Learn Why You Should Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

ViewBug community member kylere who after earning his degree in Graphic Design shifted his focus towards photography and instantly fell in love with it.  Now he has the privilege of doing what he love as a career.

What inspired you to be a photographer?

I think it was my love and passion for bringing the ideas in my head to life. As a kid, I used to carry around a sketch pad wherever I went, drawing out ideas and concepts, and later translating them on the computer with basic editing software. Now I continue that passion with the added bonus of experience and nicer gear.

What was your first camera and what do you shoot with today?

If I remember correctly, it was a basic Sony point and shoot. Today, I shoot on with Canon 5D Mark 3 and absolutely love it.

When someone looks at your photos, what do you want them to take away from it, what are you trying to communicate?

I want to tell a story that captivates my audience and inspires them to go out and create something unique and beautiful too.

What is it that you love about photography?

One of my favorite things about photography is how it lets me bring an idea or concept to life in a way that words just can’t do.

What has photography done for you?

It has challenged me to see beyond the ordinary, to look for moments, to see the world a little differently than I did before.

Do you try to be conceptual or do you prefer to show the feeling behind a photo?

It really depends on what I’m shooting, but I think I tend to go for conceptual as fine art photography is really my sweet spot.

How do you describe your style?

Creative. I tend to lean away from the ordinary, to create images that are challenging, inspiring and highly creative. If you take a second look and want to see more, I’m accomplishing my goal.

If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?

I’ve got to go with my Canon 50mm f/1.4. It’s been my go to lens for a couple years now and I wouldn’t trade it for anything, except maybe the f/1.2 version. Haha.

What are your 3 tips for others who want to become better photographers?

1. Shoot for you. If you love photography, don’t let other’s responses and critiques negatively impact your work.
2. Step outside your comfort zone and try different techniques that challenge you to learn and become better at your craft.
3. Learn from those who inspire you. Follow their work, blogs, ask them questions about their creative process, anything that can help you achieve your goal.

Have you received any negative feedback from your work? What did you do about it?

Not often, but yes, I have. In the moment, I felt extremely upset as I loved the shots I’d gotten and thought they captured the day beautifully. Many of my colleagues had complimented me on the images, yet it was hard to hear the clients were dissatisfied. It’s never nice to hear negative feedback, but it helps you grow and develop a thicker skin, which I think is essential in this line of work.

Where did you learn to take photos?

My parents bought me a point and shoot camera as a kid and I loved to walk around taking pictures, but it was my junior year in college that I fell in love with photography. I started shooting senior portraits and shortly after moved into weddings, events, fine art, continuing to learn as I go.

Raw vs jpg and why?

I always shoot in Raw, as it gives me the most information and highest quality to work from.

What do you carry in your camera bag?

My go to camera bag has a Canon 5D Mark 3 body, Canon 50mm f/1.4, Canon 24-105 f/4, Canon 60mm Macro f/2.8, two Yongnuo speedlights, and a few miscellaneous gadgets such as unique glass objects to shoot through.

If you could have the gift of a great photographer who would it be and why?

Von Wong. His work speaks for itself and is certainly one of a kind. The kind of work Von Wong does requires a great level of expertise and patience to pull off. His eye, skill, and creative process are inspiring and something I highly admire and strive to learn from.

What is the most common mistake you see people making when shooting these days?

Under/overexposing their photos, overuse of filters and presets, not taking the time to learn how to use the equipment they own. Great photography takes patience and practice. Too often, I see young, aspiring photographers rush the process.

What is your dream location to shoot?

Asia. I spent a month in Hong Kong a couple of summers ago and fell in love with the beauty there. I think that’s where I really took my photography to the next level. I would love to go back to see more of the beauty Asia has to offer.

How do you decide on where to shoot a photo?

Good lighting is always the first thing I look for. Then I like to find unique backdrops such as old ruins, interesting architecture, and colorful landscapes, anything I can use to frame or bring out my subject in a captivating way.

What is next for you? Any planned adventures with your camera?

I’m looking to start traveling in the next couple of years. Ideally, I would love to travel across the globe with a friend or two and some light camera equipment. Traveling internationally as a photographer would be my dream job.

What is your goal with your photography?

To capture moments, split seconds, expressions, stories, and adventures in a unique and inspiring way. One day I hope to inspire the next generation of creatives and photographers as Von Wong and others like him have inspired me.