ViewBug community member silviali loves photographing landscapes and wildlife simply because Mother Nature inspires her to go out and shoot. Read our conversation, learn a couple of awesome photo tips and get inspired!
What inspired you to be a photographer?
It may sound clichĂ© but itâs Mother Nature! From landscape to wildlife, I want to capture those beautiful moments and share with others!
What was your first camera and what do you shoot with today?
My first DSRL was Canon 650D, I bought it for a cherry blossom trip to Japan because I wanted to capture better photos. I shoot with Canon 6D now and I love it!
When someone looks at your photos, what do you want them to take away from it, what are you trying to communicate?
As I mainly shoot landscape, so when someone looks at my photos, I want them to feel that they are actually there! I want to show them the beautiful sunrise that I experienced; I want to bring them the amazing night sky that they may not get to see. For that brief moment, I hope they could feel the power of nature that I felt.
What is it that you love about photography?
I love that it challenges me, it pushes me to be more creative, to think outside the box. I donât want to just take photos that thousands of people has done before, even going back to the same location, I always want to try something different!
What has photography done for you?
It has shown me the world that Iâve never seen before, it has taken me to places that I didnât know they exist. I have learnt a lot about the world and about myself through photography. It has also created a dream for me to chase.
Do you try to be conceptual or do you prefer to show the feeling behind a photo?
I think my images lean toward the realistic side. But sometimes given the same subject, it could be transformed into conceptual as well depending on the technique; ideas often come to mind when I am editing. Recently I have been including myself in the photo, I found that this helps to express the mood I set for the image.
How do you describe your style?
Between real and surreal. For a while I was struggling to define my style, I wanted my images to look natural but not originally. Until recently, I find myself drawn to a lower contrast, softer colour palette kind of editing, and I have received positive feedback.
If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
I have to choose my macro lens 100mm/f2.8. It has created a lot of memorable images for me, from panorama landscape, to animal close up, and not to mention, amazing macro photos!
What are your 3 tips for others who want to become better photographers?
1. Go out and shoot as much as you can! Practice, learn and improve!
2. Learn post-process techniques. I always think shooting is only half of the fun, the other half happens in Lightroom! (well thatâs the program I use the most) For me, post-processing is a tool to define an image, it helps me to show a different perspective. Leaning what you could do in post-process, would also help when youâre shooting.
3. Challenge yourself: go to a familiar location then find an unusual point of view, try a different shooting technique, or use a new editing method. Youâd be amazed of the result!
Have you received negative feedback from your work?Â
Negative feedback is always a good thing because itâs hard to find your own flaws. I usually would open up a discussion with the person who provided the feedback and see what improvement I could make.
Where did you learn to take photos?
Mostly self-taught. Nowadays, all the basic information that you need can be found on the internet, I first learnt how to use my Canon 650D with a youtube video! I also looked up photographersâ blogs, e-books and forums.
Raw vs jpg and why?
Always Raw! Just like cooking, to create a better meal, itâs always best to start with raw ingredients than already processed ones!
What do you carry in your camera bag?
Canon 6D, Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L; Canon 100mm f/2.8L, Lee Big Stopper, Wireless timer remote controller, Benro Travel Angel Tripod, basic cleaning tools, extra batteries, headlamp and torch.
If you could have the gift of a great photographer who would it be and why?
I actually do not have a particular photographer that I look up to, but I always admire those have the courage and strength to travel to remote locations, to capture rarely seen images.
What is the most common mistake you see people making when shooting these days?
Going to a location that has been shot to dead and done nothing different. Those locations are challenging, and itâs the best time to be more creative!
What is your dream location to shoot?
Iceland!! It is full of breathtaking sceneries and shooting northern light is definitely on my bucket list!!
How do you decide on where to shoot a photo?
For my weekly sunrise shoots, the weather would be my primary decision factor. For example, if the coastal weather is not ideal, I would go to the mountains; if the sky is very clear, I would go for the foggy areas (during winter months). Tidal condition and sunrise position are also important for certain locations as well.
What is next for you? Any planned adventures with your camera?
I am looking forward to my Japan trip at the end of the year. I visit Japan quite regularly and it is definitely one of my favourite places! I went last year during autumn and was blown away by the sceneries! So this year I will return for a longer trip and explore more places. I will also stay a week in Hong Kong, which is my hometown. And I havenât really spent much time there since I got serious with my photography, so I really look forward to bring my camera to see the place that I grew up!
What is your goal with your photography?
I donât have a set goal yet. Photography is my passion and itâs my escape from the real world, I am just enjoying what I do!
