Q: Share with us about yourself.

A: I recently graduated from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts with a Diploma in Multimedia and have been involved in various freelance photography projects such as event photography for Swisshotel New Year Eve Countdown Party 2009, ESPN Standard Chartered Bank FIH Men’s Junior World Cup 2009 and UBS Year End Party Sentosa Wavehouse. The most recent project that I have been involved in is the Youth Olympic Games Singapore 2010 Odyssey Championship, “Let the Odyssey Begin”. I feel fortunate and proud to be involved in this project for YOG! It’s like being part of a national event.

Q: Tell us about your passion in photography and how it all started out?

A: It all started four years ago when I got my own Nikon P5000 Digital Camera. It is the first time I owned and I realized that photography is really intriguing and interesting. It is not as simple as I thought; just snapping around with a digital camera. I love capturing the moments that people can remember and relate to them; it makes me feel over the moon and contented when I achieve that. I decided to pursue professional photography because I believe photographs can definitely bring back great memories.

In order to capture good photos, I believe we must know our subjects, focus and reasons for the shoot. Most importantly, we need to understand the function and capability of our cameras as well as the environmental condition. By doing so, we are able to capture the correct composition and lighting for our photos. I believe that having the best camera does not mean that one could capture good photos but by understanding the camera’s capability and function one could capture good photos.

Q: How has your media education and past experience helped in your current jobs?

A: It’s through all the setbacks that I learn to be better and avoid mistakes. Demanding clients and bosses, payment delay… I’ve encountered them all. You can’t change people but it’s easier to change yourself and adapt to it. Even with the setbacks, I continue to stay in a company for 1 year because I believe that there is always something to learn everyday; both good and bad. When I think of the real world experience and knowledge that I will gain, everything is worth it.

Q: What kind of responsibilities do you undertake in as a freelance photographer?

A: We have to capture the right moments for our clients and take photos that tell stories by themselves. Most importantly, my clients must be satisfied with the photos.

Q: Can you share about some of the bigger projects that you have undertaken over the years?

A: The biggest project is the most recent; Youth Olympics Game Singapore 2010 Odyssey Championship “Let the Odyssey Begin”. It is a stressful undertaking as it is a big event. However when I was there, I told myself to relax and enjoy so that I can produce good photos. Don’t stress yourself too much as it makes matter worse. Enjoy what you are doing.

Q: What are some of the difficulties you have faced in the course of your work?

A: A lot of sleepless nights rushing and compiling photos for clients while heading towards unrealistic deadlines. This is part of the industry and we have to be mentally prepared for it.

Q: What advice can you give fellow newcomers that are interested to join your industry?

A: By taking photos often, it helps improve our skills; e.g. composition and proportion. We have to understand that there is always someone better than us out there and there is always something to learn from others no matter how good one can be. Be humble and willing to learn from everyone and you will improve gradually.

Q: Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

A: I hope to have my own studio in the near future and a photography company that specialize in wedding and events photography.

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Contact Yan Sheng here.

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