Petaling Street - Street Photographer's Treasure Chest

As a tourist, Petaling Street or KL Chinatown would be something you hear everywhere you ask about tourist spots. It's almost as if the entire city revolves around this most unique of places.

Once a run down and dingy part of town, it has been revived to become one of the must-visit places, not only for foreign tourists, but also for any self-styled bargain hunter residing in this bustling metropolis. A head-spinning array of knock-offs, exotic fruits and street food, and colourful characters awaits you...

Strangely enough, my encounter with this area of downtown KL had been minimal, apart for the few times that I wanted to scope out the latest Tag Heuer offerings (wink wink). But since rediscovering photography, I was always itching to throw myself into the mix, to force and challenge myself in this genre they now call Street Photography. And that's what I did a few weeks ago.

For those uninitiated, this form of photography involves one taking photos of random strangers,mostly without their permission. Sneaky and suspicious as it may seem to some, it does have its merits. It captures the very essence of everyday life, eternally documented for future generations. It is unposed, unplanned and most definitely as true to life - the only caveat is that the photographer must project the final image in they way it actually was. But, for someone just delving, let me tell you, it was damned well intimidating.

I started my "walk" around 10am, warming up by

occasionally stopping and photographing the various street graffiti around the area. I then "forced" myself to hone my lens on people, from a distance at first, getting closer and closer, egging myself to get that 1 foot closer each time. Then something happened. It was like a veil was lifted. Once I got into the stride, I was just popping my camera right into the noses of these total strangers, right within their view, and happily snapping away!! And it felt so, so liberating!!

Of course, I ran into the occasional few who pointed out to me, and demanded that I delete their photos. And of course, I was apologetic and graciously deleted them. But 9 out of 10 times, people were either too engrossed in the sights and sounds of the place to notice, or noticed and were either indifferent or happy to be part of a unique way to document life!

For the record, it was a totally exhilarating experience for me. I was as giddy as a schoolgirl, wanting to spend that 1 hour more, just that one shot more. Everything looked so inviting and I did not want to stop! In the end, I spent a good 5 hours just strolling around, hunting down my next potential "masterpiece"...

It was 3 pm, and I realised that I was hungry. Imagine that! 5 hours, totally engrossed, losing myself! I was wet, sticky, my knees and hips were creaking...but yet I had a silly grin which just would not go away! It was like a drug, and I knew I was hooked.

So, for those who're contemplating about getting into this new genre, take it from me. There's nothing like a busy, rustic part of downtown like this gem called Petaling Street KL to get the creative juices flowing. Just be prepared to be a convert, for life...

P.S. For our foreign guests who wish to have your visit to Petaling Street documented in a candid, honest and true-to-life representation, please do contact me. I'm always looking for excuses to go back...again and again and again... :-)

Take care.