KUCHING: What began as casual curiosity while scrolling through social media in 2021 has grown into an award-winning passion for a Sarawak-based teacher, proving that compelling photography does not always require expensive equipment.
Kevin Pudun Dennis, a Lun Bawang from Ba’kelalan who prefers to remain focused on his work rather than fame, first ventured into photography using only a smartphone.
Drawn to macro photography after admiring close-up images of insects and flowers online, he learned the basics by asking friends and experimenting with a simple clip-on macro lens purchased online.
“I don’t own a camera. I started everything using my phone,” said the 45-year-old, adding that the appeal of capturing small, often-overlooked details in nature motivated him to keep learning.
His skills developed rapidly after joining the Mobilegraphy Malaysia Facebook community, where he observed other photographers’ work and participated in challenges.
Encouraged by the supportive environment, he began entering competitions and achieved early success with a portrait submission that earned him one of his first wins.
Since then, he has participated in numerous photography competitions, amassing prizes valued at nearly RM30,000 over several years, an achievement he himself only realised after listing them all recently.
Despite the recognition, he remains grounded, describing photography strictly as a hobby rather than a commercial pursuit.
Although he has received requests from companies interested in using his images, he admits he has little interest in monetising his work.
“I don’t really mind sharing my photos. I’m not looking for money,” he said, noting that his passion lies more in the creative process than profit.
Still, his work has not gone unnoticed. Friends and colleagues often ask him to photograph events, and he has occasionally stepped in using just his phone, despite initial doubts about expectations and professionalism.
“It was during an engagement ceremony of one of my relatives and I was asked to be the photographer, but it was a big and important event.
“Even though it’s only among the family members, I had to decline. They said I took great photos with my phone, but it’s just really my hobby,” Kelvin said.
Technically self-taught, he relies on auto mode rather than manual settings, preferring simplicity over complexity.
Editing is done using mobile applications such as Snapseed and Adobe Lightroom, guided largely by online tutorials and feedback from photography peers.
“Every competition teaches you something new – from composition to file size, DPI, and editing discipline.
“Sometimes, I asked someone for their opinions and I’m always open to constructive criticism so that I can improve and avoid over-editing early on,” he said.
Balancing his demanding responsibilities as a senior school administrator with photography is not easy.
Opportunities to shoot often come in brief windows, such as sunsets at the Kuching Waterfront or quick outings when work allows.
Nevertheless, he finds time to give back by informally mentoring students interested in photography.
“At my school, we have a small, non-formal group and I introduce my young pupils on basic techniques in mobilegraphy and encouraging them to explore visual storytelling using tools they already have.
“If I can go far with just a phone, they can too,” he said.
Though he has been urged by fellow photographers to transition to a professional camera, he remains content with mobile photography for now, citing convenience and satisfaction with his current progress.
“Right now, I am comfortable from where I am and I feel fulfilled. Maybe one day, but not yet,” he said.
For him, photography is not about prestige or perfection, but about curiosity, patience and seeing beauty in everyday moments, one frame at a time.
