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Interviews  / Stories

Interview: Photographer An La (Australia)

Tell us something about yourself
In 1982 when I was aged 15, I left Vietnam my birthplace and moved to Australia; settling in Melbourne. The property of light in Australia is the most favorable in my relationship with photography. This city has great creative groups and the community is exciting for Photography and the Arts

 

How and when did you get into photography?
When I was young in Vietnam my Uncle had photographic equipment and I used to admire it and be enthralled by the results of the images they produced. At this time the exposure to the pictures of my uncle's travels left an impression. I wished at a young age to express myself artistically.
After 1993 I had graduated from the Melbourne School of Art and I travelled back to Vietnam via Singapore and Malaysia. It was then that photographing the landscape and people stirred my creative energy in photography.

 

What does photography mean to you?
Trained as an artist, Photography to me is painting with light. The camera is the tool which allows me to fulfill this. My desire is to capture a moment in time and tell a story.

 

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
My photographic style encompasses Fine Art Photography, Conceptual Photography and Minimalist Photography. Toward this end I have worked with a collaborative approach; co-operating with Models, Hair Stylists, other Photographers, Videographers, Stylists, Makeup Artists, Writers, Milliners and other Creatives

 

Where do you get inspiration from?
I have studied the great masters of painting and their preoccupation with light. Painters such as Rembrandt, Caravaggio and Pre-Raphaelites.... these artists have influenced me greatly. As well… many many other hard working photographers… Most importantly believe in those with the passion in striving for perfection and a good work ethic.

 

Think you in advance what you want in the picture?
Composition is one thing but there are many elements of design in play. Some aspects in the finished work can be concerned with one or many of these following features.....repetition, alteration, harmony, graduation, contrast, conflict, dominance, unity and balance. Also elements such as line, direction, texture, proportion, value and colour. Employing these principals always with my ambition to achieve work which captures the viewer's
attention.

 

Studio, on location or both?
Depending upon the theme I am happy to shoot either.

 

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
I would consider myself as paid professional; sometimes however I am a hobbyist. Collaborations may warrant that no payment changes hands; all group members are volunteering their expertise. This is especially in experimental and conceptual endeavours. I strive to improve so I venture into many projects.

 

What has been your most memorable session and why?
I have a number of sessions that have been memorable where I have had to use drive and determination. In order to reach the pinnacle of success my
team and myself have had to pull out all stops.

What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?
My biggest source of inspiration has been historical works by great masters. More immediately the people who surround me inspire me; friends who give me support.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
Im a Nikon user, my favours lense for a long time was 105mm macro f2.8 also most mosly used of out door is 70-200mmf2.8.

 

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
Study the light and don't be afraid to fail. Practice, Practice and Practice is the key to improve and produce the best results.

 

What do you think of our new magazine?
I have few Facebook friends who have had their works published in Modellenland. It would be an honour to be published by a magazine which presents artists work so professionally. Modellenland Magazine in layout and approach is great for artists like myself. I am appreciative of being featured; at the same time I also enjoy reading about fellow creatives.

https://www.facebook.com/Ajcophoto/
http://www.ajcophotography.com/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/anlaphotography/

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