From NaturePixels.org
For this bi-monthly interview, we are honored to have Steven and Lay Hwee share with us their passion for nature photography. They are not only partners for life, they're also partners and best friends out in the field while pursuing their common love, bird and macro photography.
More of Steven (sharkspin) and Lay Hwee's (layhwee) works can be viewed at http://www.shutterimagery.com
The interview as follows:
NPX: What got both of you interested in photography?
Steven: In the old days, it is quite common to have a few families living under one roof. My dad's younger brother (my 5th uncle) had a dark room then. I was probably 5 or 6 years old and because of my curiousity, my uncle decided to show me his magic. He put me in front of his magic box and later gave me a copy of my image on print. I knew then I had to learn that magic.
Layhwee: Influenced by sharkie, before that I have zero interest in photography.
NPX: How long have you been doing photography?
Steven: Got my first Kodak camera when I was in Primary 4 or 5. About 40 years ago. It is like a "love affair", a On and Off relationship. It only became a passion 3 years ago when Lay Hwee got me a 20D for Christmas.
Layhwee: over a year now.
NPX: Please tell us your favourite genre of nature photography.
Steven: Shooting homosapiens...ha ha, just joking. I guess it got be wildlife vis a vis Avian Photography. Takes us away from the concrete jungle we lived in and into the open to be close to nature.
Layhwee: Currently Macro, can see cartoon faces of the subjects.
NPX: Who are your photographic influences?
Steven: Got to be my 5th Uncle for showing me his magic and my Dad for giving me my 1st camera and later my 1st Canon SLR.
Layhwee: sharkie, wilis the mod, Arthur Morris
NPX: Question to Layhwee, being one of the few female nature photographers in NPX, how do you find being in the company of this male dominated hobby?
Layhwee: Initially intimidating when i don't know all the jargons used..later on it's just the inconvenience when we female are out in the field when answering nature call.
NPX: What is the word of advise you have for other aspiring female nature photographer?
Layhwee: enjoy the vast environment and don't be afraid of constructive criticisms and don't be afraid to try (afterall, we are in the digital world where it's no longer expensive compare to film), through listening to the experienced photogs , some reading up, some trial and error, we will slowly improve.
NPX: Please tell us what are in your camera bags? Which is your favourite piece of equipment that you cant leave home without?
Steven: Main Bag : Canon 1DM3, 600mm f4L IS, 1.4X and 2X TC and 25mm Extension tube. Secondary Bag : Canon 5D, 180mm f3.5L macro lens, 50mm f1.4 and 17 - 40mm f4L. My favourite has got to be the 17-40mm with either of the 2 bodies.
Layhwee: Probably a lot of junks...haha...For birds : lens : Canon 300 f2.8L IS ; cameras : Canon 40D , Canon 1DMk2N; flash : Canon 580ex ;extra bateries; flash extender & bracket...For macro : lens 100mm ; camera : Canon 40D; same flash with difuser & extra batteries; some grub to quench hunger otherwise the dizzy spells will be very terrible; a pair of seaband to cut down motion sickness. I have limited equipment so everything also cannot leave behind
NPX: Please tell us your worst and your best photography experience to date.
Steven: Worst experience....hmmm, none really. Getting into photography itself to me is probably the best experience to date.
Layhwee: The worst has to be getting stung on my buttock by a "hum-sup" bee-looking insect with the sting left on my buttock. It's like going to the doctor to have a IM injection ; a real pain-in-the ass...the best is being able to spend enjoyable time with sharkie (of course also got horrible time when u just want to pack up & call it a day lah.)
NPX: Both of you are actively shooting bird and macro photography, what are the similarites and differences in the 2 genres? Which one is harder from your point of view?
Steven: Wow...this is a tough one. Can I just say they are both very interesting subjects. To the second part of the question, macro photography is much harder in terms of getting the lighting correct and maintaining an adequate DOF.
Layhwee: ask a newbie like me this difficuly question, very difficult to answer. To put it simply, bird is far, macro is near Both are difficult I would say; lighting control is the case of do or die.
NPX: Of all the places you've visited for nature photography, which is the most memorable and the place you'd love to visit again?
Steven: It has got to be Doi Inthanon, Thailand.
Layhwee: For the limited places that I have been, Chiang Mai in winter is my fav..I love the people, the food and the beautiful scenery and the flowers.
NPX: Please show us 2 of your favourite photographs. Please share with our readers why you like them?
1. Ruddy Kingfisher. I was only into bird photography for less than a year and I was lucky to see and photograph this rare visitor. This visitor brought many bird photographers together and to see everyone enjoying this rare beauty makes the shot one of my favourites and all that more memorable.
2. Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher. To date, I consider this the most colourful kingfisher. Definitely one of my favourite, not because of its beauty alone. It was such a dedicated parent and was unselfishly bringing back food to the nest without fear.
1. Little Cormorant. This was taken in Leam Pak Bia, Thailand on my first overseas trip with Steven. It has such poise. The texture on its feathers makes it look like an armour
2. Robberfly. It was very challenging shooting this Robberfly. Not only did I have to make sure I don't spook it while approaching it but making sure that I got my flash output right shots after shots and it not flying off. I am very happy with the outcome. Got to be one of my fav.
NPX: Thank you both for taking the time to share your experiences with us.
Steven/Layhwee: our pleasure.
__________________interview is conducted by William (willis)
