Name: Steve Chong
Born: 12, September 1965
Nationality: Malaysian
Marital Status: Single
How I started
I have never been interested in photography prior to October 2001. It changed when I voluntarily took up an assignment to develop a homepage for
my home town, where I utilized my humble 'point & shoot' camera to capture the
local images. Like any beginner, the standard of the photos left much to be desired.
Thus begun the journey of an inspiring, interesting and philosophical quest for better photography. The process involved started from the inspiration, to the
intense attention and concentration required before pressing the shutter followed
by the eager anticipation of the final print.
I read extensively on anything to do with photography and art. After reading the
series by Ansel Adams, my smouldering passion for photography was fueled further. His dedication for perfection in photography truly amazed and inspired me.
My gears
I bought an entry-level Canon EOS/88 SLR camera and before long I discovered
that my needs have outgrown this faithful camera. After much research and with
due consideration of my budget, I finally upgraded my gears to Canon EOS/1V plus a few more lenses and accessories.
Updated: 23, February 2003
After more than a year into experimental photography, I have found a comfortable
niche in conceptual and surrealistic photography. Creating an idea and
turning and seeing it materialize is such an exciting process. It is like pointing the camera
into the real world but shooting my sub consciousness.
Updated: 12, September 2003
I found I spent too much time dealing with scans images, particularly the grain produced. As far as conceptual photography is concerned
especially those demand instant feedback, a digital camera came in handy. With
this in mind, I acquired a Sigma SD9 and a couple of lenses. It helps my work a
great deal, I have became more productive and effective.
Updated: 12, July 2004
I have always been impressed with the quality produce by medium format cameras.
Large film, excellent detail, sharp and amazing tonal range. After much
consideration, I bought a Mamiya RZ Pro II with a fisheye, 90mm lens and quite
recently a 250mm lens.
Next stop: Large format.
Updated: January 2005
I have started to venture into Salon Photography, lucky me, my conceptual
series seem to have won the fancy of the judges. So far I have won salons
organized by more than 15 countries, including Argentina, Austria, Belgium,
France, Germany, Spain, Sweden,
Italy, Portugal, Romania, Poland, USA, Singapore and Luxembourg, & Malaysia,
ranging from 1st prizes, gold medals to silvers and bronzes.
Updated: March 2006
I have been shooting with large format camera now. It is a totally new
experience. I had much to learn.
Updated: January 2007
I have fallen in love with the spectacular paddy fields at Yuan Yang, China. The
light and the sea clouds and unsophisticated life the native people had inspired
me a great deal I couldn't help but traveling to this place over and over again.
Updated: 16, June 2009
I obtained a distinction in Associateship of Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain (ARPS)
under the visual art category.
Next stop: The "F"
Updated: 29, October 2010
I have published my very first book, entitled:
The Light & Mist
of Yuan Yang
About my work
During my early stage of photography career, I had been concentrating on still life photography. I find it
fascinating where the photographer has to come out with a composition from the
genesis of an idea. It is a challenge to
both the photographer's creativity and technical skill.
Still life photography had given me a solid foundation about the choice of
lighting, composition, juxtaposition of the subjects and most of all injecting a
message into an otherwise dull composition. In simple term, helped me to build
the skill needed for the craft.
I have then moved on to conceptual photography. It only came natural when I
could see images in my head whenever I close my eyes, or when I was driving,
reading, taking a shower, even while I was sleeping; the images were like
spilling out from a full bucket, uncontrollably took over. At times, I felt I
was like a messenger bringing the images from the surrealistic world into
reality, other times I was astounded as how I could have conceptualized the
images. On some I even had difficulties comprehending the motive behind the
images. I realized perhaps the images were coming from the darker area of my
soul. However, I felt energetic, excited, anxious and enigmatic when this
occurrence take place. It is absolutely remarkable to have this mixture of
feelings.
When I am not doing conceptual photography, I turned to landscape photography,
it was done to procure a positive feeling both for my viewers and for me. I find
my audience were divided into two groups, the first who are always wanted
something out of the norm, something that would challenge their
sub-consciousness, something that would not provide them with an answer but a
question, or series of questions. The other group simply wanted something to
comfort them, something that could give them peace, easiness and joy.
These two streams of photography which appear not associated in anyway but were
subtly connected, had became two major parts of my photography, and
they have helped to make my life.
My Motto
It is not what you see, but the way you see it.
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