Meet Malaysia Community LomoAmigo: maduz

I’m glad to introduce our newest LomoAmigo, Firdauz Ghazali, otherwise known as maduz. You’ve probably seen him around, you know, the quirky guy with the gas mask on? Get to know more about Firdaus as he is this week’s Community LomoAmigo!

Name: Firdaus Ghazali
LomoHome username: maduz
City: Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Tell us about yourself. What do you do for a living? What are your interests?

Haha, where do I even begin? Here it goes, my name is Firdaus Ghazali. Currently, I’m pursuing a Bachelor degree in Business and Knowledge Management at Multimedia University of Melaka. But at the same time, I’m working as a freelance photographer and videographer too. My main interest will be anything related to art and visual design. For sure, Lomography brings them all together in one community and that’s why I’m so in love with it now and forever. 

Why did you choose maduz as your nickname?

Great question! It started like this, it was my first time playing Final Fantasy X on my Playstation 2. The hero name is “Tidus”, so I changed the name from “Tidus” to “Madus”. Then after a while, the name got stuck in my head. Later on, I changed the name again from Madus to Maduz (“Mad” from Mohammad, “U” from Firdaus and “Z” from Ghazali). From 11 years back until now, my schoolmates and close friends still call me with ‘Maduz’.

How long have you been a Lomographer and how did you find out about the Community?

I have been a Lomographer since 2009. I found out about the Community from a friend of mine named Wandy Saeit. He is my first ‘guru’ in both photography and ‘Lomography’.

What’s the story behind your first Lomography camera?

Nice question. The story behind my first Lomography camera’s actually a pretty funny story. My cousin and I went to this store in Kuala Lumpur and we saw the Fisheye No.2 placed nicely on the rack next to some other Lomography cameras.

I told my cousin, “Would you like to pitch in together to buy this camera?”

And to that, my cousin replied, “Sure thing, but promise me you won’t tell my parents about it.”

Before we knew it, we bought the Fisheye No.2, splitting the cost equally. And that’s how it all began — it’s a moment that I’ll never forget. 

Is there a film you like best?

I love to try different kinds of film, but my favourite would have to be Fuji Provia 100F 35mm.

If you had to choose one picture, which one would be your favourite?

My most recent photo, Effa Matapura. 

Tell us the most unforgettable, strangest, funniest, or worst photographic/Lomographic encounter you have ever had.

The most unforgettable one would be the most recent one, where my friends and I went to a private beach in Kuching. The mangrove was great and the beach was beautiful as well. 

We see you’ve taken many portraits, who is your favourite subject to photograph?

My current favourite subject would be Effa Matapura. Daiyan Trisha is my favourite too. 

If you could bring your cameras and film anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?

I would love to travel around Europe. I love the environment, the scenery and the people. I would love to learn new cultures and capture the moments and beauty of everywhere I go.

What tips and tricks would you share for new Lomographers

Get a good camera with a good bargain, for example, I started off with Fisheye No.2 and Holga 135 Black Corner. From there, I bought myself one of my all-time favourites, the Lomo LC-A+. And then, of course, try out all the films available within your budget. By trying one at a time, you’ll learn faster and experience differently from others.

Last, but not least, be moderate in whatever you do. Trying too hard in producing great photographs will end you up in the wrong track. So, be humble.

What’s coming up for you? Any upcoming projects?

My current Lomography Project is still ongoing, I’m finding talents for my portfolio. Besides talent, I’m working out on various kinds of experiment, such as splitzing multiple exposures, working with redscale on slide films instead of color negative and more.

You can find more special photos in maduz's LomoHome. Be sure to check them out and perhaps strike a conversation with him and make a new Lomography Community friend!

작성자 jasonskung 작성일 2013-03-06 카테고리 #사람 #malaysia #analogue-photography #analogue-cameras #lomoamigo #maduz #community-lomoamigo