Yuji Haikal is a self-taught photographer from Johor, Malaysia, who began his artistic journey in 2007. Although his academic background is in Information Technology, his passion for photography has always been self-driven, fueled by a deep love for storytelling through images.

After a decade-long hiatus, Yuji returned to photography with a rangefinder camera and a 35mm lens. The turning point came from a simple yet profound question posed by his late father: “Why aren’t you taking photos anymore?” This question reignited his passion, leading him on a journey of rediscovery, capturing life’s fleeting moments with newfound purpose.

Yuji’s work is heavily influenced by iconic photographer Jim Marshall, whose raw and intimate images shaped music photography. Inspired by this ethos, Yuji strives to create images that transcend time and culture. He primarily works in black and white, using contrast and composition to highlight unseen stories and emotions often overlooked in everyday life.

His dedication to the craft has earned him international recognition. In 2024, Yuji won the prestigious Book Photographer of the Year award at the International Photography Awards (IPA), along with First Place in the Self-Published Book category for his handmade photobook, Why Aren’t You Taking Photos Anymore?. This photobook, a deeply personal tribute to his late father, was entirely crafted by hand—featuring Yuji’s photography, design, bookbinding, and cover-making. It has been showcased at major exhibitions, including JIPFest, IPA Best of Show, KLPF, and Exposure+ Dummybook Exhibition.

Beyond photobooks, Yuji has been an active force in event and concert photography since 2007. He has documented the energy of local bands such as OAG, Butterfingers, Laila’s Lounge, and Komplot, as well as major events like Rock The World, Urbanscapes Festival, and Nusa Fest. His recent collaborations include Leica Store Malaysia and working with Zainal Abidin for the Sound of Spirit edu-concert.

As the Vice President of PPPC, Yuji plays a key role in Malaysia’s photography community, organizing workshops, photowalks, and forums to inspire and educate fellow photographers. His Street Photography and Monochrome Workshops have been well-received, further cementing his commitment to the art.

Today, Yuji continues to document life with emotion and storytelling, using his lens to create powerful connections. Every frame he captures is an extension of his personal journey—one that began with a question and has since evolved into a lifelong pursuit of meaning through photography.