AMATEUR
PHOTOGRAPHERS GET THE BEST SHOTS
--By Hugo Shen, Glenn De Villiers, Richard
Matheson & David Barker Translated by Annie Liu
& Cara Steenstra
Some of us were born in South Taiwan.
Some of us have made it our home as ex-pats. And some
of us are here on holiday or for business. We all have
something in common. We all consider ourselves, to some
degree, to be amateur photographers. One need only visit
any given tourist spot to see the truth behind the humour
(or vice versa). However, owning a camera doesn't necessarily
make you a photographer, and there is a visible difference
between a memento and a moment captured.
We spoke to some local amateur photographers who all
share a passion for getting that perfect shot; and have
gone though the effort and expense to get it. Look,
listen, learn - and enjoy.
HUGO
SHEN
Photography is part of my life. Carrying a camera bag,
that weighs 7 or 8kg, around has never been a problem
for me, as I would rather tough it out than miss out
on a photographic opportunity. There have been times
when I argued with my girlfriend at the time over whether
or not to bring a camera with me when I go out. Yet
therein lies the fun of photography. I enjoy the sweet
along with the bitter. Some people like to complain
about the quality of their lenses or cameras when their
photos don't turn out the way they had hoped. I have
a completely different outlook on this matter. Great
equipment does not necessarily equate great photographs.
Some people are always searching for the next new thing
in the latest equipment without bothering to improve
their photography skills. It would be a waste if people
who didn't have the proper skills used the best equipment.
Rather spend your energy improving your photographic
skills.
In this age of overwhelming sensory
assault, few people would take the time to think about
the "5W1H" behind each work of photography.
It simply means the What, Who, Why, Where, When and
How behind each photograph. The beauty or ugliness of
each image, or the meaning that it conveys might not
necessarily have too much connection. I would suggest
taking time to look at the "5W1H" behind each
photograph. The true meaning of each photo might not
reveal itself immediately, as you need to feel it with
your "heart".
Album: http://www.wretch.cc/album/walelakw
Blog: http://www.wretch.cc/blog/walelakw
E-Mail: ok4444666666@yahoo.com.tw
Cell Phone: 0911 720 923
GLENN
DE VILLIERS
Glenn De Villiers is a 44-year-old South African who
has lived in Taiwan for 12 years now, the last 10 in
Kaohsiung. He teaches Physical Education at The Kaohsiung
American School, amongst other subjects. When he is
not chasing down the hares of that demented bunch known
as the Hash House Harriers (there are enough photo opportunities
there to clog up many a memory card) he loves doing
what he calls "photocycling"; taking his camera
for an extended cycle out into the farmland of Kaohsiung
county. As an expatriate, he finds capturing the ethnic
cycles of Taiwanese culture extremely stimuating. His
photography is unique, opportunistic and often brilliant.
In his own words: "I have recently
been converted to digital photography, but still have
residual feelings that this is 'cheating' somewhat.
I have little interest in postproduction and all my
shots are as seen by the camera. My pleasure is derived
from taking the shot, and getting into the right place
to get the shot.?
While he describes himself as "very much and amateur",
he is happy to take on photographic assignments - as
long as he is not expected to stick to convention. Glenn
can be reached at 0929-075- 769.
RICHARD
MATHESON
Richard Matheson, a Canadian who divides his time between
Tainan City and a mountainous part of Kaohsiung County,
believes that Taiwan's great in that you can photograph
almost anything. "People don't get offended."
He names the Anping Treehouse - an old warehouse in
Tainan City overgrown with banyans - as his single favorite
location for shooting. Whenever he's in the city, he
loves "going down little alleys and finding cool
stuff."
Richard has now converted to digital
equipment only. "While a single flash memory card
can hold up to 4 gigabytes of photos, if you are shooting
in "raw" format (instead of the more common
JPEG format), even this can fill up very quickly, especially
on outdoor trips. Moreover, at around NT$10,000 per
card, this form of storage isn't cheap." His suggestion;
carry portable storage in the shape of a hard drive.
Some hard drives, designed with photography in mind,
have built-in review screens.
nfortunately, like digital cameras,
such devices require batteries, and these have to be
carried if recharging is not possible. He also urges
photographers to take precautions against Taiwan's humid
climate. "Keep your gear dry. Get a dry box if
you're shooting film or slides. Get your gear cleaned
every two years or so, to stop mold." Richard's
final advice: "Never leave your home without your
camera".
DAVID
BARKER
(Although the abovementioned photographers have all
contributed to FYI South magazine, readers are sure
to recognize David's name from many articles; and as
the genius behind those oh-so-important cover shots.
- Ed.)
People with no interest in the restaurant
industry in North America might find themselves running
a chain of coffee shops in Taiwan. One might develop,
upon moving to Taiwan, a passion for martial arts or
acting. I, too, have experienced this. I typically had
a camera while growing up in Canada, but never used
it for more than a point-and-click documentary of my
brother's graduation or my sister's broken leg. Upon
moving to Taiwan I realized how much I enjoyed photography.
I still don't know the correct English translation for
some photography terms I have learned here.
About 2 years ago I bought a digital camera. I've been
snapping away like a madman ever since. As my camera
bag gets bigger, and my shoulders more sore from the
weight, I think I'm gradually figuring out what makes
a nice picture. I took a few scenery pictures around
that made myself smile, but now prefer living subjects.
I developed a love for the human portrait. How do you
trap a hint of your subject's personality in the picture?
Every month I learn a new trick, and am humbled by the
reality that I know so little, but I love it.
In the past 6 months, I have concentrated
primarily on event and fashion photos. I generally prefer
a wide-angle lens and an off-camera flash. You may spot
me at parties or concerts, lurking in the shadows, waiting
for the right moment. You can check out some recent
pictures at www.davidbarker.com or www.wretch.cc/album/baodaifu. |
