AJC Gwinnett News staffers write about the 2007 stories that touched them — personally and professionally
By VINO WONG
In 2007, I photographed more than 450 assignments. With each picture, there’s a life, a life yearning for more.
When thinking back over the stories and assignments that touched me most, I kept coming back to the Dalai Lama assignment. Growing up in Malaysia, I would read and hear about him in the press and never thought 37 years later, I would meet His Holiness face to face. He came over and shook my hand. I nodded my head as a sign of respect.
Even though we’re of different religions, what is so profound is his calm demeanor. His faith gives him the courage to dare to do great things. I was blessed to have the opportunity to be in the same room with someone who cares deeply and loves generously.
I tell stories in pictures in a printed space shrinking now more than ever as the cost of doing business continues to rise. But great photography survived the transition from film to digital. Can great photography survive the evolution from print to online publishing? The answer is yes.
I will continue to aim the camera and trip the shutter and be a witness and serve as the eyes of our community. I’m inspired by the work of my colleagues telling stories that might otherwise go untold. I hope you share in this inspiration and make some discoveries of your own. Enjoy the power of pictures.
• Vino Wong is an AJC Gwinnett News photographer. Reach him at 770-263-3665.
