Wenisilviani Jong

I’ve been passionate about photography for many years, ever since I first picked up my mom’s film camera. However, it wasn’t until recently that I started taking it more seriously. Photography has always been a form of therapy for me, a way to document life and escape from the daily grind. When I was stood down from my job due to COVID-19, I took the opportunity to delve deeper into photography, taking on side jobs and exploring different aspects of the craft.

It wasn’t until around 2022 that I truly fell in love again with film photography. In a world where everything moves so quickly and everything is digital, there’s something special about film. It forces me to slow down, to appreciate every step of the process, from taking the photo to scanning it myself. This deeper connection to the art form has allowed me to truly appreciate the end result in a way that digital photography never could.

I would describe my style as spontaneous and nature-focused, with a particular emphasis on landscape photography. I have a deep love for the natural world, and that passion shines through in my work. Living in Sydney, I’m fortunate to have access to stunning sunrise and sunset spots, where the changing light paints the sky in breathtaking colours, enhancing the beauty of the landscapes. Additionally, Sydney’s vibrant atmosphere provides ample opportunities for candid moments, whether it’s capturing the hustle and bustle of the city streets or the serene moments along the coastline. Instead of planning out elaborate shoots, I prefer to let my surroundings guide me. I love to wander with my camera in hand, taking in the simple things around me and allowing the beauty to unfold naturally. This approach results in authentic and spontaneous photographs that truly reflect my appreciation for the world around me.

Yes, I am earning from my art, although slowly, as it’s been a gradual process. I haven’t been actively marketing it due to time constraints from my full-time job, but I find joy in the process nonetheless. Currently, I sell my work through Etsy and offer direct sales through Instagram DMs. As for what inspired me to start marketing, it was the desire to share my passion for photography with others and potentially reach a wider audience beyond my immediate circle.

I’ve been fortunate to receive positive feedback on my photography, especially regarding the vibrant colours and thoughtful compositions in my work. Clients and viewers have appreciated the vividness of landscapes and the harmony in candid shots. This feedback inspires me to continue exploring and sharing the beauty of the world through my lens.

Formerly employed as a chef, I now work as a cook at a child care centre, with aspirations to transition into an educator role. In addition to my day job, I pursue my passion for photography by accepting photography and videography gigs on weekends, while also creating photographs with the intention of potentially adding them to my print shop.

I’m currently working on my 2024 photo book project. In January, Kodak Professional kindly sent me a bunch of 120 film, as a gesture of appreciation for my work. I’m thrilled to be using these films to create a photo book, and what makes this project special is that 50% of the profits from the book sales will be donated to charity. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to give back to the community while sharing my passion for photography.