Organizations such as the Asian Photography Festival help photographers introduce their work to the world. Such organizations strengthen the brotherhood of photographers and the promotion of photographers.
I hope this festival will inspire amateur photographers to improve themselves. And finally, I would like to sincerely thank Steven Yee Pui Chung and APU friends for their initiative, positive energy and service in the photography community.
Let's enjoy the festival together.
Greetings from Turkey
President
The Photographic Society of New York
USA
The Photographic Society of New York continues to push boundaries, blending artistry with technology to tell more impactful stories. As advancements like AI editing and higher-resolution cameras become more accessible, I envision a world where photographers can capture moments with unparalleled clarity and creativity.
Additionally, I believe in the importance of preserving authenticity amidst technological innovation. While tools like AI can enhance workflows, the essence of photography—its ability to freeze raw emotion and tell human stories—should remain at the forefront.
Ultimately, I dream of a year where photography serves as both an artistic expression and a unifying force, inspiring connection and deeper understanding across the globe.