AI can’t replace this Raya photo tradition in Sabah

2026-03-17 - 23:41

With Raya-themed props and a creative setting, Ahmad Jimmy is keeping the tradition of studio photography alive. (Bernama pic) SANDAKAN: Once upon a time, in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, visiting a photography studio before Hari Raya was practically a cherished ritual. Families dressed in their finest, posed under bright lights and carefully chosen backdrops, and waited eagerly for the photographs that would preserve festive memories. Today, smartphone cameras and artificial intelligence can generate images in seconds. Yet in parts of Sabah, the tradition of studio photography is still very much alive. In Sandakan, Cre@+ve Capture Studio in Bandar Perdana continues to draw families eager to capture their Raya moments the old-fashioned way – albeit with a modern twist. Owner Ahmad Jimmy, 41, who has worked in the photography industry for more than a decade, said demand remains strong despite competition from smartphones and AI. “The results from a studio are unique and cannot be found elsewhere. Studio photographs are more realistic compared to AI-generated images,” he told Bernama. According to Jimmy, the difference lies in the creative setting and the expertise behind the camera. “I rely on creative backdrops, and we can capture beautiful moments in higher quality. Professional photographers know the best angles to highlight each family.” This year, Jimmy and his wife Siti Nur Fadhilah Fajeer have introduced two main photo concepts for Raya – Classic and Muji. The Muji theme leans towards a modern, minimalist aesthetic, using calm neutral tones such as white, light wood and beige. The Classic set, meanwhile, taps into nostalgia with antique household items that many visitors instantly recognise. Old radios and televisions, wall clocks, oil lamps, charcoal irons, sewing machines and cassette tapes decorate the space, evoking memories of life in earlier decades. “This concept carries strong sentimental value. The decorations remind many people of childhood memories in the village, and gathering with relatives during festive seasons,” Jimmy said. He laughed as he pointed to one of the props – a charcoal iron. “If you didn’t know how to use it properly, the clothes would turn black from the coal!” Jimmy sorting out portraits to be delivered to customers, many of whom appreciate the festive atmosphere of his studio. (Bernama pic) The nostalgic theme appears to have struck a chord with customers: bookings for Raya have received an overwhelming response, with slots from the first to the fourth day of Aidilfitri already fully booked. Packages start from RM200, but the strong demand came even before the studio had a chance to promote the offers on social media. “The slots were filled mostly through word of mouth among friends and customers,” Jimmy noted. To accommodate the surge, the studio has even added late-night sessions ahead of the festive celebrations. For many families, the studio experience is part of what makes the photographs special. Sandakan marine police base officer Abang Khairul Rizman Abang Buseman, 32, said he prefers studio portraits for their professional quality and festive atmosphere. Restaurant manager Muzzammil Sanapati, 34, agreed, saying professional photographers bring an artistic touch that family snapshots often lack. “More importantly, the photographer knows how to guide poses and arrange everyone properly so the picture looks beautiful,” he added. “And in the end, the photo becomes a precious family memory.” Find out more by following Ahmad Jimmy on Instagram. Cre@+ve Capture Studio Lot 56, No. 5, Lorong Bandar Perdana 1, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah