Kim Yap, a passionate mobile photography enthusiast and a mother of four from Malaysia, has achieved international recognition by winning the prestigious vivo Vision+ Mobile PhotoAwards 2023. This annual mobile imaging contest, co-hosted by vivo and ZEISS, showcases the talents of smartphone photographers worldwide. Kim Yap’s captivating photo series titled ‘Coffee Life,’ captured using the vivo X80, earned her a spot among the 21 award-winning pieces, an achievement celebrated by both the public and professional judges.
Kim Yap’s journey symbolizes an inspiring tale of personal growth and accomplishment. “Winning this award surpassed my wildest expectations, given the sheer number of global submissions. My victory has galvanized the support of my family and friends, who now recognize the significance of my chosen path,” Kim Yap shared. Her triumph underscores the newfound acknowledgment and backing her photography skills are receiving from a wider audience.
The vivo Vision+ Mobile PhotoAwards, established in 2020, is a renowned platform that celebrates the creativity of vivo smartphone users. This year, the competition took on the theme ‘Create Together,’ inviting photographers to submit images that encapsulate authentic human emotions. The collaboration with global imaging partner ZEISS has elevated the contest’s prestige, emphasizing innovation and excellence in mobile photography.
Yap’s Winning Entry – ‘Coffee Life’
Kim Yap’s winning collection, ‘Coffee Life,’ secured its place in the ‘Photo Series’ category of the competition. The series was captured during a visit to a vintage coffee factory in Klang, Selangor, where natural light played a pivotal role in creating mesmerizing visual effects. With her vivo X80, she adeptly captured the intricate details of an elderly man’s face, revealing the passage of time and evoking a sense of nostalgia.
Kim Yap’s journey into mobile photography was closely tied to her choice of equipment – the vivo X series. Starting with the vivo X70 Pro, she progressed to the vivo X80 and eventually settled with the vivo X90 Pro. Her encounter with the vivo X80 during her visit to the vintage coffee factory ignited her passion for smartphone photography. The X80’s exceptional low-light capabilities amazed her, convincing her of the smartphone’s potential to rival dedicated digital cameras.
Speaking about her photographic passion, she shared, “Photographing the elderly is my true calling, recognizing the fleeting nature of their presence. This passion stems from memories of my own grandmother. In the past, photography was limited to conventional cameras, making it an exclusive pursuit. However, these limitations fueled my love for photography, intensifying my desire to forever preserve moments shared with my grandmother and freeze time.”
ZEISS collaboration in vivo X90
Kim Yap’s journey is in harmony with the evolution of the vivo X series, a line that has consistently pushed the limits of mobile imaging by forging collaborations with ZEISS and pioneering innovative technologies. The strategic partnership between vivo and ZEISS, coupled with the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation, has propelled the vivo X series to its rightful status as the ‘Flagship of Mobile Imaging.’
Kim Yap’s unwavering emphasis on self-belief and creativity, regardless of the equipment available, resonates as a powerful message. Her triumph serves as a guiding light for aspiring young photographers, igniting their passion and encouraging them to explore the world of visual storytelling. Her journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of unwavering passion and self-confidence in the realm of photography, inspiring future generations to capture and share their unique perspectives with the world.