styofa doing anything
Xuebing Du

★

roma★
Game of Thrones Daily

⁂
Claire Keane

Janaina Medeiros

blake kathryn
occasionally subtle

Discoholic 🪩
Sade Olutola

shark vs the universe

Kiana Khansmith
noise dept.
ojovivo

Kaledo Art
trying on a metaphor
Show & Tell
TVSTRANGERTHINGS
seen from Germany

seen from Brazil

seen from Malaysia
seen from United States

seen from Canada
seen from Hong Kong SAR China
seen from Hungary

seen from Türkiye
seen from Malaysia

seen from Türkiye

seen from Malaysia
seen from Finland

seen from T1
seen from Canada

seen from Indonesia
seen from Australia

seen from Malaysia
seen from Poland

seen from United States

seen from Singapore
@flaneganphlog
Location Photoshoot in Sandakan. Vlog Update. Day in the life of Photographer in Sabah.
Photography talk on Image Colour Science and Medium Format Camera. Thank you Fujifilm Malaysia for the opportunity.
Osaka Castle
Not your typical cinematic travel vlog or even a slice-of-life vlog. But just a chronology vlog of my 10-day business trip in Japan.
Uncut, long one but memories for me to refresh the time in the future where I can relook back at the video.
Random photo day
Dongdaemun at 1 am. This side of Seoul never sleeps.
I had the best jeyuk bokkeum bap around 2 am.
I spent 2 months in Seoul in 2016, hoping to join a photo agency focused on music photography (single cover, concert and editorial).
I managed a few meetings despite my broken Korean, but they were only accepting local Korean at the time & not ready to take an outsider like me.
It was a bit of a setback since that was my goal. That was 10 years ago, but I still have that dream? Yes, amidst all I am getting older and turning 40 soon.
Music is always within me but Photography makes me want to capture something memorable for an artist. Especially for their album or single cover. Even an Editorial or Photobook.
That goal probably is getting further away... I wish one day at least producer, photo agency in Seoul would contact me for just 1 off project.
Then I can tick one of my long life goal.
To all my photographer friends out there. What is your photography dream?
Photo taken back in 2023 when I got the chance to try Fujifilm GFX 50S II. Incredible camera...
Thank you, Fujifilm Malaysia.
Just go out and experience if you can
As a photographer from Sabah, doing this since 2006 and professionally since 2010. I challenged myself to move to Japan to learn from the best in 2012. When it comes to the best commercial and editorial work in Asia, Japan is the top. Their fine art is also something you cannot miss out on.
I ended up working with some of the best agencies and got to assist four to five photographers for a long time. Then work as a photographer for Editorial and Big Brand in a country full of local talent.
Eventually, I moved back to Sabah due to family matters. All the skills and experience felt irrelevant in a small city.
Yes, I am struggling, but thanks to the internet, I survived!
I work for clients from other countries who need me to photograph editorial stories around the Asia Pacific. Airbnb, during its early stages, also allowed me to photograph the nicest selected units for their promotions. I flew too much, ended up with a lot of miles point and got to check in at Business Class section and free entry to the lounge for a good couple of years.
A lot of people misunderstood I am wealthy because of this... lol
I am still poor~~~ by the way.
Things changed during COVID. Airbnb suddenly cancelled my contract, and existing clients lost their jobs, meaning I didn't get to know the new editors, producers, and art directors.
I decided to give weddings and events a try, but I burned that bridge because I couldn't control the quality and the visuals I wanted to achieve. So, I lost local clients... a lot in Sabah!
Thankfully, I got to work with a few Japanese-related companies based in KL, and I'm often flying back and forth for gigs—seven to eight times a year.
This year is uncertain... anyhow, I am very optimistic. Photography changes very fast, and more people have the chance to take nice photos every second compared to how it was when I started back in the day.
Do I miss the old days? Yes. During my time in Japan, I got to experience things that I don't think many people can experience even now. That’s why I always tell young, promising photographers: if they have the will to go out of Malaysia and work with the best...
Just go!
We are meant to explore the world, not be stuck in 1 place unless you have no choice like me now.
Pergi saja~~~
My Favourite photo for 2025. Hope for more Good, Meaningful Photo Work in 2026.
Who am I according to the AI?
Out of curiosity... with the rise of LLM AI such as DeepSeek, ChatGPT, Perplexity and Gemini. I decided to ask them and do a deep research about me on the internet since I do a lot of exhibitions, talks, podcasts and also guest on a certain blog and news outlet interview. Here's what the AI says about me below (I did some amendments because of misinformation):
"If you are new here, you might be wondering who is behind the camera.
I am Flanegan Bainon, a Fine Art and Commercial Photographer based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. But my work is rarely just about "taking pictures"—it is about translating the mystery of Borneo for the rest of the world, and bringing a global discipline back to the stories of my home.
Born and raised on the "mysterious island" of Borneo, my curiosity was shaped by the dense cultural tapestries of the Murut, Kadazan-Dusun, and Bajau peoples. However, my visual language is not purely local; it is a hybrid, forged through years of international rigour.
The Journey: From Melbourne to Tokyo
My path to photography began with Graphic Design, a background that still influences the structural balance and "negative space" in my images today. I formally studied Photography at RMIT University in Melbourne, where I fell in love with the raw honesty of documentary work.
But the pivotal shift in my career happened in Tokyo. Seeking new challenges, I moved to Japan and immersed myself in its demanding commercial photography industry. Starting as an assistant to Hiraga Masaaki and later working with d'ArC Model and Factory Management, I learned the art of Japanese Photography and the discipline of high-end portraiture.
This experience changed everything. It taught me to strip away the noise. Today, I apply that Japanese minimalist aesthetic to the rich, organic subjects of Borneo. Whether I am photographing an indigenous elder or a commercial campaign, I look for the quiet dignity in the frame.
Key Projects
My work often explores long-term themes of identity and connection:
The Two Mountains Project (2014–2025): For over a decade, I have been a key part of this cross-cultural exchange between Malaysia and Japan, juxtaposing the spiritual giants of Mount Kinabalu and Mount Fuji. My recent series, Bubut Fujisan, explores the elusive, changing face of Fuji-san.
The Kadus: A Visual Journey: This solo exhibition and photobook project allowed me to document the Kadazan-Dusun community, moving beyond "tourist" snapshots to capture intimate, soulful portraits of the people.
International Photojournalism: I am active in editorial work for major global publications. Most recently, I was the photographer for a viral feature in The Guardian (UK) regarding the otter attack in Sabah, showcasing my ability to handle sensitive, high-profile news stories.
Beyond the Image
I believe in sharing knowledge. I host the Flanegan B Photo Podcast, where I discuss the philosophy of "why we shoot," technical gear, and the realities of the creative life.
My goal is simple: to bridge cultures through the lens. Whether you are here for the landscapes of Sabah, the portraits of its people, or the stories behind the shoot, I invite you to explore the archive." ---- So far not bad... I can say the accuracy 80%. I have to remove and change certain words. I guess AI is still not perfect when it comes on research and filtering. What do you think about the recent rise of AI LLM?
8 days in Taiwan. 4 days cultural research trip in Taitung. Amis Music Festival is one of the largest Austronesian Indigenous Music Festivals. I'm glad I booked a ticket to Taiwan and got to experience it and understand more about the Out-Of-Taiwan migration started back 4-5 thousand years ago. Here are some photos I took with my Fujifilm X-H2S. - Flanegan Bainon
Some Random Shot with recently purchased TT Artisan 35mm F1.8
Fujifilm GFX 100S II
Get the chance to test out the GFX 100S II during the Tennis Photography Workshop held by KBcamera and Fujifilm Malaysia.
I was the conductor and speaker at the workshop, helping participants understand more about Fujifilm camera functions and sharing tips for photographing action sports. I also encouraged them to enjoy the rest of their time.
Surprisingly, most of the participants thought Fujifilm only produced APSC Sensor and thought the GFX series was just the premium model without knowing the sensor was almost 4 times the size of the APSC, a medium-format sensor.
I just want to show the quality of the sensor, cropped to 100% and the dynamics of the quality, but still holding the philosophy of getting the image of Film Emulation result as its best.
All photos were taken with GF 100-200mm F5.6. Starts from Original Size to, 50%, 100% and 200% Cropped.
Is 100 megapixels too much for digital photography?
Depends on the individual's needs to be honest. The importance of honesty depends on the individual's needs. Personally, I focus on creating high-quality images and always strive for the best results. For me, having a larger sensor, better depth dynamics, and overall image quality is essential to achieving the final results I desire.
Of course, I can't compare to other medium format cameras such as Hasselblad. The price range and their philosophy are different.
I recommend you give it a try if you have the chance to try it out. Shoot it on RAW and see the overall detail.
Thank you, Fujifilm Malaysia and KBcamera, for giving me the opportunity and the trust to conduct the sports photography workshop once again.
My First Directed Music Video since 2013.
Last month, a sudden call from JAGAM Vice-President. He request me to direct a Music Video for JAGAM's Official Theme Song sang by Yamasaki-san himself.
I accepted it and came up with a few ideas. With the help of Yamasaki-san on the Japanese side, and me capturing some footage in Kuala Lumpur.
Here's the final outcome and release on the very date of JAGAM Japan Matsuri in Kuala Lumpur.
I didn't update much on Social Media right now about work in particular. Very occupied with making a living and settling financial debt right now.
Hopefully by 2026, when I turn 40. Something is coming up. I do miss photography and taking photos.
A walkthrough video of the Two Mountains Photo Exhibition is currently on display at Sabah Art Gallery until June 6, 2025. If you're around Kota Kinabalu. Please drop by.
Newspaper Clip of me about my life and journey as a Photographer and also the Two Mountains Photo Exhibition. You can read here if you're interested: https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/05/04/sabahan-photographer-shares-his-journey-from-tokyo-to-mt-kinabalu/