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 photographic 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.