NPX: How long have you been dabbling in nature photography?

I started taking photos of sunbirds and kingfishers around Jurong lake in mid 2007 with a very used 500mm f4P and afterwards I started to get a bit more serious in March 08, after one inspiring Terns outing.

NPX: What do you like about it in particular?

I like the thrill of seeing new birds/animals that you do not expect. And I prefer nature to overly-crowded places. Being in a park or reserve allows me to clear my mind and enjoy the fresh air.

NPX: How did you learn photography techniques?

I learned most of the stuff by trying things out, experiment and also from the experts here in the forum.

NPX: Were there any photographer(s) that you like and influences your style?

There are many experts here which I learned from, particularly Mark Chua, who is very willing to share. I get to see him very often in the field and have learned a lot of things from him.

NPX: What are the stuff in your dry cabinet? If you can only bring one lens out on your trip, which one will that be?

My dry cabinet is actually quite empty. I used to have around ten lens and 3-4 bodies (aka equipment collector). Now, there are only 500mm VR, 18-55mm VR and 12-24mm f4 with 3 bodies, namely D300, D90 & FM2N. If I can only bring one lens out for birding, it has to be 500mm VR (not much choice right?)

NPX: Which is your favourite bird species and why?

I guess favourite doesn’t need to be those I have seen or captured right? I start being more serious in bird photography because of 2 species – Kingfishers and Broadbills. The reason is simple, they are colorful and cute, especially Black and Yellow broadbill, which I hope to capture one day.

NPX: Which other genres of nature photography you’d like to pursue in the future? Why is it so?

I am also interested in landscape photography. Because I like nice, breath-taking scenery and I like to travel a lot.

NPX: While pursuing your hobby, what is your most memorable moment to date?

The best moments I had is when I was shooting CKF in Japanese Garden in 2008. I injured my back at that time so there is no way I can carry my 500mm f4P setup. I then decided to use 80-200mm f2.8 with 1.7TC mount low on tripod with camo-net over it. I triggered the shutter wireless and guess what? It took me 17 trips to get a decent shot. I only have a 30 mins window each day before going to work, so out of the 17 times, more than half, there are people there already taking it so I do not wish to disturb. Other times, the CFK perch on the wrong branch which I didn’t prefocus on and well you get the idea… I finally got it on the 2nd day of CNY. That is my most memorable moment.

NPX: What are the challenges you’ve faced?

You mean challenges to having this hobby? Well, trying to find time for this hobby is my main challenge. Also my reflexes are not as fast, easily missed out shoots. I am usually the more relax (slow) type when it comes to taking photographs.

NPX: Please share with us a couple of your favourite images accumulated over the years. Please describe to us why you like these images.

Ok. sure.

Common Kingfisher (Female)
This is the most memorable shot I mentioned just now that which took me 17 trips.

Eurasian Hoopoe
Like its clean BG open perch and late afternoon light.

Plumbeous Water Redstart (Female)
I like this shot because the running water in the background blends well with the color of the bird. Gives me a sense of calmness

NPX: Any word of advise for beginners starting out on nature photography?

Well, I am still a beginner so not much advise. However, I will suggest beginners to try to relax and enjoy it as much as possible. This is the way you can get the most out of it, especially if it is a hobby. Birds are not statics, so sometimes you may not get anything even after a long day’s wait. Just relax and enjoy the scenery and subjects will usually pop up when you least unexpected.

You can visit YYChong’s gallery @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/yychong