NPX: How long have you been interested in bird photography?

Jason: I have my first DSLR in 2005, mainly shooting RC Planes. Got hook to birds photography when I got my Sigma 150-500mm (thought birding this way is cheap, I was wrong!) in Feb 2009. Guess the Pitta in SBG and BBKF in Lower Peirce did make an impact. My hunger for sharp detail image came.

NPX: What do you like about it in particular?

Jason: Shooting birds allowed me relax, especially in a stressful environment we having here. It is also good way to work out on weekends or lunch time. Love the details of birds, especially those colorful birds.

NPX: How did you learn photography techniques?

Jason: Learn photo techniques from reading and learning from forum. Also spending a bit of effort to pick up Lightroom2 to enhance the image. Would say friends I shoot with did share with me how to make full use of my equipment, example Chris Li who taught me how to do pre-focusing on my 1DM3. Also Dr Cheah really brought us newbie to another level, understanding birds behavior etc.

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

Jason: Images of Adrian (wmw998). Like the way he captured the birds, background also nice and clean. However I still learning, how to have that sort of standard in the future.

NPX: Can you tell us more about the items in your bag?

Jason: Basically not much inside, Canon 24-70mm and Canon 600mm F4 IS. Body I have the Canon 1DM3. Some repellent and walkie (very useful in Panti)

NPX: Which is your favorite bird species and why?

Jason: Any birds that is colorful like the kingfisher, sunbirds and bee-eaters.

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

Jason: I have done Macro before I stepped into birding, maybe I will explore that again. I am fascinated by those insect viewed from macro lens.

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

Jason: It was my first Panti trip, where Dr WK Cheah played the call of Black-and-yellow Broadbill, the bird flew around us and everyone started shooting. Amazing!

NPX: What are the challenges you’ve faced?

Jason: I would guess, getting nice birds in Singapore.

NPX: Any advice for beginners?

Jason: For beginners, getting the right equipment from the start is very important. Ask birding friends which equipment is most effective from your budget. Don’t depend to much on review, some are misleading. Example the Canon 400mm F5.6 is a value for money lens which I will get next year for the terns.

NPX: Can you share with us a couple of your favorite images?

Jason: Ok!

Tiger Shrike

Plaintive cuckoo

Common Kingfisher