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Photoessay: Exploring the Unique Appeal of Capri Penang by Frasers Hospitality in Penang’s Hospitality Scene
As an architectural and hospitality photographer, I love analysing how timeless heritage conservation dialogues with modern design. The newly opened Capri Penang is one of them. From the meticulously restored Jian Nian ceramic mosaics on its facade to its strategic position right next to the upcoming S20 Komtar LRT Station, this iconic landmark perfectly bridges Penang’s UNESCO history with its infrastructural future.
yzhensiang
6 days ago2 min read


Revisiting Classic Nikon Glass: The Nikon AF 135mm f/2 DC and 85mm f/2 AIS
Every now and then, it’s worth stepping away from clinically perfect modern lenses to appreciate classic Nikon glass. In this retrospective, I spend some time with the Nikon AF DC-Nikkor 135mm f/2D, exploring its exceptional rendering and why I actively avoid its signature defocus feature. I also dust off an old favorite—the Nikon Ai-S 85mm f/2—a lens that has survived a decade of system changes and surprisingly holds its own on a modern medium format sensor. Read on for the
yzhensiang
May 134 min read


Telling Stories Through the Art of Framing: Maximising Possibilities in a Single Shot
Our core philosophy is simple: we tell stories through the art of framing. But in today's demanding commercial landscape, a single image needs to work harder. By meticulously designing a highly controlled "master frame," we maximize possibilities, allowing one shot to be beautifully cropped and adapted for multiple usages. Discover how this intentional approach preserves high-end image quality while driving exceptional efficiency, flexibility, and ROI for your next campaign.
yzhensiang
May 115 min read


Behind the Scenes of Shooting Root House by Gēn @ 1926 Heritage Hotel
Shooting Root House at the 1926 Heritage Hotel is a delicate balancing act of history and high-end hospitality. In this behind-the-scenes look, we break down our collaborative process, from three months of planning to splitting the production into two specialized days. Discover how we navigate Ascott’s refined brand standards through technical lighting restraint and subtle cinematic color grading, capturing the perfect culinary and architectural mood without overpowering the
yzhensiang
May 112 min read


Case Study: The Real-World Impact of Refreshing Hospitality Visuals for MÙ Hotel & mù petite
Following our behind-the-scenes look, we’re thrilled to reveal the real-world impact of refreshing visuals for MÙ Hotel and its boutique counterpart, mù petite. This case study explores how we transitioned from a daunting 185-image request to a highly targeted, impactful visual strategy. See the striking before-and-after transformations and discover how cohesive, high-quality photography can bridge the aesthetic gap, elevate a hospitality brand, and solve major marketing hurd
yzhensiang
Apr 245 min read


Photoessay: Photographing Around Octopus Pedestrian Bridge, Penang
Photographing Around Octopus Pedestrian Bridge remains a returning exercise in observation and perspective. Despite years of shooting here, new angles continue to reveal themselves. This session also marks my first experience with the Thypoch Ksana 21mm f/3.5, documented through two behind-the-scenes videos. A lens that balances modern optical reliability with a subtle vintage character, shaping how the scene is approached and ultimately captured.
yzhensiang
Apr 223 min read


Print Update: Penang Bridge Sunrise (Framed Edition)
A signed Penang Bridge sunrise print, thoughtfully framed to preserve a quiet moment in time. This piece features a 13 × 18 cm semi-gloss photograph set within a 21 × 30 cm frame, finished with a matte board and subtle depth. The warm wooden frame complements modern interiors without overwhelming the space. Captured before the addition of TNB pillars, this image now stands as a rare and timeless view of the bridge in its original form.
yzhensiang
Apr 221 min read


Personal Lessons After 10 Years in the Workforce & 15 Years in Photography
Personal lessons from 10 years in the workforce and 15 years in photography—covering business realities, financial stability, finding your niche, and the importance of consistency, self-development, and long-term creative survival.
yzhensiang
Apr 79 min read


Case Study: Refreshing Photo and Video Visuals for a 14 Year Old Hospitality Brand in the Heart of Ipoh.
This case study hospitality brand project explores the process of refreshing two hotels in Ipoh through a strategic visual overhaul. What began as a request for 185 images evolved into a refined approach balancing quality, execution, and brand positioning. From initial research to on-site challenges during production, this collaboration highlights the importance of understanding context, aligning vision, and delivering purposeful visuals that truly represent the space.
yzhensiang
Mar 265 min read


Indoor Physical Print Just Got Longer!
A returning client challenged me to produce my longest indoor physical print yet — an 821-inch balcony panorama for a luxury condominium showroom. Achieving this scale required careful planning, multiple site visits, and extensive panoramic stitching to maintain clarity at print size. From studying daylight angles to pushing the limits of image resolution, this project explores the technical and creative process behind producing ultra-large indoor physical prints that transfo
yzhensiang
Mar 64 min read


8 Days From Enquiry to Final Delivery
8 days from enquiry to final delivery. A fast-tracked architectural photography project completed for PAM Award submission and Architecture Malaysia magazine. From chaotic daylight conditions to carefully timed blue hour frames, this shoot required strategic thinking, fast decision-making, and 12 hours on location to capture spatial relationships at their best.
yzhensiang
Mar 23 min read


It Really Does Take a Team – National Car Launching Campaign
A behind-the-scenes look at a national car launching campaign for the eMas 7 PHEV, where location setbacks, construction hurdles, and last-minute problem solving shaped the outcome. From proposing an alternative Penang backdrop to capturing foundation plates for extensive retouching, this project reveals how commercial photography is built piece by piece. A reminder that beyond the hero shot, it truly takes a team to turn chaos into a polished campaign visual.
yzhensiang
Feb 143 min read


National Campaign Is Now Live
The national campaign I worked on with Airbnb in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 is finally live. Spanning three states and four locations across West Malaysia, this hybrid photo and video production unfolded over five months of travel, coordination and improvisation. More than architecture or scenery, the campaign focused on host narratives — individuals whose values and stewardship shape how travellers experience Malaysia.
yzhensiang
Feb 132 min read


Photoessay: Faith, Through Fortitude.
A photoessay of Thaipusam festival celebrated in Penang through the eye of a photographer observing faith, through fortitude. This photoessay represents the lingering fragments of my memory as an observer where devotees gather, pray, and commit their bodies to the ritual.
yzhensiang
Feb 73 min read


Case Study: How On-Site Styling Transforms Interiors
In this case study, we explore how on-site styling transforms interiors. A recent hotel suite photoshoot demonstrates how small changes—decluttering, arranging furniture, and letting the space breathe—can dramatically improve a room’s presentation. While editing and post-processing help, nothing replaces thoughtful styling during the shoot. This example shows why attention to detail on site is key to capturing spaces at their best.
yzhensiang
Jan 261 min read


An interesting discovery about polka-dot flares
Polka dot flares are not something I expected to encounter after years of shooting directly into the sun. While testing an unreleased lens on my Leica CL, I noticed a series of organised red circular flare patterns appearing only at smaller apertures. Curious about the cause, I compared results across multiple cameras and formats, eventually tracing the behaviour to sensor design and on-sensor phase detection. This post documents that accidental discovery and what I learned f
yzhensiang
Jan 263 min read


Photoessay: Observing the Transformation of Farlim and the Quiet Signs of a Future CBD.
This photoessay documents the transformation of Farlim through the lens of large-scale infrastructure development. Centred around the Ayer Itam to Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway Bypass, the images observe how new movement patterns, construction, and everyday life intersect within a long-established town. Rather than predicting outcomes, this visual study reflects on whether these changes quietly signal Farlim’s shifting role within Penang’s urban landscape.
yzhensiang
Jan 262 min read


Photoessay: Observations at the Menora Tunnel
Caught in a traffic jam on the way to Ipoh, an unexpected delay became an opportunity to slow down and observe the Menora Tunnel in ways rarely possible at normal driving speed. What is usually passed through at 90km/h revealed its structure, light, lines, and cinematic moments when movement came to a standstill. This photoessay documents those overlooked details, captured during a quiet hour inside the tunnel.
yzhensiang
Jan 132 min read


Print Store Update: Introducing the Print Catalogue
I’ve finally completed my first print catalogue to make browsing my photographic collections more intentional and considered. It brings together three curated collections, organised by theme, alongside styling guidance and custom frame options. Every image selected is judged not by how clickable it is online, but by whether it deserves to exist as a print — one that can live with space, light, and time. This catalogue reflects how I see photography beyond the screen.
yzhensiang
Jan 123 min read


Photoessay: Lines and Patterns Study with a Mobile Phone
Welcoming the new year, this photo essay brings together a quiet study of lines and patterns found in everyday spaces. Shot entirely on the Huawei Mate X7, the accessibility of a capable phone camera encouraged slower observation and freer experimentation. Without the burden of heavy editing, attention shifted toward form, repetition, and abstraction—images shaped less by intention and more by subconscious response after time spent revisiting and curating the work.
yzhensiang
Jan 22 min read
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