My Jakarta: Regina Lita Lubis, Political Photographer on The Jakarta Globe

 Guys, I wanna share an article about me in The Jakarta Globe on March 29, 2011. Here is the link:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/myjakarta/my-jakarta-regina-lita-lubis-political-photographer/432076

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My Jakarta: Regina Lita Lubis, Political Photographer

Being a political photographer has taught Regina Lita Lubis an important life lesson: Never stop exploring and trying new things.

Miss Ginski, as she’s know in the business, says the emotion and fervor of political campaigning are what initially drew her to snapping shots of politicians, but doing what she loves and getting paid for it is what got her hooked for good.

How did you get your start as a political photographer?


I used to work at a political consultancy as an administrative supporter. I was pretty close to my boss and he took me around during political campaigns — most of the time as an observer.

Instinctively, I started capturing moments and people with my camera. I showed those photos to my boss and he loved them [laughs]. It was then that I realized I had a talent for political photography.

I think being in the middle of a political campaign, surrounded by all the political excitement, just piqued my curiosity and pushed my creativity. I just live in the moment — indulge in it — and great photos come out of it.

How long have you been a photographer now?

I have been working as a professional photographer for almost two years now. I was doing it for fun, as a hobby at first, but then it led me to do it more as a professional.

Did you study photography?

Just some workshops in Pekanbaru, Bandung and Jakarta. I started in 2007 because I loved it and I just never stop learning and practicing.

What’s the most interesting part of snapping photos at big political rallies?


As a political photographer, you have to do more studying than anything else. I have to keep constantly updated on the latest news about politics so that when I’m working, I know who and what are important to capture.

You have to learn about the character of the political party, people involved in it, the ideals of the party, what kind of event they are having — be it a campaign, declaration, meeting, etc. — to be able to capture the right person in the right situation.

It’s not only about capturing the moment, but also how we describe the moment or the person and turn it into great photos. Once you are among those party members, you have to grasp that emotion, feel the energy and the euphoria as much as they do. You have to become one of them.

And as a professional photographer, you have to adjust and become comfortable in whatever political situation you find yourself in at that moment.

You obviously love the passion behind politics. Ever thought about doing it yourself?

I would have to say no. I’m not interested. It’s enough to know a lot about politics, not to get involved in it.

What inspires you?

My father is my inspiration. For me, he is my Google [laughing]. He knows everything and has the answers to all my questions.

Another inspiration is the book ‘ Bumi Manusia ’ [‘This Earth of Mankind’], by Pramoedya Ananta Toer. It is not about love, but it taught me about life’s struggles, how to appreciate what you do, what you’ve done, and how to feel accepted and loved.

Anything about Jakarta that inspires you?

Everything about the city inspires me. The streets, the lights, the people — they create different sparks of color and shape with stunning angles.

I’ve been living here for two years now and don’t plan to move anytime soon. Jakarta makes me see what life is. The rapid changes happening in the city that you have to recognize and be smart to catch up with every day. Like being a bee in a big garden. You have to hurry to get your honey or you’ll starve.

How do you keep your photos fresh?

Never stop learning, practicing and experimenting. Don’t become satisfied with your work. There are so many photographers in Indonesia, there has to be a something special — some character to your photos.

I’ve done fashion photography, wedding photography, everything. But I want to do more, something new, that’s why I am doing political photography now. I want to break away from the mold and try something more dynamic or simple. Everything starts as an idea that has to be tested and refined.

What’s the best thing about being a photographer?

It is a privilege to be a female photographer since the field is dominated by men in Indonesia. Women are more sensitive and that makes us better at putting feeling into our photos. Some of my clients say they hire me because they’re more comfortable with a female photographer [laughs].

Where can we find you on a Friday night in Jakarta?

At a coffee shop with live music around Blok M or the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle. Jakarta is the best place to shoot photographs and to enjoy music on a Friday night.




Regina was talking to Prima Desita.

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