At nine years old, he discovered another exciting aspect of photography – developing his own photos in the darkroom at school. There, illuminated only by a single red light, he watched in amazement as his photographs came to life.

The young photographer also discovered that he could make learning more fun with photography.

When he studied about tin mines, he visited several mines with his father and took photos, before carefully compiling them into a scrapbook. “I believe in illustrations more than words,” Choy, 71, told FMT Lifestyle.

Reminiscing about his childhood in Penang, Choy shared that he was surrounded by art: his grandfather was a Chinese calligrapher, his mother played the piano and his father sketched with charcoal.

“But I was the rebel. I ventured out into photography.”

But a career in photography wasn’t on the cards for him until much later. At 18, fresh out of secondary school, he joined the family business in advertising – something he was groomed to do even while studying.

In the next few decades, Choy focused on growing the business and raising four children. Photography was put on the backburner although he still took photographs when on holiday.

Yet, Choy always had faith that the right time would present itself for him to pick up the camera again.

Over the years, he left the family business, joined the hotel industry and when it was time for him to retire at 56, he knew exactly how he wanted to spend the rest of his life. The right moment had arrived.

Six months before he retired, he started an inventory of the equipment he’d need – cameras, tripods, lenses, you name it. “From the day I retired, I’ve been shooting non-stop until today. I’ve never looked back.”

Over the decades, he kept abreast of the technological advancements in photography. “I used to go to a library, and then eventually I went to Google,” he joked, adding that dedication to one’s passion is important.

Discipline, too, for that matter. That is why he thoroughly researches his subject before going on location for a shoot. “Why would you want to waste time and return without the shots you want? Time waits for no man. We can never recover the moment or the emotions that connect you to an image then.”

Choy’s photographs, from natural landscape and portraits to architecture, are captivating and many have been sold overseas.

These days, although he uses both analogue and digital cameras, he admitted that the high cost of film means he leans more towards the latter.

Today, he aspires to pass his knowledge to others. “I want to share my experiences with anybody who is willing to listen,” said the grandfather of two.

To young photographers, he has this word of advice: “Explore and experiment. Even if you make mistakes, remember that it is a journey of learning.”

Looking back on his decision to pursue his passion at a later stage in life, he shared: “A gallery curator once asked me: ‘who influences you?’. I said, ‘Nobody influences me’. I’m not a blind follower. I test everything out and if it suits me, I’ll do it.

“People have told me, ‘Buy this camera, it’s very good’. Yes, a camera is a very important tool. But at the end of the day, any picture you take is a reflection of you. So, just trust yourself.”