Photographer of the Week
Erwin Lim - Making a Difference-
by Yugel Losorata–
Each individual wants to make his mark and contribute to the betterment of his surroundings. For lensman Erwin Lim, he picks his camera as a tool in making the world a better place. His photographs have become sources of good feelings captured by the sense of seeing.
He has gone to places less traveled and crafted subjects out of practically everything possible under the sun. One should deal with the complexity of planet Earth and his eye sees the beauty of it all.
“Photography can encourage, inspire, and move people to make this world more humane and just. It is my fervent hope that through my photographs, I will be able to make a difference in the most positive way,” expressed the man who grew up in Bacolod but he is now based in Cebu.
Lim owned his first camera when he was just in sixth grade, a Kodak 110 pocket instamatic given by his ninong. That was enough to mold his passion for visual art. During his high school years, his dad saw his gift and gave him a second-hand Nikon FM2, a manual SLR which is still in perfect condition to this day.
He began with film (keeping his old 135 and 120 film cameras up until today), but he now prefers shooting digital since it is the call of times. It is his pursuit, however, to keep that positive vibe through his chosen medium and being outdated won’t help him in his mission. 
“I don’t really specialize in one particular field,” he shared. “I shoot almost anything that excites me: people, kids, architecture, travel, festivals, fashion, food, nature, landscape, wildlife, underwater, among others. I love travel and portraits best and I love capturing people’s emotions.”
In Lim’s photos, one can see the human element which is almost always present. Even in a totally different world that is under the sea, one can find the power of humanity reflected in his images. Above sea level, he chooses to be in touch with people from all backgrounds and outlooks.
Lim’s work has paved the way for him winning the title “Photographer of the Year” for his club affiliation a number of times. He joined the Cebu-based Images Camera Club and developed himself into a perennial recipient of such prestige, especially with his photographs clearly sending the message that the world is better off with them.
He assessed, “Photography allows me to capture beautiful images and share what I find beautiful to people. The subjects are varied, and the possibilities are limitless. It is the emotional rush of clicking the shutter in such a decisive moment to seal the memory forever that makes me drool over this art form and keep me from wanting for more.”
When asked about his deepest view on photography, he shared: “More than a visual art and a creative pursuit, photography is life. It allows us to present reality as we experience it in our lifetime. It seals beautiful moments and memories forever. It is our gift to the next generation.”
Being an active member of a 26-year-old organization, Lim has found competing a good way of improving his skills. Fortunately, he is more often at the winning end and he already has a collection of trophies and plaques for the past 20 years he has been into photography.
He is a consistent victor for the Sinulog Photo Contest held annually in Cebu, winning the grand prize two years ago by beating more than 7,000 other entries. Last year, the ASEAN Tourism Association Awards for Excellence (held in Vietnam) counted his photo as the best tourism shot. This month is big as he is to accept from the NCCA (National Commission on Culture and Arts) the “Ani Ng Dangal Award” with other artists from other fields.
“As a visual artist,” Lim pointed out, “I would want to capture life-defining moments and catch it at the right time for posterity to relish. My pictures should express who I am, what I am passionate about and allow other people to enter my world. It is a priceless gift to be able to seal a memory in photographs.”
Having made quite a difference through photography, Erwin Lim acknowledges that the craft has made an impact in his life way beyond his imagination – being enriched by the journey of learning and producing photographs. He believes that discipline and hard work are basic principles in becoming a successful photographer. He need not talk much for his pictures more or less walk the talk.
