2020.07.09

9 questions with Fujifilm X-Photographer, Ron Lee

This is the 8th of a series of interviews with the Fujifilm X-Photographers of Singapore. Fujifilm X-Photographers are all professionals working in partnership with the brand and users as ambassadors who bring a breadth of knowledge and vision to the brand across multiple photography genres.

Fujifilm X-Photographer, Ron Lee

 


When you first meet Ron, you will probably realize he very much prefers to be in the background of things and that is what makes him unique in the current world where we have so many vying for the limelight.

Nowadays where consumerism is rife and perhaps, the way of life for some, Ron holds strong in his belief that that simplicity is key to not just in creating an image but also in life, whether in image composition or in the gears he uses. His trusted FUJIFILM X­-E3 and X-T30 with its accompanying array of X­-mount lens (namely: the 18mm f2, 23mm f1.4, 35mm f1.4) are always seen with him while he pounds the streets, delivering professional results with his penchant for VSCO finishes.

When he is not traveling extensively for wedding shoots or corporate assignments, Ron can be found roaming the streets of cities like Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taipei, Malaysia, etc, documenting the everyday life of the residents in their authentic settings.

I had the opportunity to talk to Ron, a dear friend whom I have known when the FUJIFILM X-mount was just introduced to the photography world and here are 9 questions that seek to provide a deeper understanding of this gentleman and his vision.

The Interview

What does ‘photography’ mean to you?

I see photography as a part of the human journey of discovery and capturing an image allows one to imprint one’s own mark in the moments captured through the lens. In a way, I see photography as the interplay of interactions between the photographer and the subject.

At a most personal level, the imagery also allows me to reach out and start conversations with different people via various sharing platforms.

HOW WOULD YOU describe your photography style?

I would guess it is a combination of what touches me personally: having an eye for details in the scene, taking in how they work in with the emotions and aesthetics of the moment and capturing it all in one exposure.

YOU HAVE ACCESS TO ALL THE FUJIFILM CAMERAS, Which is your favorite and why?

Actually, I do like all of them in the X-series but if I have to pick one – it will be the FUJIFILM X-Pro3.

To me, the X-Pro3 comes in at the perfect combination of size and weight, made unique with the familiar handling of a rangefinder but with the beautiful design flow of the Fujifilm controls. It is a camera that makes you want to pick it up to not just admire it, but to create with it.

Share one quirk or characteristic about you that others don’t know

I have this preference to study in detail rather than take the first impression, especially if it is to get to know a person. One of the weird (I guess) habits I do still have is to analyze other’s handwriting as a way to get to know the person better.

How do you improve yourself as a photographer? OR Who/What has inspired your vision?

One way I guess we all do is to watching films/ documentaries/ Music Television (MTVs), viewing and learning how the scenes are planned out to deliver a certain feel or message helps me to cultivate and expand my artistic viewpoints in image-making.

There were a few times I was actually inspired enough to go out to take photos after viewing an inspiring series. 

IN YOUR CAREER AS A PROFESSIONAL, IF YOU ARE ALLOWED TO CHOOSE ONLY ONE SHOT THAT HAS STILL MANAGED TO PIQUE YOUR INTEREST IN TALKING ABOUT IT, which is it?

“The City”: shot on Fujifilm X-T30 with XF16mm f2.8 (f8.0, 3sec), processed on VSCO

To me, this will be the image. The tones and moods captured in one image reflective of the city’s vibrancy.

Some say that the X-T30 is a lesser sibling of the X-T3, but here it shows that the X-T30 is just as capable, accurately evaluating the mixed lighting conditions and reproducing it on the final image.

What is the toughest part of being a professional photographer?

In our line as professional photographers, to stop learning is akin to stagnating. I will see how to rise to the next level of photography, breaking out of one’s comfort zone as always the toughest but yet also the most necessary part of being a professional photographer.

Which aspect of photography brings you the most joy?

Definitely it would be landing the shot we planned or aspired to, but more importantly, it is the actualization of the thought processes that led me to land the shot.

Making a shot once can be considered a fluke, which is something a professional will never allow and he or she should be driven enough to ensure that he or she will be able to reproduce the shot again as the consistency of craft is just as important as creativity.

If there is this one next thing you wish to do next, what will it be ?

Personally, I will always be willing to invest in experiences over the next new piece of gear. Traveling always brings opportunities for new perspectives, so it will be to endeavor to make an overseas trip every month for 2020. 

And that’s wrap for the interview.
If you are interested in collaborating with Ron, he can be reached via [email protected]
Instagram: @ronineel