How long have you been dabbling in nature photography?

I started nature photography about 3 years ago. It was during the Chinese New Year in 2006 when I met up with Adrian (wmw998). During our casual chat, he told me that he was looking for ‘a camera with big long lens’ to take bird photos. I bought an Olympus DSLR with the 50-200mm f/2.8 lense for him. While testing the DSLR, I was severely ‘poisoned’ by the clicking sound of the 3.5 fps  I bought another set for myself not long after that and never looked back since.

What do you like particularly about it?

Appreciation of nature and its habitat. I like to observe how animals, birds and insects live and interact. To capture those moments is priceless. Besides that, I get to exercise and enjoy some fresh air too!

How did you learn photography techniques?

When I started photography, I learn the techniques mainly from reading and experimenting with the setup. When I get to know more photography ‘kakis’, I picked up more tips and learnt different techniques.

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

Yes, I like viewing the work of Nelson, Adrian, MountainMan and Wilis.

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

A couple of camera body, 7-8 lenses, flash, my video camera, tapes and some accessories. If I can only bring out one lens, it has to be the 300mm f/2.8 and the 2X TC. Both the reach and weight is acceptable to me.

Which is your favourite bird species and why?

I like the broadbills, kingfishers and sunbirds. They are beautiful and their colours make them very attractive. Now you know why I don’t have many waders in my collection … hahaha!

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

I would probably extend my interest to insects and flowers. I have seen so many beautiful macros on insects/ flowers but have not seriously explore it. Moreover, the gears are lighter.

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

There is no particular memorable moment. I enjoyed each moment I go out to pursue my hobby and time spent with my friends and my wife.

What are the challenges you’ve faced?

Lighting. Bird photography usually takes place during early morning and sometimes late evening when the lighting is low. This resulted in low shutter speed and focusing problem. I have few keepers when shooting during such occasion. I also photographing with backlit and harsh lighting very challenging.

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

I simply love the colour of this couple Chestnut-Headed Bee-eater.

I feel as if I can touch the bird – kinda 3-D!

It’s one of my favourite bird – looks like a cartoon character to me.

I like the colour mix, composition and background.

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

Nature first, photography second. Have regards and respect for nature.

If you’d like to view more of Soh’s images, please head over to http://www.pbase.com/gssoh