At 64 years old, while many of his peers may settle into a life of leisure, Haji Mohd Husini bin Haji Bakar, a retired legal manager turned photographer, has chosen to spend his golden years chasing fleeting moments of grace.
From events to people and from the small to the macro, Haji Mohd Husini, known in the local photography scene as Mr Kantalensa, has captured countless scenes through his lens.
Yet among all the subjects he has photographed, none are as beautiful or as transient as the symbol of paradise in nature: birds.
For Haji Mohd Husini, the majesty of these winged creatures is captured in the intricate details of their varied and vibrant plumage.
However, it is their migratory nature that truly sets them apart, as each sighting brings an indescribable wave of excitement even to the most seasoned bird enthusiast.
A PASSION TAKES FLIGHT
Although he retired in 2019 at the age of 55, Haji Mohd Husini’s journey with photography has been extensive, even serving as the president of the photography section of the Brunei Shell Recreation Club previously.
In his formative years behind the camera lens, he was drawn to event photography, capturing significant moments during celebrations such as the National Day and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s birthday.
However, over time, his focus shifted from the grandeur of public celebrations to the subtle intricacies of smaller worlds. He embraced macrophotography, an art form that magnifies the minute details of tiny subjects like insects.
It was on one such macrophotography outing that Haji Mohd Husini had his first taste of birding, marking a new chapter in his photo-graphic exploration.
“It started in 2012 at Wasan (Paddy Field) and I was with a few friends at the time, doing macrophotography; we were taking pictures of insects,” he shared.
There, he met a group of birders, who were on their own outing, taking photos of the wandering whistling duck which is endemic to the Sultanate and Borneo.
He recalled marvelling at the photos taken by the birders, noting the vibrancy of the bird’s plumage and the beautifully captured patterns on its feathers.
“That was the first time I saw ducks at Wasan,” he added. And from then on, his curiosity was piqued.
Though he admitted to starting birding as a hobby, the father of three has since seen more than 500 birds from various exotic locations, including Costa Rica and the Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
In Brunei, he has observed about 260 of the over 600 bird species found in the Sultanate’s forests.
The names and information of these birds are conveniently recorded in a birding app on his phone. While not all his travels were specifically for birding, Haji Mohd Husini has made it a habit to compile a list of common birds for whatever country he plans to visit.
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
For Haji Mohd Husini, it is precisely the unpredictability of birds that makes bird photography so exciting.
Having been in the scene for decades, the retiree has built up a reliable network of enthusiasts who often alert him when a rare bird appears on the Sultanate’s shores.
He recalled the adrenaline and anticipation that come with such news, often followed by hours of scouting and chasing, just hoping to catch a glimpse of their new feathered muse.
However, there is one reality about bird photography that Haji Mohd Husini painstakingly accepts: not all excursions prove to be fruitful. “There are times we spend the whole day and nothing in sight, but then that becomes the motivation.
“You try your best not to leave the place, even when the weather is against you. You might start in the morning, then it rains, but in locations like Wasan, the birds often come out after the rain. It’s all about patience”.
However, beyond personal satisfaction, Haji Mohd Husini’s passion for bird photography is also driven by a desire to contribute to the broader understanding of Brunei’s biodiversity.
He has collaborated with the local wildlife department and schools, organising roadshows and exhibitions to spark interest in bird photography and conservation among the youth.
“The idea was to introduce photography in schools as a way to connect with nature and perhaps inspire conservation.”
Unfortunately, although the Sultanate boasts several bird enthusiasts, they are few and far between, with the local birding community dwarfed by those of our neighbours.
BEST WING FORWARD
Even with decades of experience, Haji Mohd Husini admits that bird photography is no small feat; it’s a different beast entirely.
“Settings are crucial, especially in different lighting conditions,” he shared, highlighting how some bird photographers push their settings to 1/3000 or 1/5000 to capture fast-moving birds.
“It’s a learning process. Even now, I still photograph birds doing their regular activities – standing, walking and preening their feathers.”
That being said, Haji Mohd Husini admitted that compared to weddings or people, bird behaviour can be somewhat easier to predict, once you’ve observed them long enough.
“Birds typically come in, perch for a moment, you snap one or three photos, and then they’re gone. If you’re lucky, they might stick around, flying around and looking for food”.
Reflecting on his more than a decade of experience in bird photography, Haji Mohd Husini expressed joy in the places he has visited. – Wardi Wasil
