Tags archives: Iban

Ngepan Iban Photoshoot – Felicia

Tabi basa & greetings everyone! Today I’d like to share the recent photoshoot that I have with Felicia, one of the most active followers of my Facebook page & has participated in few competitions that i have organised online. This photoshoot was part of the reward of the recent event that I have done, namely Road To 2022. There are few other winners that I have scheduled to shoot with, but since I am at Miri for work, I just concentrate to do for those at Miri. There are some who is scheduled to visit Miri, and you will see them in my photoshoots.

This photoshoot is one of my way to promote my artwork and how I’d like to create my images. There are some peoples who like to use warmer tones. For me, I prefer to use cooler tones & inclined to make my images more vibrant.

Venue for this photoshoot is Taman Awam, Miri. It is one of the best place for us to do photoshoot in Miri. I only concentrate on the upper part of Taman Awam, as I target to fully utilise the structure that we have there.

THE RESULT

Thank you Fenny!

Special thanks to Fenny, Felicia’s sister for helping me out with this photoshoot.

If you are interested with this kind of photoshoot, feel free to WhastApp me at 014-8677585. Have a good weekend everyone! 😄

Your Tukang Rantek,
Claudius (Del)

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Racial Issue & Dirty Tactic To Fame

12 months ago

Follow me: Claudius Weson | Linktree

INTRODUCTION:

Thank you to those who reads and shares my post yesterday about Cardock. My writings that was shared at Miri Community was deleted by its admin and I was removed without any prior warning. But it’s okay because it will not change anything at all and it will not stop me from voicing my opinions out based on what I think is true.

Thinking of creating my own TRibe Group. Not a fan of CLan word,.

Back to the story that I want to talk about today, it can be said that it has been a trend among Malaysian celebrities to be involved with controversy to raise their publicity. From sexy video, sexy clothes, fight, picture in a bathtub full of money and so on, it is one of the way for them to be famous. Afterall, it’s very Machiavellian: the aims of these celebrities – such as glory and survival – justifies the use of immoral means to achieve those ends.

Among Malaysian influencers, the issues that they are facing now is more unique because they are from a wider group. One of the more famous way is to trigger racial issue to gain publicity, and ultimately able to popularise their brand and sell their product.

MALAYSIA – MULTI-RACIAL COUNTRY

As we all know, Malaysia is a country that has lot of races residing in it. At Peninsular Malaysia, we have Malays (Melayu Anak Jati, Melayu Anak Dagang, Melayu Kacukan etc), Cina (generally, throughout Malaysia and has lots of dialect), India (majority is Tamils, including Telugus, Malayalees, Sikhs etc), Orang Asli group (e.g. Semang, Senoi, Proto-Malays), Papia Kristang and Kristang; at Sabah we have the majority group of Kadazan-Dusun, Murut, Rungus, Bajau, Suluk, Bugis, Iranun, Sungai, Lun Dayeh etc; in Sarawak there is Dayak Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu group (cth: Kayan, Kenyah, Kajangs (e.g. Kejaman, Seping, Lahanan, Punan) Kelabit, Bisaya, Lun Bawang etc), Sarawak Malays, Melanau, Kedayan, Miriek (Bahut & Permaisuri) etc.

The list above barely covers every group in Malaysia, but it is adequate to show that Malaysia has a multi-racial citizens. As a Sarawakian, I know and I am aware about the need to be tolerate and respectful among one another because if there is something happening that triggers racial issues, it can only spell disaster.

Kenyah lady (Kayan-Kenyah are reatively similar in costume because they share a similar history.

PREVIOUS CASE – DURIAN KIMCHI (MAY 2021)

I have a belief that most Malaysians know about racial issue and how crucial it is to be aware of racial sensitivity. But it doesn’t stop Ryzal or duriankimchi to subconsciously joke to beyond the line and uploaded it in social media.

You can read its summary and watch the video in this link below:

After becoming a virla issue and caused the uproar among Iban communities and Sarawak in general, finally duriankimchi made a public apology and with Iban society, including the famous Embat Lala and Cardock, making netizen to pity him because he realised his mistakes. Now, his followers count is 1,262,223 followers in Facebook.

LATEST CASE – CARDOCK (AUGUST 2021)

About the issue that was viral recently, Cardock and his original post “Raja Kayan dan Gundik-Gundiknya”, you can read the details here in Facebook or in my other blog posts here.

Few people commented at his original post, which was taken down since then by Cardock’s page admin.

Cardock apologies, but still there is a lot of people unhappy with his apology.

Being a famous influencer, no doubt, Cardock has an immense drive to succeed and also by right has a high tolerance to jokes. But not many people can accept such racial joke. I was informed that the Kayan society and everyone who is not a fan of him was not happy with his way of apology, which seems to be insincere and therefore, it will be brought to justice as per Adet Kayan Kenyah 1994 (Kayan Kenyah Customs 1994, under Section 46: “nyelupoh” (mocking) or “panyi” (making fun of people).

Adet Kayan Kenyah 1994: Section 46 Mocking

SUMMARY OF MODUS OPERANDI

Quoting comment from famous Sarawak singer, Melissa Francis “ngaga salah, dahnya minta ampun secara terbuka. Last2 ke salah nya kena belas kasihan, nama pun viral, dahnya alu nyual produk”. In English, “make mistake, then make a public apology. Lastly, the offender earns pity from others, their name went viral and finally sell their product).

She’s speaking the truth. It is sad to see some fanatics attack her comment though simply because they can’t accept that their idol is doing wrong.

What she mentioned was straight to the point. Final aim of becoming famous is a priority and racial sensitivity that was being safeguarded all this while in total care is not important anymore, as if our racial dignity doesn’t mean anything.

In short, the steps are as follows:

1). Make mistakes, better racial-related to trigger certain group
2). Viral and became the talk of the web (town)
3). Make a public apology, better if you do it in groups to gain their followers too.
4). Netizen pities you.
5). Rise in reputation.

WHY WE NEED TO CARE ABOUT RACIAL SENSITIVITY?

As what I mentioned above, racial sensitivity is important because it will safeguard in a country. Just imagine if our country has a racial issue just like what USA and South African had once upon a time. That was only the impact from 2 main groups. We haven’t include the countless beyond phalanx like what we have in Malaysia or Sarawak specifically.

Every races in Malaysia, from Bukit Kayu Hitam in Perlis to Simpang Mengayau in Sabah deserves to be respected and not to be made fun off. Dignity of a race is not something that you can trample upon like a rag. Our 5th National Principle (Rukun Negara) also mentioned “Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan”, which means Courtesy and Morality. We have to watch out for our words because indirectly, we are the ambassador of our own race to the others.

For example, when Race A’s member created a problem with Race B. Until the end of time the peoples of Race B will remember that Race A is the bad guy, because first impression lasts forever, even though the offender is only an individual from Race A and it doesn’t represent Race A as a whole. That’s what we call bias. That person’s mistake already shapes the worldview of Race B and it is difficult to correct and fix that first impression.

That’s why, best if we avoid any racial issues at all cost. If there is a mistake done however, for us Malaysians upholding our National Principles, we should apologise.

INFLUENCER’S SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Once upon a time, there is a lot of youngsters who wants to be a teacher, soldiers, government officials or even doctors because those occupations has a good reputation in the eye of the soeciry and it is considered glamourous.

But today, the answer from Gen Z is more inclined towards influencers path, Youtuber, Gamer, and recently, Tik-Tokers where their lives revolve around social media platforms.

Who doesn’t like if we have millions of followers and everytime we do a Facebook / Instagram / Tik-Tok LIVE, we will have thousands of followers. Each tweet will be liked and retweeted by thousands of our fans. YouTube video views are more than a million. Enticing, isn’t it?

But the reality is, the more followers you have in social media, the heavier is the social burden that you have to shoulder. This is because, your followers are going to resonate with whatever values that you are projecting. Most of these peoples are youths and Gen Z that look highly upon you.

Parents are striving to give the best to their kids, toiling day in and day out be it at the village or at the city, and even offshore or frontlines. Most of them doesn’t even bother about the current trend because they are committed to their works and to provide for the family. The once, so cool lad is now a boring dad. The education of their kids comes first, their hobby later. It’s okay if my phone has many buttons as long as I am not taking loans here and there for my kids to further their studies. Those might be the unspoken words of a parent.

Back to these influencers, best if they became the positive vibe generators and not toxic or negative vibe because whatever that they are doing, it will have a tremendous impact to the social group that follows them, their followers.

For those who followed me since the beginning, you will realise that I am trying to use as much as proper Malay language even in my FB Live and in my posts. Even if I am using English also, I will use a proper English. When I was in school and even in university, I was always ridiculed because I prefer to speak in proper Malay than to use mixed, street language which is quite famous now. My principle is, “Bahasa Jiwa Bangsa” (language is the soul of the race/people). If we are not taking care of the values of our race, who else will? Do we want to see that our kids want to put aside our national language to put forth something more “in” or viral, and our national language is not relevant anymore?

EPILOGUE:

Rise and fall of our nation lies at the hand of the current generations. People outside of our nation are racing to send people to the stars using a cheaper cost, while us here are still busy quarreling.

Kerana Pulut, Santan Binasa,
Kerana Mulut, Badan Binasa;
Terlajak perahu, boleh diundur.
Terlajak kata, buruk padahnya.

Literal translation:

Because of glutinous rice, coconut milk perishes
Because of the mouth, the body perishes
Overshot boat can be reversed
Accidentally speaking bad words spells disaster.

Words are very powerful, it can be constructive, and it also can be destructive. So, speak wisely. I sincerely hope that after this, there are no other parties who tries to stir any racial issues in Malaysia.

Tukang Rantek,
Claudius

Nota: “Tukang Rantek” bermaksud jurugambar di dalam bahasa Bidayuh.

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Sarawak Beauty: Indu Dara Iban

1 year ago

Tabi basa everyone! Sarawak is a land full of majestic land and beautiful peoples. Gawai is just one month away. Despite no formal celebration due to Covid, it is important for us to remember the spirit of Gawai. Therefore, today I’m pleased to present to the story about Iban peoples of Sarawak. In general, Iban is part of a bigger Dayak groups of Borneo, and is known world-wide for its beauty.

I always wonder what does Iban means. So I asked my KML room-mate, Gibson anak Entuni from Betong, he said, Iban means “people”. Just like other Borneo tribes, Iban has their own story. Thanks to Iban historian, Benedict Sandin (1918-1982), oral Iban stories are well-documented. In fact, it is so elaborate and it consists of a lot of stories, different realms (human/Iban world, raised world & God’s), most of Iban folklore centres around Keling, Head of Panggau Libau longhouse, the mythical home of the demi-gods. Just like Norse/Greek mythology, Iban has their own story too. In fact, the battle of the gods often change the landscape of the jungle. Just imagine if it is made into a movie by Hollywood – the whole Iban “ensera” / story. That would be awesome.

While Keling represents an ideal Iban man; handsome, powerful, brave, resourceful & intelligent; his wife, Kumang represents an ideal Iban woman; beautiful, graceful, and good at everything, including her expertise in weaving “pua kumbu”, one of Iban identity. Pua Kumbu is a traditional patterned multicolored ceremonial cotton cloth and are considered to be sacred objects. Pua Kumbu is used for rituals by Iban people, including birth, coming of age, and death. Disrespecting Pua Kumbu means you are disrespecting Iban peoples. Not everyone can weave Pua Kumbu because one has to be well-trained not only in technique but in spirit as it is an art taught by the God, Singalang Burong.

Kumang is also is also a title given to Iban’s beauty queen. Datin Senorita Linang is the first Iban maiden to be crowned Kumang Gawai Dayak for three consecutive years — 1966, 1967 and 1968. The younger generations would recognise Malaysia’s Miss Universe 2020, Francisca Luhong, who is of Iban-Kayan descent.

Beautiful in Iban is called “bajik”. To describe Iban’s beauty, here’s the best sentence for it: Indu Dara Iban tau ngaga Bujang Berani enda ulih enseput enggau manah, enda tekesapka mata enggau tau buntau malam ari. Meaning, Iban maiden’s beauty can make bachelors and young man think about her all the time, until they became sleepless. “Punggung chengkik baka biola ngasuh runding Bujang nyau mawa”, where it means their beauty makes bachelor lose their minds. Most of Iban girls complexion ranges from fair-skinned to medium-toned.

Their beauty even attracts the Westerners, especially from England because Sarawak was one of British colony after handed over by the last White Rajah. It is not uncommon to see non-Iban guys attracted to Iban women. Even from the young age, Iban women are taught to dress and behave well especially in front of the others because they carry the name of their family. It is normal for us to see Iban woman knows how to cook where cooking are considered to be the basic life skills and part of traditional Iban woman identity.

In general, most of the Iban women are soft-spoken and gentle, especially to guests. As described by Jenarino Jeraki’s in his song, “iya semina tuchum lelegup” (meaning, she only smiles). During Gawai, usually there will be a line of Iban girls waiting for guys in a long line before entering the long house. It’s an Iban tradition where the ladies will serve the men with drinks, especially “tuak” and “langkau” (a distilled tuak). In Iban custom, girls usually will wait for the guys to make the first move, example during joget. Guy has to be a gentlemen to invite them to joget. Behind their gentleness, Iban women are brave & resourceful, just like Kumang. Being gentle and soft-spoken doesn’t mean you can take advantage of them.

Iban women’s beauty has been a source of inspiration of love song creation, such as Flora by Jerry Kamit, Tuchum Lelegup by Jenarino Jeraki or even sadder toned, heartbreak songs such as “Kumang Seari” & “Sinu” by Masterpiece or hopeful song such as “Ngarapka Nuan Nikal Pulai”. The most famous of all, known nation-wide, Bekikis Bulu Betis by Iban music industry legend, Andrewson Ngalai, is a song about a guy who will do everything to win the maiden, including putting his life on the line.

During Iban’s engagement ceremony, “Melah Pinang”, the most important question is to ask whether you are willing to “nguai” Similar to Bidayuh, for many Ibans, this question is a big deal, especially if you are living in the same area & same village. In the olden days, it means you will move to a different longhouse and be part of a different community. You However, as observed in many Iban peoples, marrying other non-Ibans, it doesn’t carry a heavier weight anymore because it is much easier to access one place to another, though usually the married couples will take turn to celebrate Gawai at each side, just to be fair and square and avoid problems with both sides. Afterall, marriage is like bridging two families, and most of the times, bridging two village / long houses. You become an ambassador of your area to your respective spouses’ people.

During Gawai, all of the Iban ladies will be dressed in their finest signature pua kumbu traditional costumes, which includes these accessories, Sugu Tinggi (headgear), Tali Mulung, Rawai/Rawai Tinggi (plays a similar role to corset), Tumpa Bentuk, Buah Pauh (usually held in hand, with Perecha cloth in other hand), Gerunchung, Sementing Buchai, Lampit, Sementing Ringgit, Selampai & Tango/Marik Empang (circular bead accessory covering shoulder & chest).
Due to evolution of local fashion and identity, different Iban area has a different costume. Each of their own unique style.

Although there are so many ngepan variations, it can be divided into few main groups based on its similarities and areas. Types of ngepan Iban are as follows:

1. Ngepan Rajang (Signature dress made from beads called “Baju Ujan”, with headgear called “Dunjung Marik”. It is often called the most unique Ngepan)

2. Ngepan Saratok (signature Sugu Tinggi Ensuga decorated with colour paper)

3. Ngepan Saribas (wearing Rawai Tinggi)

4. Ngepan Batang Ai (without Marik Empang)

5. Ngepan Skrang (without Marik Empang)

6. Ngepan Kumang (usually seen at Kumang Gawai competition).

The common fashion trend in Iban’s beautiful ngepan is that its accessories are made with silver, which showcases the wealth & status of its bearer.

During headhunting days, Iban warriors are known for their military might, fearsome warriors, allowing them to explore more Sarawak areas & secure more territories. Their naval military is second to none in Sarawak water region, thus earning them the title “Sea Dayak”. They even stood up against British when they began to colonise Sarawak, with the most famous chief of them all – Rentap, who led fearless Iban warriors to fight against them. It took two White Rajahs to bring him down. His legacy has continued to live on in every Malaysians’ hearts. His battle cry, “Agi Hidup, Agi Ngelaban” (As long as I live, I will fight) still lives on until today as it’s the motto for the Malaysian Royal Ranger Regiment. Iban Trackers, elite soldiers played a key role in Malayan Emergency (Darurat). The late Sergeant Dato’ Awang anak Raweng was awarded a George Cross, the civilian equivalent of Britain’s highest military award, and the late Temenggong Datuk Kanang anak Langkau was awarded the nation’s two highest awards Sri Pahlawan Perkasa (SP) and the Panglima Gagah Berani (PGB), who is also the most decorated war hero of Malaysia. Sir Gerald Templer mentioned “The Ibans are the world’s best jungle trackers I have come across. They served the country admirably and I have much respect for them.”

Iban peoples are the biggest ethnic in Sarawak. Iban peoples are divided into few major groups based on their traditional distribution:

1. Sebuyau Ibans- around Lundu and Samarahan region

2. Remun Ibans – Serian division, including Balai Ringin & Simunjan.

3. Balau Ibans – Simanggang / Sri Aman

4. Saribas Ibans – Betong, Saratok & parts of Sarikei

5. Batang Ai Ibans – Lubok Antu, they are considered original Iban by anthropologist

6. Undup Ibans – Undup area

7. Rajang / Bilak Sedik Ibans – From Sarikei to Miri, Rajang River Sibu, Kapit, Belaga, Kanowit, Song, Sarikei, Bintangor & Miri.

As for their dialects, these are the main ones:

1. Saribas dialect – considered formal / “standard” dialect, taught in school, spoken around Betong and Saratok.

2. Balau, Sebuyau, Ulu Ai, and Rejang dialects, there are some variation but it is intelligible without any problem.

3. Remun dialect – Serian, Balai Ringin & Simunjan area. Iban Remun is different from the other Iban language. It is not surprising to hear them can speak Bidayuh Bukar-Sadong, considered difficult Bidayuh language, since they are living near Bidayuh area.

Note: At major cities such as Miri & Bintulu, there is a mix of Iban peoples due to people’s movement in search of a better life.

Despite their language differences, Iban people will be able to speak Iban with one another using a commonly spoken dialect, which is Iban Rajang. Iban pop-culture is not only enjoyed by Ibans, but also other peoples. Who doesn’t know Bekikis Bulu Betis? Indi duweh taruh… ooo haa.

********(Versi Iban)
Tabi basa semua! Sarawak tanah ti kaya enggau hasil bumi enggau suku bangsa ti kaya ngau pemajik sereta pemanah bangsa sida. Saritu aku diberi peluang beberitaka Bangsa Iban ti diau di Sarawak. Bangsa, salah satu bangsa Dayak ti pemadu besai ba Borneo, enggau pegari ba mata dunia enggau pemanah sereta pemajik bangsa tuk.
Aku selalu tertanya nama reti Iban. Jadi aku nanya bakih aku ianya Gibson anak Entuni, iya madah Iban tuk siti bansa ba Borneo ti bisi cherita sida kediri empu. Meri besai pengaga ati agai Benedict Sandin (1918-1982) laban udah ngaga siti dokumentari enggau manah sereta ulih nyadika rujukan agai generasi kemaya ari. Enggai bula, mayuh cherita enggau jurai ti nyengkaum semua beza (world, raised world & God’s), mayuh cerita ti udah dirungkai ari cherita penduduk Iban ba Keling, rumah panjai Ketua Panggau Libau, enggau cherita ari peturun alam ke siti da.
Kelimpah Keling nyadi siku laki Iban ti rumpas, sigat, kuat berdengah, berani, sereta pintar, lalu bini ia digelar Indu Iban Kumang ti bajik, anggun sereta manah dalam semua pemaik ia nyak nenun ” pua kumbu”, entara salah sitik ke tanda urang Iban. Pua Kumbu ari kain kapas berwarna-warni bercurak tradisional enggau disemak baka utai tuchi. Pua Kumbu dikena raban maya bisi pengerami urang Iban maya nyambut ari pengada, tuai serta pemati. Enda bebasa ke Pua Kumbu, bereti enda bebasa ke urang Iban. Enda semua urang nemu nenun Pua Kumbu tu laban utai tu dilatih enggau likun kelimpah ari teknik tang mega semangat urang seni empu peturun Dewa, Singalang Burong.
Kumang mega siti gelar ti diberi agi siku kumang ti bajik ianya Datin Senorita Linang, siku indu bangsa Iban ti keterubah digelar Kumang Gawai Dayak tiga taun bejurut — 1966, 1967 enggau 1968. Generasi kemaya ari ti ngangkat Malaysia ke mata dunya enggau Miss Universe 2020 ianya Fransisca Luhong, siku dara penatai ari bangsa Iban-Kayan ti berulih gelar Miss Universe tahun 2020.
Baka jaku kitai Iban, “bajik” tauka “lawa” madah ka reti pemajik. Baka munyi jaku urang: Indu Dara Iban tau ngaga Bujang Beranni enda ulih enseput enggau manah, enda kekesapka mata enggau tau buntau malam ari. Reti iyaaa, indu dara iban tau ngasuh urang ke biak tauka bujang meruan ingat ke enda lenyau enda ulih tinduk. “Punggung chengkik baka biola ngasuh runding Bujang nyau mawa” mai reti pemajik sida indu dara Iban ngasuh runding sida ke biak bujang nyau mawa tauka lenyau runding. Mayuh indu dara Iban berempu ke mua ti burak tauka celum mai pengerindu.
Pemajik sida mega ngari ke ati sida ari sebelah Barat lebih agi ari menua kitai Sarawak kala dipegai British sebedau Rajah megai Sarawak ngasuh Sarawak pulai agai kitai. Pemadas sereta pemajik indu Dara Iban mega tau narit ati urang bukai ke ukai bangsa Iban. Utai tu tau dipeda biasa aja agi kitai iban. Sebedau di beri nama indu Dara Iban, anak indu deka diajar bekena perengka Iban. Seda iya deka diajar bala indai tauka bala inik sida ti bisi penemu bekena ka perengka tuk. Indu Dara Iban mega belajar ngetan ke adat lebih agi bala temuai ti datai laban sida deka maik nama apai indai maya sida mantai ke diri di mua bala mayuh. Indu Dara Iban mega bisi penemu ngintu pemakai diri tauka pemakai sida sebilik. Nyadi pemandai sida ngintu pemakai diri enggau bekena ka perengka Iban endang udah nyadi ba sida Indu Dara Iban.
Indu Iban sigi pandai sereta landik enggau di temu lembut budi basa lebih agi ngagai bala apai indai tauka bala temuai. Munyi ko leka lagu Jenarino Jeraki, “Iya… Lelegup” (reti semina mantai tuchum manis).
Maya pengerami besai baka Gawai Dayak, kitai tau meda rintai bala indu Iban nganti penatai temuai sebedau sida tama ke rumah panjai. Dalam adat kitai Iban, bala indu Iban nganti penatai temuai laban deka besadung utai irup baka “tuak'” enggau “langkau”. Sida indu Iban mega nganti sida ke biak bujang mai indu tuk bertanda. Sida ke biak bujang deka nunjuk pemadas sebedau mai indu Iban bertanda. Belakang pemaik enggau lembut budi basa sida ke indu Iban, sida mega bisi nyimpan pemerani enggau akal pikir baka Kumang. Taja Indu Dara Iban tu lembut budi basa, ukai reti kitai tau ngayah sereta medis ke ati indu dara
Pemajik indu iban suah nyadi inspirasi kena ngaga lagu pengerindu baka Flora gaga Jerry Kamit, “Tuchum Lelegup” gaga Jenarino Jeraki tauka lagu-lagu ti nyinuka ati baka “Kumang Seari” & “Sinu” gaga Masterpiece enggau lagu pengarap baka “Ngarapka Nuan Nikal Pulai”. Lagu ti pemadu tampak ba keliling menua ianya “Bekikis bulu betis” digaga siku penanyi Industri Muzik Iban, Andrewson Ngalai, lagu pasal siku laki ti sanggup ngaga macham utai laban deka ngulihka indu nyak lalu naruh idup ya empu ba baris.
Maya upacara minang adat Iban ianya “Melah Pinang”, saut tanya ti paling penting ianya “nuan udah sedia deka nguai?”. Sama baka sida Bidayuh, dalam pemayuh Iban, saut tanya tu siti penanggul ti besai nambahka agi enti nuan sigi diau ba menua ti sebaka. Suba, tu meri reti nuan deka berpindah ngagai rumah panjai urang bukai lalu begulai sama enggau sida sebilik.
Pia mega, mayuh dipeda sida urang Iban enti jadi enggau urang ukai Iban laban ia udah enda berat agi deka nusui siti endur ngagai siti endur. Laban selalu ia melaki bini ti udah melah pinang besilik nyambut gawai enggau sama sebilik laban deka sekunsi ngambika nadai penanggul antara dua belah.
Kelimpah ari nyak, kebuah pengawa melah pinang tok laban deka ngerapitka kaul sama sebilik serta selalu ia deka pegulaika dua rumah panjai. Nuan nyadi pengaruh ti besai ba menua diri empu kena seduai melaki bini.
Lebuh Gawai, semua indu Iban bekena ke pekayan sida ianya Ngepan Indu Iban termasuk bekenaka perengka baka Sugu Tinggi, Tali Mulung, Rawai, Tumpa Bentuk, Buah Pauh, Gerunchung, Sementing Buchai, Lampit, Sementing Ringgit, Selampai enggau Tango.
Laban ke bisi evolusi dalam pisin ngau identiti, bepun ari nya Iban bisi mayuh bengkah curak pekayan. Aku mantai ke bengkah pekayan Iban ba baruh tu:
1. Ngepan Rajang (Tuk siti pekayan ti jarang dipeda kemaya ari tuk. Pekayan khas ari manik-manik ti disebut “Baju Ujan”, enggau penutup kepala ti disebut “Dunjung Marik”2. Ngepan Saratok (Perengka Sugu Tinggi Ensuga dirias enggau kertas warna)3. Ngepan Saribas (enda bekena ka Marik Empang, tang ngayanka bahu sida)4. Ngepan Batang Ai (enda bekena ka Marik Empang)5. Ngepan Skrang (enda bekena ka Marik Empang)6. Ngepan Kumang (suah dipeda maya pekit Kumang Gawai)
Nyadi bangsa ti besai ba Sarawak, ngau penambah dalam generasi, bangsa Iban bisi ditemu dalam bengkah dialek:
1. Dialek Saribas – formal / “standard” dialect, dipelajar ba sekul, mayuh dikena ba Betong enggau Saratok.2. Dialek Balau, Sebuyau, Ulu Ai, Rejang3. Dialek Remun – Serian, Balai Ringin & Simunjan. Iban Remun berbeza enggau jaku bangsa Iban ti bukai. Sida ya ulih bejaku Bidayuh Bukar-Sadong laban ke diau ba kawasan ti semak enggau bangsa Bidayuh
Tajapan sida ngena bangsa ti berlainan, Bangsa Iban ulih bejaku ngau pangan diri ngena bahasa Iban sida kediri empu.
Dikelala buah ari langgu,Dikelala daun ari kayu,Dikelala bangsa ari penyiru,Dikelala bansa ari leka jaku.

Tabi basa everyone! Sarawak adalah merupakan tempat yang cantik dengan orang yang cantik. Pada hari ini, saya ingin bercerita berkenaan suku Iban dari Sarawak. Secara umumnya, Iban adalah sebahagian daripada kumpulan Dayak di Borneo, dan terkenal dengan kecantikkannya.

Saya sering tertanya-tanya, apakah maksud “Iban”. Menurut rakan saya, Gibson anak Entuni, maksud Iban adalah manusia. Seperti suku kaum di Sarawak, Iban juga mempunyai cerita mereka yang tersendiri. Hasil usaha sejarawan Iban, Benedict Sandin (1918-1982), banyak cerita lisan Iban telah didokumenkan agar tidak hilang ditelan zaman. Kebanyakan cerita Iban berkisar tentang Keling, Tuai Rumah Panggau Libau, dunia orang separa-dewa.

Keling adalah idola lelaki Iban, tampan berani, gagah dan pintar. Isteri beliau, Kumang, adalah idola wanita Iban, lemah lembut, cantik dan mahir di dalam serba-serbi termasuk mahir dalam menenun “pua kumbu”. Pua Kumbu adalah kain tradisional orang Iban dan dianggap suci. Ianya digunapakai di dalam kebanyakan adat istiadat Iban dan wajar dihormati. Tidak semua orang boleh menenun pua kumbu kerana ianya melibatkan kemahiran jasmani serta penghayatan secara spiritual.

Kumang juga merupakan gelaran yang diberi kepada ratu cantik Iban. Datin Senorita Linang merupakan wanita Iban pertama yang dinobatkan Kumang Gawai Dayak sebanyak tiga kali berturut-turut, 1966, 1967 & 1968. Kepada generasi muda, mereka lebih mengenali Miss Universe 2020, Francisca Luhong, yang mana beliau adalah berketurunan Iban-Kayan.

Cantik di dalam bahasa Iban adalah “bajik”. Untuk menggambarkan kecantikan gadis Iban, “Indu Dara Iban tau ngaga Bujang Berani enda ulih enseput enggau manah, enda tekesapka mata enggau tau buntau malam ari”. Maksudnya, kecantinkannya menjadikan si teruna makan tak kenyang, mandi tak basah, tidur tak lena. Kebanyakan warna kulit gadis Iban adalah putih ke kuning langsat, dan sesetanganya berkulit hitam manis.

Kecantikan mereka juga menarik minat warga Barat, terutamanya dari England kerana Sarawak adalah menjadi tanah jajahan British selepas dipindah milik oleh Rajah Putih. Tidak hairan juga melihat banyak kahwin campur di masa kini. Dari umur yang muda, wanita Iban diajar untuk berpakaian dan berperilaku sopan terutamanya dihadapan tetamu kerana mereka membawa nama baik keluarga. Memasak adalah merupakan kemahiran asas mereka.

Secara umumnya, wanita Iban adalah bertutur dengan nada yang lembut. Seperti lagu Jenarino Jeraki, mereka tersenyum manis apabila ditanya (semina tuchum lelegup). Semasa hari Gawai, mereka akan berbaris di dalam barisan yang panjang, dan dihadapan “bilik” mereka bagi menyambut tetamu. Ianya merupakan adat Iban untuk menghidang tetamu yang datang dengan air tuak / langkau (air tuak yang disuling). Seperti suku Dayak yang lain, kaum lelaki juga harus menjadi pemimpin dan memulakan langkah pertama. Disebalik kelembutan mereka, mereka juga adalah berani bersuara dan melindungi diri mereka sekiranya perlu.

Kecantikan wanita Iban juga menjadi sumber inspirasi untuk penciptaan lagu seperti lagu Flora oleh Jerry Kamit, Tuchum Lelegup oleh Jenarino Jeraki dan sedih, seperti “Kumang Seari” & “Sinu” oleh Masterpiece dan berpengharapan seperti “Ngarapka Nuan Nikal Pulai”. Yang paling terkenal adalah, Bekikis Bulu Betis oleh Andrewson Ngalai, lagenda muzik Iban, dan ianya adalah lagu berkenaan lelaki yang sanggup melakukan apa sahaja demi mendapatkan gadis idaman.

Semasa upacara pertunangan Iban, “Melah Pinang”, soalan yang paling penting akan ditanya adalah, siapa yang akan “nguai”, yang bermaksud pergi. Sama seperti Bidayuh, untuk generasi yang terdahulu, soalan ini membawa berat tersendiri terutama yang tinggal di kawasan yang agak jauh, walaupun sedaerah. Pada zaman dahulu, ia bermaksd pihak yang ‘nguai’ akan pindah ke rumah panjang pasangan hidupnya. Oleh kerana berlakunya kahwin campur, soalan ini tidak membawa maksud yang berat seperti dulu kerana sekarang adalah lebih mudah untuk berpindah randah. Lebih senang bagi warga Iban yang kahwin orang bukan Dayak kerana mereka hanya perlu ke tempat Iban untuk menyambut Gawai. Bagi sesama Dayak pula, seperti Iban dan Bidayuh, adalah penting bagi mereka untuk menjaga hati kedua-dua belah pihak kerana perkahwinan adalah jambatan yang menghubungkan kedua-dua buah keluarga.

Pada hari Gawai, wanita-wanita Iban akan dihiasi dengan pakaian ngepa merka yang terbaik, dan dihiasi oleh Sugu Tinggi (hiasan kepala), Tali Mulung, Rawai/Rawai Tinggi (korset Iban), Tumpa Bentuk, Buah Pauh (dipegang oleh si cantik termasuk dengan Perecha), Gerunchung (loceng kaki), Sementing Buchai, Lampit, Sementing Ringgit, Selampai & Tango/Marik Empang (hiasan dada).

Evolusi fesyen menyebabkan lain tempat mempunyai lain pakaian dan keunikannya tersendiri. Antara jenis-jenis ngepan yang biasa adalah:

1. Ngepan Rajang (baju manik yang digelar “Baju Ujan”, dengan hiasan kepala bergelar “Dunjung Marik”. Ngepan ini jarang sekali dilihat)

2. Ngepan Saratok (Sugu Tinggi Ensuga dihiasi dengan kertas warna)

3. Ngepan Saribas (menggunakan Rawai Tinggi)

4. Ngepan Batang Ai (Tanpa Marik Empang)

5. Ngepan Skrang (tanpa Marik Empang)

6. Ngepan Kumang (biasanya dilihat pada pertantdingan Kumang Gawai)

Pola pemakaian ngepan melambangkan status si pemakai, kerana aksesori ngepan asli diperbuat daripada perak asli, dan ianya adalah tidak murah. Untuk bagi si gadis yang mempunyai ngepan yang diperturunkan daripada nenek moyang mereka.

Semasa zaman memburu kepala, pahlawan Iban digeruni oleh kekuatan tentera mereka, membolehkan mereka meneroka Sarawak dan melindungi lebih banyak kawasan. Kekuatan maritim mereka tiada tandingan pada masa itu, yang menyebabkan mereka digelar Dayak Laut. Mereka juga bediri melawan penjajah dari British. Tokoh Iban yang terkenal adalah Rentap yang berjuang di kawasan Saribas. Laungan beliau “agi idup, agi ngelaban” (selagi aku hidup, selagi itu aku berjuang”) meupakan slogan yang melambangkan semangat juang suku Iban, dan ianya juga diambil menjadi motto Rejimen Renjer Diraja Malaysia. Iban trackers/Penjejak Iban juga memainkan peranan penting di dalam zaman Darurat Malaya. Mendiang Sarjan Dato’ Awang anak Raweng telah dianugerahkan George Cross, pingat tertinggi untuk rakyat jelata daripada British, dan mendiang Temenggong Datuk Kanang anak Langkau telah dianugerahkan dua pingat tertinggi di Malaysia, iaitu Sri Pahlawan Perkasa (SP) dan Panglima Gagah Berani (PGB), dan merupakan wira perang Malaysia yang mempunyai anugerah terbanyak. Sir Gerald Templer menyifatkan Iban tracker adalah penjejak terbaik dunia yang pernah saya jumpa. Mereka terlah berkhidmat dengan unggul dan saya amat menghormati mereka.

Etnik Iban juga merupakan etnik terbanyak di Sarawak. Mereka boleh dibahagikan kepada kumpulan utama mereka berdasarkan pecahan-pecahan kawasan tradisional mereka:

1. Iban Sebuyau – kawasan Lundu and Samarahan

2. Iban Remun – Serian termasuk Balai Ringin & Simunjan.

3. Iban Balau – Simanggang / Sri Aman

4. Iban Saribas – Betong, Saratok & sebahagian daripada Sarikei

5. Iban Batang Ai – Lubok Antu,

6. Iban Undup – kawasan Undup

7. Iban Rajang / Bilak Sedik – Dari Sarikei ke Miri, Rajang, Sibu, Kapit, Belaga, Kanowit, Song, Sarikei, Bintangor & Miri

Untuk dialek utama mereka:

1. Saribas – dianggap formal / “standard” diajar di sekolah dan penulisan formal, digunapakai di Betong dan Saratok.

2. Balau, Sebuyau, Ulu Ai, and Rejang dialects, terdapat beberapa variasi namun tiada masalah untuk bercakap Iban sesama diri mereka

3. Remun dialect – Serian, Balai Ringin & Simunjan area. Iban Remun berbeza sedikit daripada Iban lain, dan boleh menggunakan bahasa Bidayuh Bukar-Sadong kerena tinggal berdekatan dengan kawasan Bidayuh. Contoh ayat: Tengok: Kalau bahasa Iban lain, “meda”. Iban Remun pula “Ngilau”.

Tiada: Nadai, dalam Remun, “Entai”

Tidak tahu: Enda nemu, dalam Remun, “endau badak”

Nota Penulis: Di bandar-bandar utama seperti Miri, terdapat campuran Iban kerana pergerakan demi mencari kehidupan yang lebih baik.

Walaupun terdapat perbezaan bahasa, orang Iban tiada masalah bertutur dengan orang Iban yang lain, tidak seperti orang Bidayuh yang mempunyai dialek-dialek yang jauh berbeza. Seni muzik Iban juga tidak hanya dinikmati oleh orang Iban, namun masyarakat Sarawak yang lainnya. Siapa tidak tahu lagu Bekikis Bulu Betis? Indi duweh taruh…. Ooo haaa.

Follow me: https://linktr.ee/claudiusweson/
Tukang Rantek,Claudius

Claudius is a Miri-based Boudoir & Portrait Photographer, from Kpg Piching, Serian. “Tukang Rantek” means photographer in Piching dialect.

Special Thanks to these contributors:
1. Veronica Andreana (for the proper Iban translation)
2. Veeky Leonora (veekyleonora.blogspot.com) Kumang Saribas
3. Martin Dinil & Dr Mary Chalang
4. Stevie Sebol, Elyenner M. Mau & Sandine Bennidect – Ngepan Rajang
5. Vivianna Jimbun
6. Divabiz Ambassadorz team: Priscilla Nissie, Michellyn Subang, Saira Natasha, Mariani, Angelyna Luwa
7. Miri Models: Angelia Vanessa, Meyna Sebuang, Agnes Berangan, Minda Ranggong
8. Liza Acham
9. Joana Rochelle
10. Jennifer Munai
11. Eunice & Naddy

Sarawak Beauty: Leto Kenyah (Marylyn Ruran)

1 year ago

Greetings everybody! Today, I’d like to write about a beautiful Kenyah lady from Miri, Marylyn Ruran Tagal. During our previous photoshoot, I took the opportunity to interview her about today’s generation. She is passionate to see today’s generation to arise beyond their capabilities. Growing up in today’s world, teenagers like herself today have adapted to a fast paced, competitive and often frightening world. She’s fully aware the social media rants claiming that the today’s generation are lazy, unmotivated, self-centered, uncaring and cynical and they are heavy influence by social media trends and expectations. Much of the criticism aimed is due to a lack of understanding of the world they live in and this false impression of their worth and identity. Despite the bad reputation and flaws, she’s also fully aware that today’s generation are both intelligent and brilliant and she personally believe that every generation has a unique quality, strength and identity that makes it amazing for its time. She believe by truly understand today’s generation, recognize and encourage them to continue building upon their strength, ability, quality and talent, is one of the beauty and best gifts that we can offer to them. A lady of strong faith, she also hope that she can make a change by spreading the good news from our Creator, one person at a time.

(Kenyah Version)

Iya atek bangen kimet sae’ dalem naat lentung tau naki ngan penco ngelentung, nai bio’ dalem iu pe uban pemuyan usun tana’ naki. De’ manai ukuk baan ya lepa pemalai osa anun ne ngan iu pe uban pemuyan je sangkit, kadu’ peketun ngan kadu’ je’ maan teke’. Balu’ iya tesen keneng tirak je’ ilu naat ke laman sosial naki kadu’ je kuma dau lentung naki leko, enta bangen kimet, pengeluk kimet tengen, nta oba’ ala’ tawai, kimet je ja’at ngan atek kaduk tabin ku’un pengoba’ media sosial ngan iu baan dau isu du. Serepi’ bio’ un tirak ja penading cin korang penisen keneng usun tana’ je eda nyeripa ngan pemuyan ji nak penaat je sala’ keneng lega ngan pengemaren de. Na’ pe meka, iya ngelan ngan tesen keneng mung lentung kuak un penisen ngan kaduk pekenaan de tengen, un pengalu ngan pengemaren je oyan keti eda nai lua’ dalem masa de. Iya ngelan uka ilu atek alak kimet apan ilu ke tesen lentung dalau ji, ngan na’ katuk me eda man de ke penco nedeng pengali, penyukat ngan keremun de, ilu juku’ ke un naat pemuyan-pemuyan je tega eda ke ti. Ja ne si’ peniga ngan perit je atek tega ilu sokat nak mida.

Tukang Rantek,
Claudius

Claudius is a Boudoir & Portrait Photographer from Miri, Sarawak. Follow him on Facebook & Instagram.

“Tukang Rantek” means photographer in Bidayuh Serian.

Sarawak Beauty: Indu Dara Iban Kapit (Veron)

1 year ago

Tabi basa & greeting everybody! Today I’d like to share about Veron, or Umang, her nickname among her family members. We had a photoshoot last week, and during that photoshoot, I interviewed her so that she can rekindle her life’s ambition and from her story, she can inspire other peoples that no matter where you are from, you can achieve success.

The Story of Nani & Akang

3 years ago

Greetings and tabi basa family and friends,

To my Chinese friends, Happy Chap Goh Mei. I hope you had a good celebration. How was your weekend? I hope it is a good one. Always keep a high standard of safety and personal hygiene wherever you go as a prudent safety measure to prevent spread of any influenza that may come to your residence or your family.

This weekend was a good one for me because it is another joyful celebration for a friend, and fellow Bi-Pichin – Stephenie or Nanie and her husband, Gabriel Akang. For me it is a beautiful wedding reception and even before that, there was a beautiful wedding ceremony at St Dominic & Rosary, Taman Tunku.

Remembering Yesterdays

These are few beautiful life chapters that I have involved with in Nanie and Akang’s life story.

Tijan’s First Birthday

This was actually my first involvement with Nani. I was quite surprised and excited when she offers me this job. During that time I was just at the beginning of my photography journey.

Family Photoshoot

The following year, Nani told me that she has a secret job for me, where she plans to have a private photoshoot, and yet keep the photo secret, because it will only be revealed during their big day. This session was done at Taman Awam Miri. This is Suling’s first photoshoot.

The Wedding Day

For the day itself is a beautiful day, and it was another blessed day under the sun. Friends and family all come together to make the event merrier.

Not to forget the bunch of Bi-Pichin that came to make the event merrier.

Purple Ladies

After church wedding reception was done, all of us head to Eastwood valley for another round of photoshoot.

Wedding Dinner

The wedding dinner is indeed one of a kind, and the one that really symbolises Sarawakian’s wedding. It is a mix between Iban, Bidayuh and Kenyah culture, with various guests from all around Malaysia, or even from outside of Malaysia.

I have to post this: Emilia – the first Dayung Laut, the first one that became viral.

Emcee – Jerry Wan

As for the night’s event, without a sporting and crazy emcee, the event won’t be as lively as it is. Jerry’s special touch is he is able to connect with the audience, and he also sings, and dances, while making some jokes with the audiences. I still remember that “batang” jokes. lol.

The Band – Avalanche

They are the entertainer of the night, and they did an awesome job! This is actually the first time I heard them live. I love how sporting they are, because their lead male singer realises I am a Bidayuh and he gave me the honour to sing Mr Sanuh and Kampung Love. Azie also rocks! You guys are awesome. One special touch that I can’t forget is when they start to play Another One Bites The Dust. That’s cool indeed.

The final act of closing it with It’s My Life is awesome indeed!

Del’s Performance

I also did a performance during the dinner. You can actually see the video using this link. Basically it is a acoustic version of Can’t Help Falling In Love and Dealova. I notices in the distance that there is a second-voice backing me up. I appreciate it. Tiga tawai!

The new thing added here is the “sirambuk” that I just obtained from Delia.

Let Fun Begins

The event begins with entrance processions, with the first group of Kenyah ladies escorting Akang’s parents; Bidayuh dancers escorting Nani’s parents and lastly, Iban dancers escorting Nani and Akang.

Last Photoshoot: One For The Road

Love transcends the fragility of our mortal bodies.

Somehow this reminds me to Kabhi Kushi Kabhie Gham.

Gears Used:

As usual, I am using Leica cameras for my job, because it like its natural rendering. However, the one that trumps it all is the experience when handling it. I like how Leica camera is all manual. As usual, I am referring to Leica M system, as I am not a fan of its other system. For the night’s job, I used Noctilux. It is the lens that many would regards as the end-game of Leica lens, until there is a new successor that come to topple the king.

End Note

May God bless Nani and Akang, and their family. Keep the love’s fire burning brightly by trying to win each other’s heart again and again. That is something so beautiful with

Until next time. 😉

Your Tukang Rantek,
Del

Instagram: claudiuswesonphotography (for B&W works & short story)
YouTube Channel: Claudius Weson

Note: Claudius Weson is a “tukang rantek” (photographer in Bidayuh Pichin) based in Miri, mainly doing portraiture (indoor / studio / outdoor photoshoot), weddings and event photography.

Copyright Notice

All of the images on this site are protected by copyright laws and are the exclusive property of Claudius Weson Photography. Images may not be copied, reproduced, manipulated, used or altered in any way without written permission. The use of any photography as the basis of another photographic concept or illustration is a violation of copyright.

Angelyna & M9-P

3 years ago

Greetings friends,

First and foremost, Happy International Women’s Day to all great ladies out there. May God bless all of you always! Today’s story is the continuation of my experiment with M9-P and my effort to combine flash into my outdoor photography. Ideally, this would be simple if I have a dedicated helper. But, due to limited resources, I just have to make do with whatever I have.

Introduction

On this beautiful Saturday morning, me and local talent from Miri, Angelyna had a photoshoot at Coco Cabana, because I love how that place is. It is usually crowded with people over the weekend. To avoid this, we did out photoshoot in the morning before everyone comes out.

On my way there, I can see a lot of health-conscious Mirians, young and old, and their family jog in the morning with their family and friends at Marina’s pavement. Some did it solo, with Airpods accompanying them. Others, with a band of cyclists. For me, I usually exercise in the evening to keep my for any upcoming photography jobs, especially weddings, because you have to be physically fit and active to catch all of the decisive moments.

Gears: M9-P & Noctilux

About the gears, I am using my M9-P and a Noctilux lens. My camera is a 9 year’s old rangefinder, serviced at Leica Store Malaysia and the CCD sensor that its own signature look out of the camera, something like the Kodak film. That’s no surprise, because the maker of the sensor is Kodak. On a side note, its first successor, M-240 has a different rendering that does not appeal to me, hence the reason why I skipped it until M10 came, where Leica finally got it right. M10’s image is much closer to M9’s rendering than M-240, although a bit too “clean”. However, if the job is not so demanding, like dimly-lit places or event, I will just stick to my M9. Another reason is because M9-P is my first Leica camera, so the emotional attachment is there, just like any other artists with their favourite paintbrush, microphone, plectrums etc.

I was frequently asked this question: what is the best Leica camera to start with? I would say, M9 – first, it is full-frame and secondly, it is relatively cheaper compared to the older bodies, although you can find its advertisement popping up in Mudah ever once in a while. Also, the next question is, the technology is already 10 years old, so is it still relevant? My answer is yes, and I have been photographing weddings using it. I love the colour that it produces. Also, if you do it right, it is not prone to be soaked by water. I did headhunter run and SMEP Fit For The Future Run coverage using it, under pouring rain. As long as you do not purposely expose it right under rain water but only receive splashes, you should be alright. Make sure to dry it right afterwards, and put it either inside dry box (best method) or container of uncooked rice (cheapest method).

King Of The Night

Also, I am using Noctilux for obvious reason – I love the bokeh that it produces. I tried f/1.4, but it is not pleasing enough for me. Also, Noctilux’s low-light performance is second to none in the world of rangefinders, considering the maximum effective ISO that I can use with M9-P is only 800, so I have to rely on high aperture to get the same light input. With f/0.95, it is a staggeringly high number, that my beginner-self “fought” to acquire 3 years ago. I did get few comments from other fellow photographers that what I am doing is not correct because the norm is you should not blur out the background too much. I did tried to follow their advice, but as time goes by, I realised I keep on reverting back to it, and after that, I just do it. Why should I stop doing what I love most? Also, that will be my signature style. Bokeh. After such a long time operating it, the relatively long focus throw no longer bothers you as your left fingers and your left eye, in a beautiful synchronisation, automatically adjust the rangefinder to find the right focus as the target moves on. Once the target it set and found, the trigger is pressed, producing the beautiful M9-shutter tune. It is like a Termignoni exhaust to a Ducati afficionado.

On the other hand, when I am doing day-time street photography, I prefer to use Summilux 50 or APO-50 because it is much lighter that 700g King of the Night. 50mm has always been my favourite focal length, and it has shaped how I created my images, be it wedding or events, or even photoshoot like this.

Photoshoot:

First thing when I do is to get the white balance right, which will minimise my time when I am doing post processing later. The good news about Leica is you will get the best skin tone rendering, natural looking if you get the white balance correct. I am using a simple white balance card and then set it manually. After that, we just proceed with the photoshoot. You can see the sample images below.

Closing:

Overall, I am quite happy with this photoshoot but I admit that there is so much to be learnt about this particular field. Being so used to event photography, where you just “react”, this one requires me to think and plan ahead for the shoot. To make an image is the easiest part compared to planning a successful photoshoot. This sort of challenges makes life became so much interesting and I am looking forward to work with more talents in the future. I hope you guys enjoy this post.

Inspirational note here – Make sure your dream is big and do not be afraid or shy to make it happen. A thousand miles is just an accummulation of 63,360,000 inches. So make your steps counts.

Have a good weekend! 🙂

Claudius Weson is a wedding/event “tukang rantek” (photographer in Bidayuh language) based in Miri.

CW & Wedding Photography

4 years ago

Dear friends,

How was your fourth week of the year? Was it a bit of self-searching or you have found your track and are speeding up? Regardless, I hope you have a fruitful days in 2019 and have the things that you would like to do. Let’s not forget that everyday we are blessed with 1440 minutes and it is very important for you to make full use of it. In this post, I want to write about my experiences with wedding photography.

Introduction:

I have been doing wedding photography since 2017 on part-time basis since I am actually an engineer by profession, with photography as my passion. When I first started out, I did not intend to be wedding photographer, but more like event photographer and other activities that I like. The more I do wedding photography, the more I like it. It seems like there is something about it that is close to my soul. There is so much that we can relate to weddings that we will have to list it down to make it a complete sentence for others to fathom out thoughts. Let’s write it down here.

What is Wedding?

First and foremost, what is wedding? A wedding is a ceremony where two people are united in marriage. As a Catholic, I am close to this bible verse – Genesis 2:24: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” In another persepective, it is more than just the union of two person, it is actually the union between two family. When a man marries to a woman, it is the day he becomes her parents’ son, and vice versa. It is common for Sarawakians to call his parents in-law as father or mother. In Bidayuh language, it is andu-amang, in Iban, apai indai, and so forth. There is no limit to it, depending on your family and tradition.

Wedding Photography:

It is a well-known idea that wedding is a special memory, hence it needs to be captured somewhere. I still remember the day when my aunties and uncles get married in the late 90s and early-2000s, where there was no proper photographer since the main idea at that time is cost-saving. But back then, the idea was to rent few plastic camera from the nearest camera shop and save the shots only for the most crucial moments. Sometimes, the cameraman, Kochat, will come and offer to take photo, where we can choose from the following day. In the end, we can only get a few photo album, the one that you have to put talc powder to prevent it from being damaged over time. Most of the photo albums are missing. For my parents, there was only two photo of their wedding that I can find, but that makes it is the most special of all the images I posses. Having seen the hardship it causes, it makes me realise that every moment is precious. Subconsciously, it is another reason why I am passionate about capturing moments, so that I can immortalise memories.

Wedding Photographer:

Some might think of them as the one that lunge a camera, or two and ran around the room. Sometimes they come in a group of person with distinctive roles and responsibility, like in an established photographer organisation. Some – like me – comes alone dressed in black and trying to be discreet like a ninja and work alone. In my words, he is the person (or persons) who was given the honour to capture the moments throughout the event. Honour is a strong word – why? I am using honour because in the wedding itself is not something that you can just arrange in a whim. It requires an elaborate planning, resources, time and energy to pull it. Forget about planning, without any money, you cannot bring it forth. Although it is “just an evening”, but it actually is 1 year, or months in the making. Because of the planning and resources, and the importance it signifies, wedding photography is the aspect that one should not put lightly. Imagine this case, because you want to save cost, you took whatever photography that can fit your budget, in the end, you get what you paid for. To randomly listing down any potential worstcase – the composition is out, the crucial moment is off, and the colour is distasteful etc. that would make one nightmare of a wedding images.

Consider the alternative scenario – let’s say you have to pay a substantial amount of money to get an experienced , and award-winning photographer. You can be sure that the images that he/she took will be pleasing. That images, will be handed over to the younger generations to see the beauty of the precious moments, the wedding of their grandparents half a century ago. This is another reason why some people do not mind of spending a sum of reasonable amount of money for their wedding photography because it is a good investment. We can earn our money back, but not even a trillionaire can bring back even a second from his past.

Claudy’s Wedding Photography Style:

Whenever I was given this honour to be wedding photographer, I always put it in my mind – how would I do it if it is my wedding? I would give my best. There is something that I realised, each of the photo created is a reflection of the photographers’ personality. All of the photographs with people smiling in it is because their soul interacts with the soul of the photographer. Just imagine if I am putting a serious face, I bet the person in the images would be neutral. But if I am smiling and interacts with them before I capture the images, the person would be smiling.

I believed, and I have experienced that photographer also plays a key role in the event, particularly in the department of immortalising memories. We can always make the event merrier, trust me. You have the power to make a difference.

Since I am operating solo (being a freelancer), mobility is a must-have. In terms of style, there is no specific school of thought that I employ, but I am doing it without the usage of any light-modifiers or external flashes. This was heavily influenced by the other Leica M photographers. In fact, for my jobs, I am only using prime lenses. That is the style that I have been using since 2017 and because of that, it sticks with me. Habit dies hard.

Among the fun part of wedding photography is its time pressure because you only have few hours to edit and create the montage for the evening. Also, let’s not forget that it is one of the best time to have fun – because you are actually part of the key person who is celebrating the event. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

I realised that it is not about the gear that you are using. I truly appreciate the human elements in carrying out the wedding photography job, and without it, the final images won’t be as lively as you intend it to be. But there is no denying that the correct tool makes your life easier, and that is the reason why I am using Leica M.

Last one – be the change that you wish to see in this world. Be the photographer that you wish to see running around taking images of your family members during your wedding, the one that brings them joy on their big day.

Until next time, take care.

p.s. images of in this post are taken from Melanie and Ruben’s wedding. May God bless the two of them.

Regards,

Claudius