NPX: How long have you been interested nature photography?

Kok Tiong: Started in early 2009 when i was using 70-200mm lens + 2x TC to shoot wild birds at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

NPX: What do you like about it in particular?

Kok Tiong: I like wild birds especially those colourful one.

NPX: How did you learn photography techniques?

Kok Tiong: Books, website, forums and friends

NPX: How come all your images are so sharp and well exposed? Dare to share your secret?

Kok Tiong: I use Nikon 600mm lens with 1.4TC attached. I oftenly set my camera to Aperture mode f8, ISO 400, AFC. Centre weighted metering and i do not crop alot for my image so to minimise details loss. I oftenly use shutter release cable to minimise vibration. i shoot RAW, this is a important setting for me. I shoot without flash I uses D3 body for action, poor light condition, close object and D300 to achieve longer focus distance. If my object is tame, i will use Mirror Lock Up function. If my object are difficult to expose in term of colours, i will use spot metering instead of centre weighted. (personal preference). Maybe luck also play a part in achieving sharp image.

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

Kok Tiong: There is a lady photographer name “Ong Kiem Sian”. I believe most of us know about her. Her style, delication and passion for birds really influence me.

NPX: What are the stuff in your dry cabinet? What are the items in your bag during birding?

Kok Tiong: Dry Cabinet – 24-70mm f2.8, 70-200mm f2.8, 600mm f4, 1.4 TC, SB800 flashlight, D3 and D300. Bag – D3, D300, 600mm f4, 1.4TC, SB800 flashlight, dust blower and lens pen.

NPX: Which is your favourite bird species and why?

Kok Tiong: I like Barbet and Kingfisher because they are colourful.

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

Kok Tiong: Wild animals in Africa. I am fascinated with those animal action scene shown on the TV.

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

Kok Tiong: Saw a snake in front of me while i am walking through the grassland looking for birds. I am not sure of the snake ID but it was scary moment.

NPX: What are the challenges you’ve faced?

Kok Tiong: Work commitment, family commitment. Not enough TIME for photography.

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

Kok Tiong: I like images with clean background.

NPX: Thanks for your time!

Kok Tiong: Thanks!