My style is based on Simplification - whether that be in a busy urban setting, a peaceful landscape, or otherwise. I’m always aiming to create the most simple composition I can. Some might even call it “Minimal”, but what I’m looking for is Clarity, clarity of Subject and clarity of Story.
1. Tell us about your Background and Journey?
I worked in Product and User Experience design for a very long time, over the last decade of my life. While I’ve always been into Art and Creativity, even while I was growing up, it was only within the last 4 years that I actually picked up a camera for the first time and started learning photography.
Photography is all about Vision, and because of my previous career I was fortunate to already have a unique perspective and vision that I had been cultivating all my life and especially in that career.
So my biggest challenge was actually learning the technical aspects of photography first in order to progress, something that I worked really hard at to get to the point where I am today.
2. What inspired you to become a Travel Photographer?
One of my ex girlfriend actually bought me my first camera, and we used it as an excuse to document the adventures we wanted to have. From there, I fell in love with photography and how diverse it can be. For travel photography specifically, I love how varied the styles can be as a vocation, one moment you could be taking Street Portraits, the next, Landscapes.
You could move into a building and be doing Architecture Photography, then outside into documenting the Street. With travel photography, not only do you get to use all these skills, but you get to uncover wonderful places and enrich your life while doing so.
3. Which Subjects or Frames attracts you the most?
Subject-wise, anything Japanese takes my fancy. Most of my work has been based in Japan, and I have somewhat of an unhealthy obsession with it.
From a higher perspective, however, I tend to aim for subjects that are quite isolated and well-defined. Subject and the idea of strong subjects is a core pillar to me and my Photography.
4. How would you define your Style in Photography?
My style is based on Simplification - whether that be in a busy urban setting, a peaceful landscape, or otherwise. I’m always aiming to create the most simple composition I can. Some might even call it “Minimal”, but what I’m looking for is Clarity, clarity of Subject and clarity of Story.
5. What is the most challenging part of being a Photographer?
Being true to yourself and not following trends too hard. In this busy, noisy world, it’s very hard to stand out when everyone is creating work that’s similar to one another. It’s risky, but trusting yourself and developing your true, unique voice is not only the hardest thing you can do, but it’s the most rewarding.
6. Who is your favorite Photographer and Why?
Honestly, I don’t have one. I typically don’t look to other photographers for inspiration, rather preferring to infuse inspirations from outside the photography world into my work. I have many peers that I respect, for sure, however I don’t have a “favourite” one.
7. What advice would you give to aspiring Photographers?
It’s a hard road out there, everyone can take photos in today’s world, although not everyone can be a “Photographer” in the career-sense of the word.
The things that separate regular people who take photographs, and people who are actual photographers are intention and emotion. If you can learn how to master those things and infuse them into your work, you’ll be well on your way.
8. Which is your favorite Book and Why?
“Principles” by Ray Dalio. I’m always interested in books where I can synthesise life lessons from people who have far more life experience than me. Ray Dailo is one of those people.
Interviewed By - Serene Ingle
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