Rejang Dancer

Metha Meiryna is not your typical mother and working professional. As Project Director at a national construction company with projects scattered across multiple cities in Indonesia, she juggles a demanding career while raising her child and pursuing her passion for photography. In this interview, Metha generously shares her journey into photography, how she balances her bustling life, and her thoughts on preserving cultural authenticity through the lens.

Thank you for taking the time to chat with us today. To start off, could you tell us a little about yourself and how you first became interested in photography?

Of course! I’m a mother to one beautiful daughter and currently work as a project director for a national construction company. My role requires overseeing several projects across various cities in Indonesia, so it keeps me quite busy. But my passion for photography actually stems from my love for hiking and being surrounded by nature. It all started when I set a personal goal of completing the Seven Summits of Indonesia. As some background, I’ve climbed six of the seven peaks,with Carstensz Pyramid in Papua remaining on my list.

During my hiking expeditions, I became captivated by the beauty of nature and wanted to document the incredible landscapes I encountered. That’s when I first grew interested in photography. Curious about how to hone this newfound interest, I reached out to friends, and they directed me to Sandy Wijaya, who would later become a mentor to me in the world of photography. I started taking private photography lessons from him in 2017, and that’s when my interest in photography truly deepened.

In 2018, I had the chance to join Sandy on Mahacaraka photography tour to Nepal and China (Guizhou), and that experience was incredibly eye-opening. Since I love to travel, travel photography became not just exciting but also challenging, especially in terms of managing my time between work, family, and photography. But despite the challenges, the rewards have been amazing. My passion for both travel and photography continues to grow, with each journey offering new perspectives to capture.

With such a hectic schedule, how do you manage to balance your time between family, work, and your love for traveling and photography?

It’s definitely a balancing act! I wouldn’t say it’s easy, and sometimes it feels like I’m constantly juggling all aspects of my life. But I truly love traveling, so I make an effort to squeeze in tours whenever I can, even with a packed schedule. Fortunately, I can work remotely for certain parts of my job, which gives me a bit more flexibility to travel. However, regardless of how well I plan, focusing too much on one aspect—whether it’s family, work, or travel—means that something inevitably gets sacrificed.

For instance, I often travel without my child because she has her own commitments, such as school and extracurricular activities, which makes it hard to coordinate tours together. But on top of all of this, I’ve also been pursuing my Master’s degree, which adds another layer of complexity. Many times during my tours, I find myself needing to attend online classes, participate in meetings, or complete assignments, all while still trying to enjoy the traveling experience. I’m really grateful that I was able to complete my degree despite those challenges.

There was even a moment during a recent tour to Monlam in 2024 when I had to cut my travels short and come home early for an important exam. It’s definitely not easy striking a perfect balance, but with the passion I have for all these parts of my life, I just try to make it work the best I can.

Is there any particular travel destination that has left a lasting impression on you?

Every place holds its own impression for me, but fundamentally, I genuinely enjoy going on expeditions, whether within Indonesia or abroad. One of the places that stands out is Mongolia; I felt almost like coming home because of the warmth of the local team there. There was also the challenge of photographing in the Taiga with temperatures dropping to -50 degrees Celsius, which was extremely demanding and made for a difficult yet fulfilling experience.

Then, there’s Peru, with its captivating locations, culture, and atmosphere. It’s a destination where you can both shop and take amazing photographs at the same time—truly unique in its own right.

From all these places, I’ve come to realize that we must be grateful for the incredible richness of Indonesia. The food here is exceptional, and we have an abundance of clean water—something we often take for granted, but which is not always easily accessible in other destinations.

That sounds incredible. On that note, what would you say has been your greatest achievement in photography so far?

I’d have to say winning the Sony World Photography Award in 2022 with my piece, Rejang Dancer. Seeing my photo showcased in London was definitely a proud moment. But beyond formal recognition, what I consider an even greater achievement is my ability to let go of external validation. I’ve learned not to focus so much on whether people like or dislike my work. What matters is that I love what I do, and I’m content with the images I capture.

Between work and family, how do you find inspiration for your photography?

Honestly, I rarely pick up my camera during my daily routine because work takes up so much of my time. When I’m not traveling, the camera often stays stored away. Photography requires focus, and I believe good photography must come from the heart. For me, that means capturing something when I’m truly present and passionate about what’s in front of me.

If you could only choose one lens to work with, what would it be?

Right now, I’m really drawn to prime lenses because of the clarity and creative control they offer. I mainly switch between a 35mm and a 50mm lens, depending on the type of shot I’m aiming for. However, if I absolutely had to pick just one, I would choose the 50mm.

The 50mm lens is incredibly versatile—it strikes a perfect balance between close-up details and more expansive views, without distorting the image. It also mimics the natural field of vision, which helps capture scenes the way I perceive them through the lens. Whether it’s portraits or street photography, the 50mm delivers sharp and beautifully framed compositions that align with how I interpret the world around me. And because I really enjoy working with the 50mm, I love how it offers a unique point of view compared to other lenses.

Do you have any advice for people out there who struggle to balance their hobbies, careers, and family life?

Every individual has different priorities, and that will naturally lead to different ways of balancing things. But my main advice is to remember to be happy above all. Without happiness, managing life’s many responsibilities becomes a draining task. Make sure that in the midst of everything, you’re doing what makes you feel fulfilled.

Are there any specific photography projects you’re either working on or planning for the future?

I do have a dream I’d really like to pursue, although finding the time is a challenge. Still, my friends are incredibly supportive of the idea, and I hope I can make it happen. My dream is to create a photography book and perhaps hold an exhibition featuring my works. It’s a big goal, but one I hope to accomplish one day.

What was your most unforgettable travel experience, and how did it influence your photography?

Every journey leaves its own unique mark on me, but if I had to choose one, it would be the tour to Taiga. The extreme conditions there were unlike anything I’d ever encountered. We put our full trust in our driver to get us safely to such a remote place. The weather was so cold that my equipment didn’t function as well as I’d hoped, so I had to learn to make the best of what I had. Travel photography is often less about capturing the perfect shot and more about the total experience—the people you’re with, the environment, and how it all influences your mood. Interestingly, it’s not just the photos themselves but the memories attached to them that matter the most to me.

Every journey holds its own significance. In the past, I used to think that I could travel at any time, but now I believe in the mantra “Now or Never.” My journeys have taken on more meaning because I’ve witnessed so many changes, and, sadly, much has been lost, especially in the realm of culture, due to modernization. That’s why I feel an urgency to travel. I’m particularly drawn to destinations that are hard to reach, exotic, and inhabited by tribes that are on the verge of disappearing because I’m afraid I won’t get another chance to witness such cultures. At the very least, my photos can serve as an artifact for future generations to see what once existed.

Sometimes, the most memorable experiences aren’t because I captured great photos, but because of the journey itself–the friends I travel with, the environment, and how it all influences my mood to create something meaningful. Often, the magic lies in the experience, not just the photography.

In the end, after visiting so many places around the world, I feel incredibly grateful to live in Indonesia, with its comfortable weather, temperature, food, and environment. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of home.

Do you believe photographers have a particular responsibility when it comes to documenting culture?

Absolutely. I believe photographers should aim to showcase cultures, especially those that are on the verge of extinction, in a respectful and meaningful way. It’s not just about exploring and capturing interesting images; it’s about preserving what you’re documenting. You should approach it with the intent to respect and honor the tradition you’re showcasing, not just exploit it for the sake of a pretty picture.

Lastly, what would you like to accomplish as a photographer in the future?

To be honest, I wouldn’t even call myself a professional photographer; I see myself more as someone who has a deep love for photography. I’m not particularly skilled when it comes to technical aspects, but I would love for my photos to become meaningful on a larger scale. I want to achieve something noteworthy, something where I can look back and feel that the time I invested in photography was well-spent and impactful.

As our conversation draws to a close, it’s clear that Metha Meiryna’s approach to balancing her career, passion, and personal life is rooted in her love for what she does. Whether it’s climbing a mountain with a camera in hand or managing complex construction projects, her ability to stay grounded has led her not only to recognition but also personal fulfillment. As she continues to explore the world and sharpen her lens on her passions, Metha remains a living testament that following what you love while staying true to your priorities leads to a rich and rewarding life.