INTERVIEW: Visual Q&A with The Cooperative of Photography (COOPH) Magazine

Recently I was interviewed by COOPH magazine and what’s interesting about this Q&A is that I was asked to respond to the questions with only my images. Although I reckon that a photo speaks a thousand words but I thought I should reveal the reasons why I’ve picked those images to quench the curious minds out there. Here’s the original interview.

Who are you?

ANS: I am an amateur astrophotographer based in Singapore. I became obsessed in astrophotography after May 2013 and started imaging deep sky objects in August 2013 after I’ve developed a web-based astronomy tool to provide real-time information on various celestial bodies and events. The above Orion Nebula image was one of my first deep sky astrophotography attempts and I’ve never looked back since.

Why photography?

ANS: Photography allows me to express myself and let my creative juices flow, and also enables me to see the world just the way I want it. The above image presents the beauty of Hatta Dam during the day and night in a single image. Click here to see the rest of my images taken in UAE.

What is your trademark photography style?

What is your trademark photography style?

ANS: My photographic style is defined by the fact that I prefer to focus on the aesthetic aspects of imaging, the very reason why I picked up photography.

What truly inspires you?

ANS: I draw my inspirations from attempting the ‘impossible’ and to always try to outdo myself as I progress in my photography journey. The above image shows how I managed to unveil the rising planet Venus and Milky Way which were obscured by the extreme light pollution in Singapore. Click here to find out how I did it.

Where do you go when you close your eyes?

ANS: I’ve always wondered how it’s like to admire celestial bodies from heaven.

Where is home for you?

ANS: How does living in the most expensive building in the world under the majestic Milky Way sound to you?

How would you describe your lifestyle?

ANS: I would love to live life in its simplest form if I have a choice 🙂

What makes a great shot?

ANS: A great shot is one that captures the essence of a scene.

How do you view the world?

ANS: Our world is nothing more than just a tiny speck in relation to the vast universe, which scientists have only managed to understand about approximately 4% of it (despite all the scientific breakthroughs and Nobel Prizes for discoveries).

What is an important lesson you have learned?

ANS: Approximately 96% of the universe is still unknown to us and there is so much to explore and learn. Comet ISON (above image) is one helluva rare Oort Cloud and also a sungrazing comet that traveled from approximately 4.5 billion years ago and it’s the first Comet I’ve ever imaged! Although it’s a total dud for backyard observers but there are some important lessons that we can learn from the late Comet ISON. Click here to read on.