An interview with a photographer,

"You don't take a photograph, you make it." 

                                                                                                     Ansel adams

As a famous American photographer in the 1930s, Ansel adams' simple words certainly packs a punch and resonates in this Instagram-Facebook era. Photography indeed is an exquisite art, and is deeply embedded within the field of fine arts. Past few weeks of art school has seen us examining how light and space can help sculpture the composition of a painting, such as the likes of iconic photographers Edward henry weston and Imogen Cunningham. It's extraordinary on how these perspectives can evoke such sensuality, truth or unspeakable joy; I became really inspired while working on my abstract canvas. It really dawned on me how photography isn't all about the 2 inches long lenses on the camera but that tiny eye behind the shutter hole that captures the extraordinary from the ordinary. 

I've always wanted to get the scoop on what it means to be a photographer and when Ernestshoots photography gave the green light to be featured on this cosy space of mine, I was thrilled! Ernest Tan, is the talented yet humble brains of a professional photographer behind Ernestshoots, based in Singapore. He attempts to tell a story with each photograph he captures by fusing the elements found in the composition of each photograph. Constantly challenging himself to seek greater heights in his photography, Ernest ventures into undiscovered grounds for brand new perspectives and is often found wandering on paths less travelled. Even when he is off duty, he never puts away his camera.

Ernestshoots has a repertoire of impressive photography in his portfolio, and specializes in prewed/couple shots :) With his experience coupled with his charming attitude and patience, it is no wonder that his assignments range from local student couples to a wedding in New York (pssst he's even flown over for the assignment). Couple shots and prewed photography shoots are becoming the in thing these days, especially vintage and indie themed shots....yet it's always a nightmare to find that perfect photographer. Ernest lets us more into what made him delve deeper into photography, and provides some tips for those who are looking to do photo shoots.





          

What made you start photography? 

"It was a hobby turned passion. When I started out with my first DSLR, I was trying be all artsy and take abstract things like lampposts, puddles, the lone pigeon on a railing, but soon it progressed and I found myself gaining satisfaction whenever a good shot came out, it's different from using your handphone camera, because you have to wait, adjust, snap, adjust, snap snap snap, and the lag time between hearing the last snap and checking out your photos- and seeing a good shot on the screen, that satisfaction is what turned my 'forced abstract shooting' into a passion, and I started exploring other areas from there :)" 

          






What sets you apart from the other prewed photographers?

"I believe that in every photoshoot there's a killshot-one that makes people go woahhh. Nothing else has to be said in a killshot, it's all in the photo. I also have an inner desire to capture people in hard to get places, non conventional places, where you will never expect to find a couple:) Sure, places like Gardens by the Bay or the Botanic Gardens do have their classic feel to it, but it's my goal of taking the couple where nobody has been to, somewhere special and on the road less traveled that sets me apart."

What is one tip to give couples who are planning to take couple shots?

"Posed shots are so last season- It's all about the natural, relaxed state that makes the nicest pictures. Don't be too worried about the end product, that's the photographer's job. Enjoy the experience of doing a photoshoot, having someone capture your special moments for a change. Also, don't be afraid or shy to raise any ideas to the photographer, no matter how retarded or shameless or bizarre it sounds. For 2 reasons: It's YOUR shoot, and if your photographer's game enough (I know I always am), he/she'll make it happen."

Who are your inspirations or photographers you look up to?

"I'm a super big fan of Multifolds Photography and Bobby Kiran Photography! Some of my works are inspired by them and hopefully, I can be like them someday :)"

Any last words to all aspiring photographers out there? 

"Keep asking. People don't ask enough- Be it to be an apprentice, for shoots, etc. Especially when starting out, shoot everything and anything. The experience is super valuable and unattainable if you don't put yourself out there."

Apart from prewed shots, Ernestshoots also does shoots for birthday parties, graduation and even pets! Here are some of my favourite shots from his portfolio, I simply adore the dog ones, it must be really hard to photograph hyperactive dogs. A lot of thought goes into each photograph, ironic isn't it though? That each click of the shutter seems so spontaneous and frisky, yet it is motivated by calculated thought...just like certain techniques of painting.

Do hope on down to their Facebook page here and show some support by spreading the word for this lovely photographer! Or like it with a simple click of a button below for local talent :) For enquiries or quotes, you may also contact Ernest at ernest.txh@gmail.com directly or click here to get transported to their website.

It was such a joy to speak to Ernestshoots and finding more about his passion for photography. If you're looking to be featured, do email me at yanting91@gmail.com as I'm always keen to talk to more inspiring talents :) Ciao, thanks for reading! ♥ 

All picture credits to Ernestshoots photography.

Cambridge wanderlust,

Photojournal: Cambridge

2 May 2013

My virgin trip travelling solo out of London entailed much fuss about amendments on the pre-trip tickets and a two hour bus ride from Central London. We stop halfway at Stanford to pick up more passengers, and I got all confused and groggy from my nap. But it was worth the wait, for I got to enjoy the beautiful English countryside and the not-so-English summer, here are snippets of my written travel log ♥ 

We reach Cambridge and I get off the bus....only to almost be run over by an oncoming cyclist. Phew, I tell myself but when I look up - bicycles are everywhere. Reminds me of a second Amsterdam, really. I walked down without an aim (not having an itinerary at all) to where my feet takes me, through Parker's piece. The sun is out in full glory and the tulips are in full bloom, much to my delight after a cold winter, praise the Lord! Oooh a John Lewis, nature's call.

Cambridge is such a beautiful city - keep walking in any direction and you bound to reach any one of their parks in no time. The sun's out and so are the people - basking in its full glory. Decided to make my way to The Backs, got slightly lost through the back alleys but stumbled into the courtyard of Trinity college. Punting looks easy (post travel log: Did punting in Oxford, punting is noooot easy!) and the college guys make it look effortless (We'll see in summer when I'm in Oxford, after all I couldn't row a boat well in Norway) Walked along the river and ended up at Clare's college, snapped a few postcard worthy shots because I couldn't resist! Even the birds came out to say hello :')

Perched myself on one of the park benches, my prepared pasta beckons. The weather's getting a lot warmer and I'm glad to only be wearing a simple dress and a denim cropped jacket so I don't have to keep shedding layers (this layer thing is definitely not a necessary skill to have in sunny Singapore). Flies buzz around my ears (why not my food, I still wonder), and I get reminded of the advent of summer.

I walk back to the historic city center, and must have walked past King's college at least a dozen times that the warden gives a nod of recognition each time. The heat is getting to me and I get a Toni's cubes ice cream - they have push carts at every other corner that it's hard to resist. It's heavenly (post note: reminds me of the ice cream you get back home from push cart aunties) and also marks the first time I've tasted ice cream outdoors for months. The girl in front and I strike up a conversation about how the push cart was in such a strategic location under a sun hotspot that we're getting it....external attributions, I could deal with that.

We parted and I wander along an off-beaten path....walking into a humongous crowd of flies. There are cows grazing in the fields to distract me, but the flies grew horribly annoying - the kind that incessantly fly around your ears, eurgh! Strolling along the path was therapeutic but flies VS cows/serenity? Sad to say, the flies win and I run down the path back to the refuge of the historic center, covering my ears the entire time :< But it was a blessing in disguise because I ended up at the Fitzwilliam museum, which houses various arts and antiquities of the University of Cambridge. Worth the visit albeit having a humble collection.

Wanted to explore further North to the American memorial cemetery, but it's quite a distance from the center so I gave it a miss on this day trip. Headed back to Market hill for some grocery shopping (fresh veggies yumz) and proceeded to sprawl myself on the grass for a 2 minute nap before boarding the bus back home ♥ Had an interesting exchange with an Indian lady from Eastham but studying Medicine in Cambridge - it's been a long day but these small exchanges really make my day, travelling solo isn't so bad after all ♥

Ciao, Cambridge! You have provided me with enough sunshine to sustain me for the next few months of London.