Hidhir Badaruddin is a Malaysian photographer and visual artist based in Kuala Lumpur. He is best known for his documentary-style photography, which often focuses on the lives of people living in rural areas of Malaysia.
Hidhir was born in Kuala Lumpur in 1982 and grew up surrounded by the vibrant culture of the city. From an early age, he was drawn to photography and began taking pictures of his surroundings. After completing his studies at a local college, he decided to pursue a career as a professional photographer.
In 2006, Hidhir began working as a freelance photographer for various publications and organizations. His work has been featured in numerous magazines and newspapers, including The New York Times, The Guardian, and National Geographic. He has also exhibited his work at galleries around the world, including the National Museum of Malaysia and the Singapore Art Museum.
In addition to his commercial work, Hidhir has also dedicated much of his time to documenting rural life in Malaysia through personal projects. His photographs capture the beauty of traditional cultures that are often overlooked by mainstream media outlets. He has traveled extensively throughout Malaysia to capture these stories, often spending weeks or months living with local communities to gain an intimate understanding of their lives.
Hidhir’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the International Photography Awards (IPA) in 2011 and 2012, as well as the Prix de la Photographie Paris (PX3) in 2013. He continues to travel around Malaysia capturing stories that are often overlooked by mainstream media outlets.