Personal Testimony from Sue-Lynn, Miss Malaysia Universe Finalist 2008

Capturing that sparkle of the eye, that distinct look, that very moment. He adds life to pictures, finding the best in people and making people their most beautiful. Perfect pictures with intense eye contact and 110% performance, that's William Lim for you. "Never say never", he always told me, along with all other motivation methods he could think of. "You are beautiful. You need to believe in that and let in surface in your pictures, and also in real life".

My motivator, my photographer, my mentor; William is a man of amazing talents and a bevy of accomplishments under his belt. He is neither arrogant nor judgmental. Always so calm, focused and meticulous giving nothing less than spectacular in all he does be it portraits, weddings, events and even personal grooming.

Before I met him, I was shy, uncomfortable with taking photographs and always choosing to be behind the scenes rather that the spotlight. I always thought, "Why should I be in the spotlight? I'm not beautiful enough to do this, I'm not good enough, I don't have the features, I just can't". I was spiraling downwards in the self-confidence department.

I grew up as the ugly duckling, always the odd one out because I was chubby and unattractive. "You think you can? I don't think so. You're not good enough", says one. "You're not pretty, you have tiny eyes, your legs are so spindly!" said another. Growing up, I was constantly teased by people about my weight and appearance. In the beginning, I was indifferent to the teasing and unpleasant comments thinking that it didn't matter to me. Little did I know, the comments left a huge dent in my self-esteem.

Although I lost my baby fats, I still felt like the same old ugly duckling. I had spent 2 decades of my life feeling unwanted and ugly. I never felt beautiful or good enough. Praises from friends, strangers and relatives were brushed aside. To me, they were merely talking nonsense. Pageant organizers have asked me to join beauty pageants as they think I have the potential. I thought they were out of their minds. How could I be a part of such glitz and glamour?

A few months back, William took some amazing studio shots of me. He did such a terrific job that I thought I looked pretty damn good. For the first time in my life, I FELT BEAUTIFUL. There was a sense of euphoria in me when I saw the pictures he took; it was as if I had emerged out of my cocoon. I was ecstatic! Flashbacks of pageant organizers persuading me to try out for pageants ran through my mind.

After almost a month of contemplation, I decided to submit an application for the Miss Malaysia Universe pageant. After the closed-door interview, I managed to enter the finals, the top 14. It was a feat I never thought was possible. However, my joy was short-lived. I soon found out that almost all the girls have been regularly participating in beauty pageants and have attained numerous titles. They were the personification of beauty. Gorgeous, poised, experienced and most importantly CONFIDENT. All the qualities I don't possess.

I struggled during the photo shoot for the pageant portfolio not knowing what I was doing let alone how to pose. I ended up bumming the shoot especially the swimwear category and making the photographer pretty frustrated trying to take my pictures. I felt very uncomfortable with my bikini while the other girls were rocking theirs well.

Needless to say, I looked like a constipated cow. I overheard a few girls commenting on my lack of experience and inability to pose for pictures. I felt like utter crap. I nearly wanted to pull out of the competition. I called William and told him about to pageant expecting him to tell me off for being over-ambitious and foolish. Instead, he was ecstatic. He told me to come over to his studio for some guidance and tips on posing and presenting myself well.

I think I gave him a very hard time mentoring me as I have completely nil confidence and have no idea what to do. I have this mantra repeating in my head, "You can't do it. You're not pretty or good enough for the pageant". It took William a lot of time and patience to stop me from believing in that mantra. It still gets to me sometimes and he will be there to cut the crap out of me.

Posing was difficult as William's job is to make people look beautiful. The other photographers merely take pictures. Whether or not you look good, it's none of their damn business. I had to learn to understand my body and face in order to look good in pictures. I stumbled a few times and photos were not flattering at all. Still, he persevered, coaching me to get it right. "Find your angle. Know what works for you. Gaze into the lenses. Tease the camera", he always said.

I have yet to perfectly master the art of posing and carrying myself but I can safely say that I have more confidence in myself now. William thinks I can do better and that I should try harder. "70% is all about self-confidence, the other 30% is beauty. Master the 70% and you'll do great", he said. I told William that if I performed badly in the pageant, I hope he won't be so disappointed. He replied, "My dear, the fact that you have made it this far, I already a proud of you. Give it your best and show them what you can do!"

Thank you William for putting up with me and giving me all your support. I will give my best this coming pageant final and keep your advices in check. Once I get through this, the metamorphosis of the ugly duckling will be complete.

Sue-Lynn, (May 2008)
Miss Malaysia Universe Finalist 2008