Speaking with the camera: ATAP Studios
By Michelle Ng Siew Sian
It all started on a rooftop with one camera phone to produce photographs that heavily portrayed conceptualized art (at least that’s what they thought). What used to be a naughty thrill has now become a reality of an established collaboration, hence the birth of ATAP Studios.
Five architecture students, one passion. Phua Jing Sern, Tan Shing Yeou, Preston Liew, Woo Wen Jian and Lee Jo Yee are the great minds of ATAP Studios. Established in May this year, they specialize in the area of photography and cinematography. The fresh, independent photographers are currently in the second year of their degree in Taylor’s University.
On the day of interview, I only managed to have Tan, Phua and Lee to share their journey as the rest battle on with their assignments.
From left: Lee Joyee, Preston Liew, Tan Shing Yeou, Woo Wen Jian and Phua Jing Sern at a recent event in TU as official photographers. Source: ATAP Studios.
Phua, who is comfortable with his messy hair and thin body frame, gestures excitedly while talking about how ATAP Studios came about. The first impression he gave was through a few words, “You create the moment you capture. In this case I believe that you create, control the event and story.” The 19 year-old is the post-production editor and is an expert in technical aspects of ATAP Studios. He started to explore the world through the eyes of his camera when he first photographed human expressions. Being exposed to more emotions through National Geographic was a big factor of where he places himself now. Once an avid gamer who hid in his room now realises there is more to life than video games.
Being the only girl in ATAP Studios, Lee is the flower among thorns. Her dark black hair brings out a defined jawline and perfect teeth. While she speaks of her love for the studio, this soul plays the role of a storyteller. Praised among her team members for her ability to write, Lee sources for ideas by talking to individuals and patching thoughts together.
With a humble heart and a fair amount of expertise in photography, Tan fancies travelling alone. As co-founder of ATAP Studios, he guides the team in photography aspects and the final outcome of the work. Tan is also determined to keep the team close to their identity, so to not be commercialised in any way.
Speaking on behalf of the other two members, Phua and Tan coherently said that they are a perfect mix of being playful yet supportive. Besides the amazing photos they produce, they also play their part in keeping the team lively. Phua highlighted that Liew is a man of integrity when it comes to getting work done while Woo is available for behind-the-scenes errands.
Unlike other servicing photographers, ATAP Studios is different in telling their own stories by creating the moments they want to deliver. Their complete freedom in expressing themselves through powerful photographs is probably their strongest attribute.
The collaboration first came together when ATAP Studios joined a public video competition. It was their very first effort to produce a video, but to their despair the competition was called off at the last minute. But their ambitious dreams did not stop there; the video was eventually uploaded to the Internet nonetheless. All the sleepless nights finally paid off when their video titled ‘Suffiency’ was broadcasted on YouTube earlier this year in July.
The team’s biggest project and success leans on being invited to a private event as official photographers and videographers. Being recognized by local government authorities, their hard work and dedication has brought the group to greater heights in producing their conceptualized art. This was proven through increase in likes on their Facebook page as well as job bookings. Amidst all these happenings, ATAP Studios continues to be original in every way possible.
Touching on the struggles they encountered in their journey, Lee said it was a time of testing to find the balance between passion and responsibility. The team agreed that it was tough distinguishing between those two while losing sleep to major assignments as architects in the making. There must be a constant discipline to better themselves and to support one another when times are hard.
The talented individuals work hard continuously to complement each other through thick and thin. In August this year, the team came together for a sharing session at the local mamak shop. Each member had taken a trip to different parts of the world and their conversations only showed the pursuit of creating another new experience to represent ATAP Studios.
The team is also big on giving back to the society as they believe in helping the less fortunate. Should they have any income annually, ATAP Studios plans to donate 10% of it to shelter homes that need funding.
For the next few months, ATAP Studios will be busy working on a series of something extraordinary. Needless to say, this particular group of young people seems armed and ready to take on the world. Find out more at www.facebook.com/atapstudios.