At just 19 years old, Harry Ho Zi Le has achieved international acclaim with his photo series “// One last dance… (1952 – 2022)” at the 2023 International Photography Award (IPA).
Securing first place in the documentary category, Ho’s award-winning photos go beyond the ordinary.
The photos that have caught the world’s attention honour the local heritage, capturing the final moments of Penang’s iconic 70-year-old eatery, Aik Hoe Dim Sum Restaurant.
This young photographer vividly remembers that chilly morning in Scotland when he received what he describes as “life-changing news.”
He recalled how he felt when he saw the email announcing his big win. “The rush of emotions that washed over me at that moment was indescribable. I found myself jumping around like a four-year-old, tears of happiness streaming down my face.”
In fact, he wasn’t the sole celebrant.
“When I shared the exciting news with the owners of the restaurant, they were overjoyed and extremely grateful,” Ho shared.
The idea initially came from his mother, who informed him that Aik Hoe Dim Sum Restaurant was scheduled to close its doors during the final week of his summer vacation to George Town.
As an individual with a “passion for storytelling through photography,” this presented an extraordinary opportunity that he couldn’t resist.
“When I approached the owners of the restaurant, they were incredibly warm and receptive to my intentions,” Ho explained. “Despite being just a student from KL, they welcomed me with open arms.”
In fact, their hospitality went above and beyond what he expected.
“The owners graciously extended an invitation for me to explore the inner workings of their kitchen – the entire process of crafting dim sums,” he said, enabling him to capture what an ordinary person wouldn’t have had the chance to witness.
“Whether those viewing my photos have personally experienced Aik Hoe Dim Sum Restaurant or not, I want them to be able to immerse themselves in the nostalgic ambience and connect with the essence of this place,” he told FMT Lifestyle.
During his time documenting the restaurant’s closure, Ho shared a beautiful moment. He said that the restaurant was bustling with locals eager to savour their dim sum one last time, and he found himself standing next to a group of elderly customers.
“These elderly locals struck up a conversation with me. As I explained my purpose for being there – to document this historic event – they were not only understanding but also immensely impressed.”
In a spontaneous gesture, Ho offered to take a group photo for them, and their joy and gratitude, as he vividly recounted, were unmistakable.
“This experience truly reflects why I love photography – it’s about bringing people together, creating meaningful connections and exchanging stories with one another,” he shared.
Ho’s love for photography began at age eight when his father gifted him a Sony camera. While it started as a casual hobby, it was when he came across the work of street photographers such as @northborders and @7th.era, that he found his calling.
“Their work ignited my passion for street photography and inspired me to step out of my comfort zone.”
While relatively new to the photography scene, Ho’s success is fuelled by his own drive and initiative like his “photowalk” adventure during the same 2022 trip to Penang.
“I immersed myself in documenting the everyday life of the city, often walking around 10km each day. I’d rise as early as 6am to capture the first light and stay out as late as 12am to observe and record the ordinary moments that are often overlooked.”
Now pursuing a social-science degree at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, Ho is beyond ecstatic to have his award-winning photos showcased at the prestigious Splashlight Studios in New York City.
With his sights now set on the title of Photographer of the Year 2024 in IPA, Ho has a few wise words: “Stay hungry and dream big.”
Follow Harry Ho Zi Le on Instagram.