By Leo Kasim

The demand for photography services in the country has been encouraging as it provides opportunities for both employment and income.

Speaking during the very first presentation of the Young Photographers Award yesterday, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah said that from an employment and market demand perspective, the field of photography offers employment prospects such as in the areas of communications, journalism, advertising and publishing.

"The need for photography services in the country especially for social event are encouraging, even more so if you take into account the momentum of social media which is closely interconnected with photography," he said.

"In the creative industry, photography plays an important role in producing high quality artworks," he added.

"Hence, photography is identified as a field that help an individual earn income whether on full or part time basis," he said.

In addition, the minister also pointed out that photography is vital in its contributions to nation's history and society.

"Photography can act as a mirror to show a nation's culture, heritage and environmental beauty," he said.

While there are benefits to be explored in the field of photography, the minister also reminded that ethics must also be given attention in photography.

"There must be limits involved together with moral and social responsibilities in order to avoid the productions of photos that are defaming, rude and pornographic in nature," said YB Pehin Dato Hj Hazair.

He then suggested for the young photographers to treat the awards competition as a form of motivation in taking their creativity beyond local borders.

"I would advise that the youths who are interested in photography to practise their creativity more so that you can reach to a much higher level such as the ASEAN Young Photographers Award," he said.

He went on to say that the ministry will always continue to support and cooperate for the development of photography in the country together with the youths being involved.

"At the same time, it is hoped that the private sector will also support the art for the sake of the nation's development especially the young generation," he said.

The minister said that the local young photographers competition,had definitely contributed to the development of professional photography while supporting the cause of the creative industry in the country.

"Photography may seem easy as a hobby but the reality is, one needs to be skilful and credible to be a professional and quality photographer," he said.

"To the amateur it is recreation, to the professional it is hard work, no matter how pleasurable it may be."