Simple, Bare, Beautiful: An Interview With Adrian Ang

Here in the Lomography Magazine, we've always considered it a great honor to meet creatives who continue to put out noteworthy content. It's a beautiful world out there and their photographs convince us to go on and introduce their work to you. And with all the features we've come up in the years of the Magazine, we've learned that some of the most refreshing commentaries come from the most honest people.

Photographer Adrian Ang is one of those. He generously shares his thoughts with us regarding his work and ideas with such humility and grace. We love the way he refers to his work as a "hobby" but in reality, you may be hard-pressed to look for a portraitist with a more honest and beautiful style than his these days.

Hello, Adrian and welcome to the Lomography Magazine! How are you doing?

Thanks for having me! I’m doing okay despite all the craziness in the world at the moment. Staying safe at home.

What made you want to become a photographer? How did you get started?

I’m more of a hobbyist still. Shooting is just a form of a creative outlet for me as I work full-time in a 9-to-5 corporate job. I got my first digital camera in 2015 for travel and started being interested and shooting street photography after a couple of months. If you scroll back further enough on my Instagram you’ll see those work. :)

What do you like about shooting with film? Why choose it in this day and age?

I was fascinated with film photography probably two years after getting into this hobby. I chose it at the time thinking it was more pure and true to life compared to the over-Photoshopped digital photography I was exposed to constantly at the time, which was around 2016, and I have to say I’m not a massive fan of. Only later did I find out you can do as much Photoshop and editing you want for film photography as well… hehe.

We are a fan of your portrait work. How did you develop your shooting style?

Thanks so much! That means a lot as I’m only shooting what I like. I think what influences me the most was fashion photography from legends like Peter Lindbergh, Richard Avedon, and the usual suspects. Also, I'm really into grainy street works from the likes of Bresson, Robert Frank, and Bruce Gilden. I think initially the idea was just to try to re-create/copy these works to learn, and after shooting for a while, what I get is different from works I admire, which then becomes my own style I suppose.

What do you think is the most important aspect of a portrait?

To connect with the subject and be authentic as much as possible. I try my best to ask the subject to not pose if that makes sense.

What do you think defines your photographic style?

Hmm... the film aspect helps, and I try as much as possible to show that it is shot on film i.e showing film borders, etc. as if it creates more authenticity, which it’s not really as the film is just another medium, like any other. So to be honest, I’m not sure how to answer this question truthfully. I can only create what I like, and the style does tend to be more melancholic, however, it’s also what my subjects offer, as creating photography works is not all about the photographer. The subject/model dynamic plays a big part.

What inspires you in your work?

My work is just a creative outlet to let out my artistic ideas or emotions at the time, without needing to say anything in words. They are things I can’t do in my normal 9-5 corporate world so I am grateful to have this hobby.

How do you keep on creating good quality content? What keeps you motivated?

Similar answer to the above I suppose – it’s just fun to me, and I keep on doing what’s fun. If it’s no longer fun, I’ll experiment with something else.

Do you have current projects you would like to promote? Please invite our readers.

Like most of you, just staying safe at home at the moment, and posting old works when I’m bored. :)

Which do you think matters more – talent or skill?

It depends. If it’s for making a living, skill counts more as talent doesn’t do much without proper motivation.

What does a perfect day look like for Adrian Ang?

A good cup of Soy Latte in the morning, going for a shoot in the afternoon, and film processing / eagerly waiting for film to dry in the evening. :)

We would like to thank Adrian for letting us feature his images in the Magazine. If you're interested in his work, you may head over to his Instagram to see more.

written by cheeo on 2020-05-13 #people #interview #artist #portraits #portraiture #adrian-ang