FACES – They fascinate me. Always. Behind every face, there is a story.

I have always wondered about the story behind each of the faces I met during my travels. The collage above shows some of the people who are featured in my book, “Stories & Souls.” All of them were strangers to me; and whilst I only had very limited interaction (due to language barriers and time) with some of them, others were not even aware of being photographed by me.

When photographing people, I always strive to capture more than just an image with a person in it. I believe that behind every face, there is a soul, and a voice. And it is my goal to capture images which are not only capable of showing the emotions of these people, but also reveal their innermost souls.

Of course, this will not always be possible. Without words, one can only interpret. That is why I have decided to include a short story to accompany each of the images in my book.

“Stories & Soul” is a hardcover 140-page coffee table book, featuring a total of 109 images from 12 countries. The dimensions of the book are 324mm x 280mm x 13mm and it weighs 1.32kg.

The front cover and some of the inner pages of the book. 

If you are interested in getting a copy of it, you can place your order online by clicking on "Book" on the Homepage of this website, which will lead you directly to the Shopping Page. 

How did I meet these people?

Where did we meet?

What happened right before and after the image was taken? 

Did we speak?

Did they tell me their stories?

How did I feel when I meet them?

What made me click my camera?

In my recently published book, “Stories and Souls” (#StoriesAndSoulsByHannisze), there is a short “story” to accompany each of the images I have chosen to include in it. Although it has been said that “A picture is worth a thousand words”, I believe that in reality, this is not often so. 

I prefer my readers to journey with me through my images, rather than leaving them wandering and wondering on their own.

I will be sharing a preview of the book in my next few posts. If you are interested in getting a copy of it, you can place your order online by clicking "Book" on the Homepage of this website, which will lead you directly to the Shopping Page. 

When I got my first DSLR camera 10 years ago, I remembered being very hesitant to approach people for photographs. I have also never photographed people without their knowledge, because somehow, I had this idea that it was rude.

However, over time, as my confidence grew, I begin to realise how useful the camera can be, as a tool to “break the ice” between me and the strangers I meet. Looking back at my early images, I realised that “something” was missing.

Sure, in every photo there was the “Face”, but there was no “Soul”.

Most of the people I photograph are strangers I meet during my travels. As such, I do not always have the luxury of time to get to know them before taking their photo. I asked myself, “How much of an essence in a person can I capture, in the short span of time I spend with them? Can I really capture more than their faces? Can I capture their personalities?”

With that in mind, I took steps to improve on my interpersonal skills. I became braver and bolder in my interactions. Before long, communicating with people became second nature to me. I began to amass a large collection of images of the beautiful people I met. Not only do I remember each of them, but I can also recall what happened during those encounters.

I started sharing these images and the stories behind them on my social media accounts. It was here that friends and strangers encouraged and persuaded me to make a book, to showcase some of my best images. About a year ago, I finally summoned enough courage to embark on this book-making journey.

After going through a lot of hiccups and disappointments, I finally took delivery of my books from my printer recently. I will be sharing more on what motivated me to make this book, and introduce you to its contents, in my next few posts. 

For now, here is an image of “Stories & Souls” (#StoriesAndSoulsByHannisze), sitting proudly on our bookshelves, amongst some of our favourite books and memorabilia.

This book is designed by the talented designer behind GoodCatchDesign, without whom I would not have dared enter into this daunting book-making process. It was edited first by my lovely friend, Debs Lloyds (an author in her own right), and again, by my meticulous niece, Samantha Yong (a gifted writer and photographer). I am so blessed and grateful to have them on board this project, and for their invaluable contribution in making this book a reality for me.

“Stories & Souls” is sold online and can be shipped worldwide. If you are interested in getting a copy, just click on "Book" on the Homepage of this website, which will lead you directly to the Shopping Page.