IN a world where pixels and lenses vie for attention, there also exists a realm where passion meets purpose; where each click of the shutter captures not just an image, but also a moment of existence frozen in time.
Enter Yusuf Madi, a name that's become synonymous with the artistry of nature, landscape, and wildlife photography in the country. Born and bred in the coastal town of Besut, Terengganu, the 33-year-old's journey into the world of photography was as organic as the landscapes he so ardently captures.
With a degree in surveying and geomatic science from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam, his path initially seemed cast in stone, as he traversed the corridors of corporate life. Yet, as is often the case, fate had other plans.
"I'm not an 8-to-5 office person," begins Yusuf, reflecting on his brief one-year stint at Tenaga Nasional Berhad after completing his studies. His gaze wanders to the bustle building up by the entrance of Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast's all-day dining restaurant, Sessions, and he smiles.
The laidback Virgo is among the award-winning nature and wildlife photographers invited by the resort to capture Desaru Coast's dynamic ecosystem as part of its exciting new conservation initiative, in collaboration with JungleWalla Desaru, aimed at rewilding Desaru Coast and its surroundings.
Continuing, Yusuf shares that after leaving his job, he dabbled in freelance wedding photography because "… I just wanted to make money to survive. And also, the demand was there."
He also joined a consulting firm, Malaysian Environmental Consultant (MEC) as a GIS project officer, drone pilot and photographer. In 2020, he set up his own photography and videography studio specialising in nature, landscape, wildlife and eco-tourism.
INNER LIGHT
His heart, admits Yusuf, had always yearned for the vast expanse of nature, for the untamed beauty that lay beyond the confines of a cubicle. It was sometime in 2016 that Yusuf, the eldest of six siblings, decided to dip his toes into the waters of photography, initially as a hobbyist seeking solace in the simplicity of capturing moments.
Recalling how it all started, Yusuf shares: "My passion for photography actually began when I was doing my degree. I'd always liked painting and nature since I was a kid. But all that was momentarily left behind when I was pursuing my diploma."
Raised in a close-knit family in an idyllic kampung setting — where ducks, chicken and cows roamed free — this talented photographer's early journey was marked by a devastating loss. The untimely demise of his parents — both to a heart attack when he was still in his teens — had cast a shadow over his formative years.
Yet, it was amidst this darkness that Yusuf, raised by his grandparents, found his inner light. "On hindsight, having to deal with such pain and needing to be strong made me a better person. Whatever challenge I get in my life, I don't get fazed," he confides, voice tinged with the wisdom of experience. "I just face it calmly. I never feel scared."
Continuing solemnly, Yusuf adds: "Even if I don't succeed in what I do, I generally don't tend to feel frustrated. I just keep going and accept that maybe some things are just not meant to be mine. So, I tell myself that I need to just keep putting in the effort."
A wry grin crosses his handsome face when he muses: "Sometimes, because of this attitude, people like to accuse me of being too keras (hard), but actually, it's more that deep down I know that everything comes from the Almighty, and this keeps me humbled. It's up to God whether He wants to give me, or not."
Indeed, it's this quiet strength that defines Yusuf's approach to both life and photography. With each frame he captures, he pays homage to the resilience of the human spirit and the unyielding beauty of the natural world.
ESSENCE OF THE NATURAL WORLD
For Yusuf, the essence of wildlife photography lies not just in capturing images, but also in capturing emotions. "It's about capturing the emotions of the wildlife," he asserts, eyes lighting up.
"From the face, we will know the species," he adds passionately, continuing: "But then, the expression on its face will radiate the mood and showcase the artistry." Through his lens, Yusuf seeks to unravel the mysteries of the natural world, immortalising moments of raw emotion and untamed beauty.
Yet, amidst the beauty of his craft, lies a poignant truth — the fragility of the world he so passionately documents. "Eventually, I know that they (the wildlife) can go extinct," he reflects, voice low. "If they become extinct, we humans will too. It's just a matter of time."
It is this awareness that drives Yusuf to not only capture the splendour of nature, but also to advocate for its preservation. "What I'm trying to do with my work is to show that we all need each other to survive in this cycle of life," he explains, brows furrowing in exasperation.
"I feel that if there's one thing we can still do, it's to at least delay the inevitable as best as we can," he asserts, expression earnest. Through his photography, Yusuf reiterates, he is striving to ignite a spark of empathy; to remind us of our shared responsibility to protect the natural world that sustains us all.
THE BUFFALO BOY
Sometime during the course of his journey, Yusuf stumbled upon an unexpected accolade — a special award from the ND Awards (Neutral Density Photography Awards) 2020 edition — a pinnacle of recognition in the world of photography, for his photo entry titled The Strong Bond.
At that moment, Yusuf managed to immortalise the timeless bond between a boy named Shukor and his beloved buffalo, weaving a tapestry of emotion and connection that transcended language and barriers.
"Actually, that work was completely unexpected. A stroke of luck! It happened back in 2020, just three days before the Movement Control Order (MCO)," recalls Yusuf, a hint of amusement lacing his tone.
Continuing, he shares: "Here's how it unfolded: I was conducting a photography workshop in Terengganu. I had some clients from Penang who were keen to learn about landscape photography."
They specifically asked to photograph the boy, Shukor, says Yusuf, before pointing out that he (Shukor) and his buffaloes were already well-known among photographers, though not so much among the general public.
Born to a farming family in rural Terengganu, Shukor embodied a way of life steeped in tradition and harmony with nature. His unique friendship with his animals, particularly his buffalo, had captured the imagination of Malaysians and tourists alike, earning him the moniker of the "Malaysian Mowgli".
"As my clients focused on capturing their shots, I found myself sitting at the back with Shukor's father," continues Yusuf, adding: "At some point, I started to feel restless so I decided to snap a few pictures myself."
Continuing, he recalls: "It just so happened that there was a lull as I waited for that perfect moment, and suddenly I decided to call out to the boy and buffalo. Simultaneously, they turned their gaze on me and I managed to capture that moment. As they say, the eyes don't lie!"
When the MCO was implemented, Yusuf decided to send the photos to "… errr, Asian Geographic Magazine or something like that. And then, lo and behold, the pictures went viral".
Asked why the photos may have struck a chord with many, Yusuf replies: "I think it was the raw emotional connection between boy and buffalo. Their eyes seemed to mirror each other's, conveying a depth of emotion that words couldn't capture."
Two weeks after his photos went viral, the buffalo fell ill and died. But Yusuf had managed to provide a glimpse into the extraordinary relationship between his subjects, freezing a moment in time when the essence of companionship between human and animal shone bright.
"Despite not being immediately recognised as the photographer behind the image, I found it amusing how I then became associated with the 'buffalo photographer' persona. It's been quite the unexpected journey," muses Yusuf, chuckling softly.
For the 33-year-old, The Strong Bond was more than just a photograph; it was a reflection of his ethos as a photographer — to tell stories that inspire, provoke thought and evoke emotion.
SOLACE IN SIMPLICITY
Away from his lens, Yusuf shares that he finds solace in the simplicity of rural life. In fact, he's made it a point to cultivate his own slice of paradise amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.
"I'm still a kampung boy at heart," he confesses, a sense of longing palpable in his voice. "I live in Kuala Lumpur now and in my backyard, I plant fruits and vegetables! I enjoy gardening."
Voice low, Yusuf confides: "I miss my childhood home, my kampung. I'd like to move back to Terengganu one day. Our family's wooden house is just 50 metres away from the beach. In the morning when I wake up, I can hear the sound of the waves lapping against the shore. It's so calming for the soul."
Looking to the future, Yusuf dreams of embarking on a photography expedition to Kelantan or Perak to capture the elusive Malayan tiger, for him a symbol of both beauty and vulnerability.
Shares Yusuf, eyes alight with enthusiasm: "One of my photography heroes is the Borneo-based wildlife photographer and naturalist, Chien Lee. His work serves to inspire a deeper understanding and respect for our natural world. He's managed to capture the tiger."
A comfortable silence descends as we both observe the human world at play around us. Somewhere in the distance at the waterpark, a child's happy shriek pierces the calm. As I slowly gather my things to signal the end of our interview, I couldn't help but reflect.
It is in the quiet hum of the natural world that Yusuf finds his sanctuary, his lens capturing the silent symphony of life with each gentle click. And it's through his artistry that he's inviting us to pause, to reflect and to cherish the fragile beauty that surrounds us.