July is here, and with it comes another interview. For this month, we decided to bring you an interview with Kelvin Yuen - young landscape photographer based in Hong Kong. Many of you know his work thanks to his win in the prestigious "Landscape photographer of the year" awards. Kelvin is an avid traveler and has achieved a lot at a young age. In this interview, Kelvin will tell you more about them. But you will also learn how he started with photography, what inspires him in his work, and he will also give you some tips, thanks to which you might look at photography from a different angle!
Hi Kelvin. Thank you for taking the time for us. You’re a young photographer with a big successes in photography world. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in landscape photography?
Hello Filip, thank you too! I was born and raised in Hong Kong, an economic city where people rarely think about its nature. The time that sparked my passion for landscape photography was a random mountain hike near my home when I was 18. When I reached the peak, a sea of clouds came into sight. It was the first time I ever saw such a breathtaking view, I could not believe that it was in Hong Kong. Sadly I could not capture the beauty I actually saw with my camera.
The scenery had been running through my mind, so I started to learn photography by myself, returning to the same mountain again and again until I captured the views that I expected. When I do photography on the mountain, I lose track of time. I am so immersed in the wild, in photography - that I find this state very enjoyable and calming.
Walking into mountains was not in the plan, capturing them has become a lifelong pursuit. For nearly a decade aiming to capture surreal landscapes on our planet Earth, I have explored most of Hong Kong's backcountry and started exploring wilderness around the world.
Wave / Taiwan / © Kelvin Yuen
I see that this is the path that many of us started with. Where do you draw inspiration for your landscape photography? Do you have any favorite contemporary artists?
When I am on trips, I like wandering around galleries and postcard stores to find mountain paintings. I even study pictures hung up on my accommodations’ walls. Different painting styles using different materials affects how artworks are perceived, the outcome might not be what we normally see in the real world, giving me insights on colour grading and atmosphere enhancement during post-editing.
From your photographs, it's evident that you enjoy traveling. How often are you on the road? And do you have any favorite places?
Almost ¾ of the time in a year I am out of town. Nonetheless, Hong Kong is still one of my core areas for photography. I usually stay in my hometown in Spring and Summer, waiting for the perfect weather conditions. Tibet is recently my favourite place as there are many vertical peaks that have not been photographed and exposed to the world.
Mountain of divinity / Tibet / © Kelvin Yuen
Thanks to your photos, Tibet is also high on the list of places I want to visit. I've also noticed that several photographs in your portfolio are from your homeland, Hong Kong. Do you find this area interesting from the perspective of a landscape photographer?
For sure. Nature in Hong Kong is underrated. You cannot find a vertical peak like those in Patagonia, but diverse landscapes for photography such as mountains, waterfalls, remote islands… all in this tiny city. The coastal landscape in Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark is truly a treasure.
Moreover, most, if not all, locations are accessible and a shooting trip can be done within one day. Even so, locals like me might not know Hong Kong is blessed with natural assets. Landscape photography has offered me a chance to explore and redefine my hometown - Hong Kong.
Life Struggle / Hong Kong / © Kelvin Yuen
Do you have a favorite landscape photography project or series that you've worked on? What made it special to you?
Mountain Exploration. I started focusing on high altitude and remote mountain regions in Asia (Nepal, Tibet, etc) after the removal of border restrictions in 2021.
Having expeditions at high altitudes is on completely another level. It requires very high physical ability especially with heavy equipment and gear, creating a huge barrier to reaching these areas. I am more than excited to discover these large areas of untouched landscape.
Last light on Everest / Nepal / © Kelvin Yuen
I strive for perfection in every detail, capturing landscapes that seem unbelievable yet undeniably exist on Earth.
What do you think makes your work exceptional? What do you aim to convey to the viewer through it?
I strive for perfection in every detail, capturing landscapes that seem unbelievable yet undeniably exist on Earth. My works are crafted with patience through extensive scouting for unique angles and long-waiting for ultimate weather conditions at remote locations, and meticulous post-editing techniques.
I want to make my audiences have a surreal feeling while believing the scenery can truly be found on this beautiful planet. I feel satisfied every time I manage to achieve this.
Wonderland / Tibet / © Kelvin Yuen
So you're a detailer. What does the overall process of creating your photograph look like? Do you spend time planning, or do you prefer exploring and scouting in the wilderness?
I prefer scouting in the wilderness because most of the tidy foregrounds and low-angle perspectives on the satellite map don't help a lot. Also, there are a lot of unexpected angles or composition elements discovered when walking around the field such as hidden caves, ice cracks, flowers, etc.
About the workflow, I used to use 3D Google Earth to understand the overall landscape structure of the shooting area. Next, I will plan a scouting trip to walk around for searching composition also with drone scouting. Once I have a rough idea about the composition, I will camp in the location and wait for the ideal weather conditions and lighting.
Magical night / Norway / © Kelvin Yuen
Display only your best work on your profile.
We touched on this question a bit earlier. Nowadays, there are many young aspiring landscape photographers. They would surely be interested in how a young person like yourself can rise among the best. What advice would you give them?
Display only your best work on your profile. Nowadays, social media allows you to showcase your work, and it is a necessary tool to reach more audiences. Your profile and feed play significant roles in the first impression of what you do.
Are there any challenges you often encounter when shooting landscapes, or when trying to promote your work? How do you overcome them?
Shooting in the wilderness is full of challenges: complex travel logistics, various border regulations, high altitude environments, long-distance trekking, extreme weather conditions, unexpected situations, ever-changing shooting schedules, etc. All these require high physical demand and mental tolerance.
Although it has never been easy, I feel satisfied whenever I successfully solve a problem. The sense of satisfaction maintains my passion for photography.
Red Patagonia / Argentina / © Kelvin Yuen
What has been the most rewarding experience for you as a photographer throughout your career?
I can feel I’m alive when doing photography. Photography is more than taking pictures, it enables me to experience the world from a new perspective and make my life fruitful. Being a photographer allows me to visit many places that I never imagined visiting, learn a lot of skills and knowledge when facing challenges during the adventure, and meet many fantastic photographers around the world.
Golden Wave / USA / © Kelvin Yuen
Some time ago, you also released a photo book showcasing your work. How successful was this book?
That was my first photo book. I was surprised that 100 limited edition books were sold out within 24 hours. What’s more, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office noticed my works and invited me to hold a touring photo exhibition in Canada. That was beyond my expectation.
During the production of the book, I got to review all the photos I took and fine-tune some of them. I realised how I have improved in the past few years.
Giants / Canada / © Kelvin Yuen
What can we expect from you in the coming years? Where are you planning to go for an exploration next?
I am publishing a new book which will include many of my unreleased works. Since the start of my world exploration in 2020, there are pending releases of 100+ images.
In the coming years, I am focusing on the Tibet area in China. There is still a large area waiting for me to explore.
Thank you for your inspiring words, Kelvin! We wish you continued success on your next adventures.
We believe that this interview has captured your interest. You can find more from Kelvin at the following links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelvin_yuen
Enjoy the selection of Kelvin's work:
(All pictures are original work of © Kelvin Yuen. For purchasing prints or other services, contact him through his social media: https://www.instagram.com/kelvin_yuen)
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