Interview with Pele Leung: Architectural and Landscape Photographer

ABOUT PELE

In my previous life, I was an IT professional for almost twenty years. In 2007, a career break changed my life and now I am a full time commercial photographer specialising in architectural and landscape photography. In addition to traditional photography, I also shoot VR (Virtual Reality) images by utilising the stitching techniques to produce images up to 360° view. More of my work can be seen on my website www.peleleung.com

What advice would you give a photographer starting out in the industry? 

Be prepared to survive without any serious projects for a long while. If possible, keep at least a part-time job if you don't have a solid financial support behind you. You also need a good portfolio to demonstrate your potential. While good photography skills and records are important, a good human network is essential for any photographers who want to win any commercial projects.

What was the most challenging assignment you have ever had either physical or emotionally? 

Client's assignments are not easy but there is solid incentive for you to chase. The hardest assignments are the ones I created myself at downtime. There weren't any guidelines and targets and I had to trust my own instinct and believed that they would be useful to help me to win more projects in the future. 

What is the most unique project you have worked on and why? 

My first most unique project is "Ultra Panorama of Melbourne City". It was my self-sponsored project to photograph Melbourne City in the ultra panoramic format up to 360°.  The outcome works well and I believe this set of images is still one of the best in its own kind.  

What inspired you to start taking photos? 

In addition to the software development work, I was also the part-time staff club editor in my previous IT job. This editorial role needed to prepare some photo materials for articles. Back to 2001, digital cameras were still quite new to many people and they were expensive too. I took a plunge and bought one so as to keep the ongoing film cost down. I was immediately hooked when I had accidentally taken one dream photo - basically my first postcard quality photo! An initial success is always an encouragement to go forward.    

How did you become a photographer? What was your big break into the industry? 

I took a career break in 2007 and conducted a 46,000 km Australia wide photographic adventure myself. After the 8-month journey, I decided to give full time photography a go. There wasn't any big break like sudden lottery win and every day is a new (& hard) journey. Meanwhile I am still chasing the big break.

What interests you most about photography? What do you find most rewarding about photography? 

Some people like collecting stamps but photography is even better as the collectable is my own creation instead. Creativity is the main drawing card and sharing the work with others is also a fascinating experience.  

Who is your favourite photographer and why? 

I used to have quite a few favourite photographers but now this is no loner relevant to me. It is important to abandon the influence from others and do not live under other photographers' shadow. This does not mean I don't look over other photographers' shoulders but it is important to digest what I learned from others and create my own style. If you really want me to give you a name (my favourite photographer), this will be myself, Pele Leung. 

Where do you see the photographic industry in ten years time? 

Hardware producers will become larger (but only the strong ones will stay) as there will be more people taking photos. The future is mainly for the consumers and more people will manage to get better photos. The number of professionals will drop and the photo market will be the stage for the semi-professionals who don't really rely on photography as their primary income.

What type of cameras and equipment do you use?

I used to shoot in both digital and film (Panoramic) but my last roll of film was done in 2007. Since then, I only shoot digital with a high end 35mm DSLR.  

If you could photograph anyone or anything from any time period who or what would it be and why?

If I could go back in time, I would like to capture the unknown beauty of the ancient Earth. However, I am also happy to photograph the scenery of the current world. All in all, I just like to explore the world with my camera and there is always something interesting to shoot regardless of where I am.