Jamie Mackrill 3/7/20 Jamie Mackrill 3/7/20

Hong Kong based freelance photographer Harimao Lee discusses urban photography, travel, and Instagram

Harimao Lee is a freelance photographer based in Hong Kong. His creative take on urban photography sheds a unique perspective on life in Hong Kong and beyond. After starting a photography Instagram account in 2013, Harimao has amassed a following of over 370,000 and has worked with a large range of clients all over the world. Harimao shares his story with us and gives out some invaluable advice for hobbyist/aspiring photographers and travelers alike!

“I like to think of photography as an art of subtraction; don’t try to cram everything into the frame, the simplest thing can be the most significant”

Hello Harimao, we really appreciate you giving us your time to do this interview! How and when did you get into photography and have you always been a creative person?

I originally began experimenting with photography as a hobby in high school. It was only by chance that I was asked to help out with photography at a school event. I had no idea how to operate a camera at the time. I started learning, then persevered as it provided me with a creative outlet. My passion continued to grow and I built a solid technical grounding. I was also lucky to have access to professional equipment,

After I started my Instagram account in 2013, I began developing myself as a ‘photographer’ and exploring my style. Hong Kong is home to a vibrant community of photographers from whom I was able to learn new skills, exchange ideas, and collaborate with on projects.

I owe a lot to those who helped and inspired me in the beginning. I am forever grateful for the opportunities that I have had as a result. I was able to quit my full-time job in 2018 and focus on working as a photographer which has allowed me to balance my commercial and personal projects more evenly.

Although not exclusively, your Instagram feed is dominated by the street/architectural genre photography. Do you think that living in Hong Kong influenced your style of photography? Is photographing your local area a good place to start as a hobbyist photographer?

Hong Kong is my home and I have always been fascinated by the landscape of the city. I look to all sorts of things for creative inspiration, but I often find myself reaching within; Building on past experiences and memories, and coming up with a way of exploring those themes within my work. I am passionate about sharing my side of Hong Kong (beyond the guide books and postcards); The crowded markets, diverse architecture, rolling hills, the concrete, the glass, the neon.

The architectural diversity of the city will never bore me, I am drawn obsessively to the lines and structures of the buildings, the mismatch of new and old. I am always chasing the perfect angle and I don’t think I will ever be satisfied.

I think that Hong Kong photographers are very lucky that we live in such a vibrant environment. We have towering buildings, crowded streets, rolling hills, etc. The landscape caters to multiple styles and it is easy to find inspiration and experiment in this city. That being said, I would encourage anyone interested in photography to explore their local area. Try to picture it as if you were a stranger, and rediscover the environment.

Are there any other photography genres that you are interested in? Which one challenges you the most?

The more challenging aspects of my work usually arise when I’m doing commercial jobs, shooting products, or working with new models in an unfamiliar setting. I try and prioritize building a rapport between me and the client so that I can effectively channel their vision within my work.

Though I usually explore urban environments, I am fascinated by portrait photography. I am used to manipulating the natural environment, seeking out the best angles and lines, and drawing focus to my subjects from a distance. The challenges of portraiture involve interacting with the subject closely, finding the ideal pose, guiding the light, and accentuating the features of your model. I think it is important to continually push the boundaries of your ability, and engaging with new forms and styles is a crucial part of growing as a photographer.

How do you find the right building or skyline view to photograph? How much researching and planning goes into a location before you go there?

If I am shooting a popular skyline, such as Hong Kong or New York (somewhere people are familiar with) then it is crucial that I find an original way to capture that environment.

Planning and research are essential when chasing that perfect shot. I can spend hours getting lost in Google Maps jumping around on Street View, scouring YouTube, and searching on Instagram. Anything I can use to help familiarise myself with the location.

Whether I’m browsing online, with a guide, or exploring the area on foot, I think it is important to explore your environment thoroughly. Doing this allows you to find a unique perspective away from the crowded viewpoints and tourist sites. It also opens up the possibility to notice something that you (or others) may have otherwise overlooked.

Flatiron Building, Manhatten, New York City

How long do you spend at a location usually? Do you have in mind the type of shots that you want to get before heading to the location and do you have a good idea of what gear you will need to use?

It depends on my schedule for the day. If I have a lot of time, then I can spend anywhere between 1-3 hours in one location. I try to remember to tell myself “chance favours the prepared mind”. I always have some basic ideas from my research on what I want to explore. Though, of course, I cannot predict every variable, such as a change of weather or a sudden crowd. I often have to be flexible and adapt to whatever happens in the moment.

My prior research is key to streamlining this process, I should know what gear I need to bring and how long roughly I should be spending in each location. For every shoot, I bring my essential full-frame camera and my three go-to lenses, which usually cover all sizes of images I intend to shoot; the 11mm-24mm, 24mm-70mm, and the 70mm-200mm.

My current gear list includes:

Canon EOS R

Canon EF 11-24mm F/4

Canon RF 24-70mm F/2.8 IS

Canon RF 70-200mm F/2.8 IS

Canon EF 35mm F/1.4

Sigma A 14 mm f/1.8 DG HSM

What does your editing process look like? How long do you typically spend in post-production to get a result that you are happy with and what programs do you use?

When I sit down to edit my work, I usually use Lightroom Classic and Photoshop CC for most tasks. I start by importing and (crucially) backing up all of the files.

I will then look to work with the best angle on each shot, making basic adjustments, tuning the colour and adjusting the orientation. This is particularly important for architectural photography, as I want to find the best way to accentuate the lines present in the structure and draw focus. I will often do further tweaking in Photoshop when I need to remove unwanted objects, format to HDR, combining shots into a panorama, etc.

Is there a certain image that you are particularly proud of? What was involved in getting the final result?

I wouldn’t say that there is a specific image that I am most proud of. I take pride in all of my work. Though some shots are more challenging than others, I am ultimately concerned with the end product more than the process. My biggest concern is whether I am personally happy with the outcome.

I think it is important not to be too self-critical, especially in the beginning. It is important to understand that you are constantly developing and learning. The more technical or challenging that a shot is or isn’t does not automatically correlate to it being a better photograph. Sometimes the simplest of circumstances produce the most striking evocative images.

I can happily say I love every photo that I have taken.

How do you approach your photography in regards to your mindset? Have you always approached it with a career/business attitude? What has been your perspective throughout your journey from beginner to a professional photographer?

I didn’t get into photography with any preconceived ideas about one day making it as a professional, or to attract a large following, or to get commercial work. I started the same way as most people, from an initial interest in capturing the way I looked at the world. This is the same thing that drives me to this day. I have always tried to express myself through my work and to provide a lens for my audience to see the subject through my eyes.

Obviously, it is important to be professional and conduct yourself appropriately in a business environment. Though I never expected to be able to do this as a career, I am forever thankful for those who have helped me on this journey and allowed me to realise my passion. It is this passion that I believe is central to keeping myself grounded and humble from the very first time I picked up a camera, to today.

What are your views on using Instagram as a photographer? Is it a viable way to get noticed and find work in 2020? Do you/would you use your Instagram page as a portfolio for prospective clients?

Instagram is definitely a great tool for inspiration and exposure, it is second-to-none as a platform to connect with other photographers/creatives and collaborate on a project. Especially when you are starting out and finding your feet, Instagram can be an excellent place to examine and analyse the work of others. It is important not to become too reliant on it, however, as it is only one of many great platforms to share your work and explore the work of others.

While it can give a great introduction to your work, I think it is essential if you want to stand out from the crowd, and show that you are serious as a professional, to keep an external portfolio of both your commercial and personal work outside of Instagram.

MahaNakhon skyscraper, Bangkok, Thailand

We are also interested in how you work with the models you shoot as a lot of your shots include them. Do you try and control as much of the positioning and posing as possible or does it work better for you in more of a casual setting where you let them walk around and try different poses on location for example?

Different photographers work in different ways with their subjects. Most of the time the models in my pictures are my friends, I will usually give some guidance on clothing, positioning, and posing, but I always try to keep things feeling natural. I will also let them freestyle and express themselves freely, and try to capture their personality in the shot. My role is to capture the best image I can and this can come from either method. Experimenting in this way means that if a shot isn’t turning out as planned, I can switch things up and try a different approach.

As a freelance photographer accustomed to traveling a lot for work, how do you adapt to unforeseen situations such as the current COVID-19 pandemic? Has it affected the amount of work that you are getting for example, and what are you doing to keep up your photography and stay busy in general?

I think it is important to stay grounded in times like these and to evaluate our relationships with social media. I always remind myself that Instagram is not the only thing in my life, it is just the platform that enables me to share my work with my audience. Things change fast in Hong Kong and it is important to be ready for any possibility, so it is inspiring to see the way creative communities have come together to cope with this disruption.

With the ongoing pandemic, I am currently unable to travel while things remain uncertain. I am lucky that I can still operate locally, as I know this certainly isn’t the case for many around the world. Architectural photography is my strength and there are still some clients requesting interior and exterior shoots for their properties.

What are some of your favourite cities to explore and photograph so far? Have you had any bad experiences when travelling?

I have been fortunate to travel to many countries that I wouldn’t have dreamed of when I first picked up a camera in high school. I am often drawn to places that don’t get as much interest. Most recently Iran is one my favourite places, the Persian domes that sit atop of the great mosques and the intricate detailing on the walls and ceilings make these sites architecturally fascinating to shoot.

When seeking out these exciting new destinations, planning is once again crucial. It is important to err on the side of caution in an unfamiliar environment and to pay close attention to the cultural norms and customs of a new country. There will always be bumps on the road and challenging situations while travelling, but I try to take everything in my stride and keep an open mind.

What advice could you offer to someone wanting to take better images of their local city or take better travel photos?

Set an alarm! Sunrise is undoubtedly the best time to get out and avoid the crowds. Remember that everything else can fall nicely into place but you cannot account for human behaviour. So, if you’re not looking for crowds then it is best to capture an environment at its most restive.

I like to think of photography as an art of subtraction; don’t try to cram everything into the frame, the simplest thing can be the most significant!

Where can people go to follow your journey on social media and what's the best way to contact you for prints? Thank you for your time Harimao and we wish you all the best for the future!

Of course! Thank you for having me!

You can find me on Instagram: @harimaolee

For prints or general enquires send me a message at harimao@ymail.com

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Jamie Mackrill 19/1/20 Jamie Mackrill 19/1/20

Australian drone photographer Ash Farman on beach/surf photography and creating a unique editing style

Ash Farman is a drone photographer from Melbourne, Australia. In his interview with us, he not only shares how he got into photography and why he is so passionate about the ocean, but he also discusses his unique editing style, drone photography, how he is able to monetise his hobby and—maybe best of all—the finest beaches around Melbourne. Ash is well established in the Australian photography scene on Instagram and has an evergrowing fanbase throughout the world.

Ash Farman, Australian drone photographer

“Don’t be afraid to send an email, pick up the phone, get your foot in the door and make yourself known. Presentation is half the battle, people want to work with people they get along with wherever possible. So, if your work is as good as the next person, but you connected with them in the right way, they are more likely to sign you up.”

Could you please give us a brief overview of your journey up to this point in your life? Your beautiful Instagram feed, I presume, expresses three of things that you love: the ocean, surfing and drone photography. How and when did you discover your fondness of them?

Having a father who worked in advertising, I have been around cameras my entire life. The passion for actually taking photos started at a very early age and since then, I have always had one by my side. I originally started with portrait photography, taking photos of family and friends etc. Urban/street photography was the next thing that I fell in love with, but now aerial photography is where my passion lies.

Having very active parents who had me in the water at only 8 weeks old, the ocean has played a huge part in my life, whether it was sailing, scuba diving, surfing or just swimming. Some summers as a kid, I would spend more time in the water than out of it. So, naturally, I gravitated towards the coastline when I bought my first drone about 3-4 years ago.

What's amazing to me, and I'm sure to a lot of others as well, is how you've managed to combine these three passions of yours and monetize doing what you love. Would you agree with the saying that one should "choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life"?

I completely agree with that saying and putting it into practice has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding things I have done with my life so far.

The learning curve has been steep – especially the video side of things, the hours on the road are long – sometimes getting up at 3 am to drive several hours to catch the sunrise. The weather plays nice only half of the time, so there is a massive rollercoaster of luck and frustration that comes along with it. But what makes it so rewarding is when you end up with amazing images that you can be proud of.

With regard to the more serious aspects of life, what advice would you give others: Is it important to diversify income sources or concentrate on one or two different methods? What are some of your favourite ways to make a bit of money from photography, and in which ways do you think you can expand and improve moving forward in regards to your portfolio and gaining more experience and income?

I think it’s a good idea in life to have a few irons in the fire and give yourself the best chance to be successful. I’ve worked full time in the automotive industry for the past 15 years, which helps pay all the bills. It allows me to concentrate on my artistic side and to do what I want to do, without having to do things I don’t want to do to survive, like aerial real estate photography, for example.

With regard to making money from my photos/videos, I sell a lot of prints locally and internationally and also do the occasional video work for corporate companies, which pays extremely well. To improve and expand on this position, all you really need to do is be present. Don’t be afraid to send an email, pick up the phone, get your foot in the door and make yourself known. Presentation is half the battle, people want to work with people they get along with wherever possible. So, if your work is as good as the next person, but you connected with them in the right way, they are more likely to sign you up.

Gunnamatta Ocean Beach, Victoria, Australia

In almost every single one of your images, you have a person in the shot. You also seem to love capturing movement, whether it is waves washing up on the shore, a surfer catching a wave or someone walking along the beach casting a shadow. Can you explain why you enjoy capturing these types of shots and what you're looking for when you're sending the drone to take some photos?

To put it simply, creating compositions with subjects is extremely satisfying. It adds to the story by adding in a human element that you can relate to. As much as I do go out with intent, I generally fill the card on each trip with a variety of different types of shots that just appeal to me in the moment. I do most of my shooting between first light and an hour or two after sunrise to catch the golden hour and that morning vibe.

Weather plays into a lot as well, and funnily enough, I never want to be shooting on a perfect day. I find that a bit of cloud diffuses the light and adds mood into your shots. I also like shooting between rain showers, when it’s blowing a gale. Some of my best shots have come from short breaks in almost cyclonic weather.

Swell is another factor that makes it challenging to get the timing right. A lot of the time during winter, the big stuff is breaking mid-week whilst I’m sitting in an office in the middle of the Melbourne CBD, and it absolutely kills me. Due to this, I keep a close eye on the swell charts up to two weeks out, so I can make sure I am available to go hit it when it comes on the weekend.

I touched on capturing shadows in some of your compositions a bit before. However, I think that you take things a few steps further than just playing with shadows. The level of contrast and details in your images are bold, very eye-catching and make your images stand out from the crowd. You also seem to make the most of contrasting complementary colours, such as teal and orange, in many of your images. Are these factors that you think about when looking for a composition and when editing your images or is it more of a natural progression of your editing style and thought process? Is there anything else that you are trying to achieve when editing your images and reaching a certain aesthetic?

Whilst out shooting, I think a lot of the thought process of what I need to do has become second nature to me, and if I’m honest, I don’t really think about it too much anymore—it just happens.

Editing, on the other hand, does require a lot of thought and planning. However, it’s kind of a similar process where I just let myself go and create something that I want to see from the heart. I usually put headphones on, open a beer and get myself into a good headspace so the creative juices flow. My particular style of editing has always had rich vibrant contrasting complementary colours in it, and it’s been a challenging road to refine that back from a very obvious overuse of it to a more tasteful look that is uniquely my style. When I first started out, I imitated my favourite photography to try and figure out the basics and how they did what they did, and once I learnt, I tried to put my own lick on it to create something different, which I think is very important. Always try new things, even if you think it won’t work—you never know what you will come up with.

What's your go-to drone? What was your experience when you were going through the process of becoming a certified drone pilot? (Was it challenging, a long process, expensive in Australia?) and have you ever crashed a drone or had any near misses?

My workhorse for surf photography is the DJI Phantom 4 Pro, it’s almost as good as my Inspire 2 quality-wise, but it’s a lot more discrete, which is important to remember when other people are out there trying to enjoy the serenity of the ocean.

Getting my RePL (Remote Pilot Licence) was very challenging, as I actually did it with a commercial pilot training school, so there was a lot of additional aeronautical training that came with it, which, in hindsight, I’m very glad that I did - having extra knowledge never hurt anyone!

Price-wise, when I did it a few years ago, it was very expensive, but I believe they have come down a bit since then. I would recommend the certification to anyone considering getting into the field commercially.

No. I have not crashed a drone yet – touch wood. I’ve had plenty of close calls but luckily, I’ve managed to fly my way out of danger every time. A couple of times that come to mind was almost losing my Phantom to a huge wave at Bells that I was strafing alongside at water level to emulate being inside a barrel. Another time, I almost put my Inspire 2 into a brick structure at 80km/h during a shoot for Mercedes at Sydney Motorsport Raceway. I certainly ‘buzzed the tower’ that day – haha!

For all the surf lovers, beachgoers and foodies out there, what are some of your favourite spots in and around Melbourne to get a great meal or to watch the waves roll in? And which beach is your favourite to photograph?

Beach wise, I have three, and they are all at least an hour away from Melbourne. Bells for the surf, Gunnamatta for incredible sunsets and Lorne for that tropical laid-back vibe. Closer to home, I love Half Moon Bay at Black Rock for traditional beach-going.

Food-wise, that’s a tough question. Don’t forget this is Melbourne, and we are so spoilt for food and entertainment. Just head to the city and you will find the flavours of the world and some of the best examples of it. If I had to choose just one area to eat for the rest of my life, it would be in Little Burke Street in the CBD. I absolutely love all types of Asian food.

Where can people find out more about you? And what social media platforms can we all follow you on?

Most of what I do is on Instagram under @highintheskyphotography. I also started to work on my YouTube game a bit more these holidays, so subscribe to my channel to stay tuned to all the soon-to-be-released video work I’ve been doing.

I’ve recently updated my website, adding a few new additions. I just released my first Lightroom preset pack and also a Cinematic LUT pack for videos: check those out whilst they are still at the introductory sale price.

https://www.instagram.com/highintheskyphotography/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2wP94EH2D1d8_1mlNO4MGg?

https://www.highinthesky.com.au/

An island off the coast of Victoria, Australia

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