Feature Edition #8 - July 2007: Liang Xuan - Featured Artist Interview

Evran Jawad:

So tell everyone out there a little bit about yourself.

Liang Xuan:

My name is Liang Xuan...I started Photography around this time last year.

Evran Jawad:

How did you get into photography?

Liang Xuan:

It was during a holiday back in my city in China I was snapping around the city and I had interest in architectures. Since there were some very beautiful buildings built by the Germans during the Occupation and because my city is very beautiful. I also had the chance to shoot samples of buildings, the street, the city or what ever is required for 3D visualization for a lab. So I started to use the camera more during the work but not really focused on 'photography'.

Evran Jawad:

What was your first camera? Or did you start out with the d70?

Liang Xuan:

I bought D200 first, but I use the D70 for most of my shots I submit to Codrv. Something happened, and I could only shoot with D70, haha.

Evran Jawad:

Did you never have the thought that, you wouldn't use it as much or maybe that you'd just spend a lot of money for nothing.

Liang Xuan:

Well, when I was considering what I was going to buy as tools to start off Photography I thought I would rather buy something that is relatively superior to the competition.

Evran Jawad:

So when did you buy the d70? And why?

Liang Xuan:

Maybe I'm what they call a 'tech-whore'. I don't use D70 for paid work. I still believe camera equipment is not the most important thing although it does help.

Evran Jawad:

What's more important?

Liang Xuan:

After one year of shooting experience, I realize that to produce a good photo that can sell or please the audience with (including myself). Camera equipment is important but it's secondary and only counts on the technical side. For the photo to really capture the audience's attention it still depends on your own vision, techniques (could be based your equipment), and your own style. For digital photography, producing a proper raw image on the spot is still important, but one needs to know how to properly post process the raw image, as in non-processed.

Evran Jawad:

How much time would you say you spend on each thing? As in how much time do you take the actually take a "nice shot" and how much time for the post-processing, if any.

Liang Xuan:

I find that personal and commercial post processing are very often quite different if I'm shooting something like architecture or scenic stuff, because everything is still, I will try to take my time to think and compose well. However for a sunset I will have to shoot fast. In fact I just came back from an event which I covered that I had to react rather fast in order not to miss anything.

Evran Jawad:

So do you spend any time post processing in Adobe Photoshop? Or any other software you might use, Adobe Lightroom, Element or Aperture?

Liang Xuan:

For Nikon NEF RAW I use Nikon Capture NX to open and edit. Afterward I will usually process the photo some more in Photoshop. Sometimes I take a lot of time post processing photos. I'm still learning how to do as well, haha.

Evran Jawad:

Ah I see, well do u want to just kind of explain what NEF RAW and Capture NX is briefly for those who might not be familiar with them?

Liang Xuan:

NEF is the format for Nikon RAW files, Capture NX is the Nikon software for Raw processing, a very good program.

Evran Jawad:

Thanks, okay so let’s talk about some of the hardware you use. I've seen a lot of your shots that have amazing perspectives.

Liang Xuan:

I had been using Sigma 10-20mm for some wide angle shots, but it was together with D200, and they were 'away' so I found a 2nd Sigma 8mm, and so I started to play with it

Evran Jawad:

What about your IR filters you seem to use them quite well.

Liang Xuan:

Well I haven't been doing any IR for quite a while. If there is nice location and good weather it'll be nice for IR. I use Hoya R72 I plan to mod my D70 for IR only. It may be interesting for portraiture as well, but I've been too busy to even shoot anything recently.

Evran Jawad:

I am just looking through your gallery and I see a lot of the shots have amazing vibrant colors. Is that mostly post-processing?

Liang Xuan:

I think so, I always try to make it nice, though I'm not too sure whether it's the best way or not.

Evran Jawad:

Have you ever taken any courses? Or have had proper training?

Liang Xuan:

Not really I'm just learning from friends, people on the internet, other photographers, and learning myself. Basically any sources available.

Evran Jawad:

Could you perhaps describe your creative process in a photo-shoot? What goes through your head when you are out one beautiful day walking down the street?

Liang Xuan:

Very often as I progress along I have started to observe the scenes more carefully and more efficiently than before. Sometimes I 'see' better than before but that's only by my own standard. I would look around for interesting locations if there's interesting people on the street it's very good as well. I think after some experience you will know how to create an interesting piece. It's like waiting for people to get in the frame which you have been aiming to get a nice composition.

Evran Jawad:

What else you do besides photography?

Liang Xuan:

I'm a Metalhead!

Evran Jawad:

Do u go to concerts and just go wild?

Liang Xuan:

Haha, there aren’t too many bands that come to Singapore that I like but there are local ones I think but I haven't been to their shows.

Evran Jawad:

Haha, do you go and just get plastered?

Liang Xuan:

Haha, nope. I still haven't experienced such thing. I didn't go to see Slayer when they came.

Evran Jawad:

Do you drink or smoke?

Liang Xuan:

Not at all but I recommend Tsing Tao beer to everyone who drinks.

Evran Jawad:

Alright man, any final tips you want to give?

Liang Xuan:

If you don’t mind ISO noise and want better color and better raw processing get a Nikon. Some of the pro range lenses are amazing and best in the line. Of course, any brand is fine. Photography is really not about the equipment you use, it's about how you see or visualize, and making use of the tools you have.

Evran Jawad:

Thanks for spending the last hour or so for the interview, it was quite informative.

Liang Xuan:

No problem, please forget about what you have learnt about my personal life.