“Attending” a Sanren workshop in Batu Pahat

I have so many thoughts about visiting Batu Pahat. And it goes beyond just “attending” a workshop. It is an experience that you cannot simply put into words, but I will try.

The Sanren Workshop + Conference 5-8th May 2026 (credit: Sanren Studios)

When I first was invited by Rayson, the founder of Sanren Studios, an extremely popular wedding film photography studio that is based in Batu Pahat Malaysia, I got so excited… and then the nerves hit. What if I failed to live up to the expectations required of me to present and educate a crowd that was so enthusiastic about Sanren’s style? Here’s the story - the team at Sanren views and photographs weddings differently to how I would. The last thing you would think the attendees want to listen to is someone who preaches in a completely different direction.

Who is this imposter? (credit: Sanren Studios)

Then I realise where the team at Sanren is coming from. They have always been one of the industry leaders in terms of innovating and what they wanted was a group of speakers that photograph differently from them to come share their philosophy. This way, the attendees do not get too bounded by an imaginary wall closing in on them and telling them they should only photograph in a certain way.

A short photowalk around town on the day of arrival

Before I knew it, I was travelling up north from Singapore to this quaint town of Batu Pahat. And quaint it was. It was such a vibe. No pretense. No air of ego. Everyone carried on with their day in this town and lived live like it should - with happiness. Thomas, Mark, Rachel and I walked around town on the day of arrival and we realised that. It was definitely a 360 turn around from where we come from - the highly stressful state of Singapore.

As our aging bones creaked, it was time to get an early night’s rest before heading into Day 1 proper (for us). It was actually Day 4 for the attendees who have already been exhausted but fulfilled from the many live shoot sessions they had with the Sanren team.

I went into the day nervous (as always) but even more so because I know the attendees were really tired and the last thing they needed was someone preaching down his experience and philosophy on them. So before I started my presentation, I asked a couple of questions to seek to understand the people I am addressing a bit more. Also - to calm my nerves lol. What’s interesting is I would usually be on the other side because I really love attending workshops like these. Learning from experienced speakers and my peers always elevate me and propel me to do better in my work.

The photos above are from the Sanren crew which I secretly wished I was a part of. Documenting, rather than speaking. I would like to think that I did ok - after all - no point fussing on if you did good or bad because it is going to affect you one way or the other.

After my side of the presentation was over, I went back to observing - and my eye definitely caught sight of a few quirks sprinkled throughout the rest of the day.

Hanging out with my fellow photographers again reinforces the fact that our industry is a very lonely one and we all need that constant support from one another. The community that Sanren has built over the years is an extremely strong one and I really felt so much - even when I was only there for a couple of hours technically on the last day.

It is moments like then that you will question yourself on if it was better to have been there throughout the entirety of the workshop lol. After the presentation, everyone was ushered to the gallery area in which there was a conclusion + summary of the events over the past few days by Rayson and the Sanren team. It felt like everyone was bursting out in tears and overwhelmed with tiredness and emotions at that moment.

And then night fell and we got to partake in another round of festivities which included dinner - a Malaysian traditional style wedding dinner of sorts hahahahaha. And it ended with a round of fireworks - Malaysian style o_O.

After starting to journal this moment in time - which I wouldn’t want to ever forget - I am still at a loss for words. The correct words to summarize my first time speaking in front of a large audience about wedding photography and also the emotions that went through me from start to end.

All I know is - Sanren has built and is still building a wonderfully amazing community that knows no bounds and I am so excited to see where they go from here.

And wherever they end up, I am so glad to have been a small part of this day.