Davie Gan is an advanced amateur photographer. He has joined our many photosafaris to The Old Silk Road, Ha Giang in North Vietnam and Ethiopia last year. He is one photographer who has developed his own unique style of telling his own visual story.  We have watched Davie’s photography progress over the past 5 years and when we say that we are impressed, it is an understatement. We have got lots to learn from him. We are now sharing his experiences and what goes through his mind with our readers. Hope that you all enjoyed it.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I have always been involved in the Computer and Information Technology ever since my first real

job in KL. My last real job was with IBM and since then I have been on my own, basically still in the

IT related business but with more time (sometimes more time than my work) to indulge in my

photographic journeys and true passion in life.

 

2. How long have you been a photographer?

My first camera was the Minolta X-700 manual-focus SLR system. Back then, photography wasn’t

really a hobby. It was just a tool to capture images on expensive film whenever there was any life

events or functions worth recording. So it basically stayed in the dry-box more often then seeing

the daylight.!

 

It wasn’t until 2006, when I got myself a decent Nikon D200 DSLR with a 70-200mm lens that I

really considered photography as my new found hobby and that was 8 years ago.

 

3. How do you describe your style?

I don’t really have a photographic style per se but I do have a certain preferences when dealing

with my subjects and compositions. When I first started out I tried almost every genre of

photography, and that include Macro, Landscape, Fashion, Street, Portraiture, Wedding, Event,

Travel, Wildlife and Others. After 8 years and lots of trial and error later, I am more discerning now

and I indulge mostly in Fashion and Travel Photography which is suited for my ‘style’. In essence,

my preference are ‘minimalist’ people photography, one speedlite with directional lighting and lots

of patience.

4. What type of cameras and equipment do you shoot with? 

My digital photography journey started out with a Canon 350D kit lens system and subsequently

evolved to a full Nikon systems consisting of D200, D2Xs and D700. 5 years ago I switched to a

full fledge Canon system and today I am using 5D Mk II, 70D, 1D Mk III and 1D X. However

recently I added a Sony A7R full frame mirror-less system for light-weight travel photography. At

the end of the day, the camera systems (basic or advanced) are just a tool used to capture your

compositions but the single most important aspect of photography that can improve your image

quality is to invest in good or ‘professional’ lenses system.

5. What is your advice for aspiring photographers?

Photography is really a favourite pastime for many people around the world, especially with the

advent of smartphones and Instagram. Recording of events and lives are basic instinct for human

beings ever since cave painting came into being. Therefore anyone can be a photographer and

anyone can record memories worthy for all eternities. Some just do it better than others. However

for anyone aspiring to be a photographer, the most important first step is to learn the basic of light

‘panting’ and how your camera works. Read photo magazines, read photography books and attend

class conducted by experienced photographers. Go out and travel the world with fellow

photographers and you will gain invaluable experiences and insights from the old hands. Bear in mind. as photographer, you are only as good as the last photo