One would think that having been the Chairperson of the Safety and Wellness committee and the Department rep for KLOSHC during my Exxon days, I’d have safety drilled into my head. I guess after 5 years of not being in that safety mindset, and no serious injuries, I became complacent and careless. My priority at that moment was to take a shot of Justina’s beautiful eyes. The bride is tall and so, I decided to climb on a stool to take the shot. All was well until the stool slipped and I fell. My first reaction was to keep my right hand, which was holding the camera, up, together with my left hip, where my shoot sac was slung over. And so my natural instinct was to hold my entire weight, plus my camera and flash and other lenses, using my left palm. My palm did support the fall but that also meant my elbow taking the bulk of the hit. I felt a sharp pain in my elbows and felt faint, probably from the pain and shock. After some icing and bandaids, I thought I’d be a trooper and was ready to get back into action! When I realized I couldn’t even lift my phone, I realized it was a lot worst than expected. The doc on duty at the A&E ward that night took an X-ray and said results show no fractures nor broken bones, thankfully! The Dr at the Emergency ward said it was my soft tissue that was inflamed and I required 1 week of no straining my left hand. The next day, the pain got worst, the swelling got bigger and the movement of my arm became more rigid.

I just got back from seeing Dr Chin, an Orthopedic and he noticed a small fracture on my elbow joint. I’m sitting at my desk, typing with one hand. The other, is in a cast, one that I must leave on for 3 weeks! Which means, no driving, no shooting, no jogging, no fun. And when I asked the doc how do I shower with it on, he jokingly said that doesn’t come in the manual! Guess I’ll have to figure that one out myself!

Despite the pain, immobility and 3 weeks of inconvenience, I’m just glad and very thankful that it’s nothing more serious and am super thankful it’s my left arm, not my right! (I’m right-handed!) And I take this as a good lesson learned – to practice safety, first and foremost, no matter how badly you want to get that perfect shot, losing capability of any of your limbs is certainly not worth it. Having struggled to do almost everything with one hand for the past 2 days, I feel blessed and can completely emphathize with those who are less fortunate.

I believe in cause & effect and although I’m in much discomfort, I think this lesson has effected greater learning and awareness. Looks like Safety didn’t leave the building when I left Exxon. And here’s to all my fellow photographers… Pls be careful at shoots! Put your safety first before any shot. I’ve learned that an injured wedding photographer is a useless one!

Thanks to everyone for your kind words and wishes! BIG THANKS to BIG MING for taking good care of me and for the (ahem!) next 3 weeks of extra TLC!

Remember guys, SAFETY FIRST, wherever you are!