Photographers I like - Part 2 - Duc Le
People that know me know that privately I love black & white photos. I am actively running around in flickr for over a year know and one of my lognest contacts in flickr is a guy called Mr. Inky. He is a guy that is just photographing what he sees with no special projects in his head he is just going out and capturing the beauty of landscapes and street life. He is a guy I love to follow day in and day out because his photography is just so natural escpecialy his black and white photography. Publishing this interview is a little giving back to Mr. Inky for his work I was allowed to enjoy over the time. So lets get started with the interview.
* Quickie/Who are you? (give a quick runtrought about yourself)
My name is Duc Le and I am an amateur photographer. I am 37 years old and have been living in New York City since 1989. I am married to a wonderful woman who is also my best friend.
* How did it all start for you?
I was a photographer for my high school newspaper. However, my passion for photography really started in 2006, when I bought a Nikon D50, after years of using point and shoot cameras. Since I got back into the hobby, I can’t imagine life without photography and a “good day” isn’t really good until I take a shot.
* What do you want to tell with your photography?
My photographs are simply how I “see” the world around me. I’m not trying to make any statements with my photographs - I just want to capture the world as I observe it.
* What are your tools?
I started out using Nikon digital SLRs with a range of prime lenses. Over the years, I’ve been increasingly using film rangefinders. I have modern Voigtlander Bessa rangefinders (Bessa R2A and R4A) but also use some vintage fixed lens rangefinders (Olympus 35 RC and Minolta 7S II). When I need a compact solution, I use a Ricoh GRD 2. I think gear comes down more to personal preference - if the photographer is comfortable with the tool, he/she will be able to take better pictures. I’m a firm believer that any camera can take a good photo in the right hands and the right situation.
* What is your inspiration?
I am inspired by the work of others. There are many talented photographers out there and looking at their work always inspires me to do better.
* What are your preferred Themes?
Street photography, landscapes and architecture.
* Where do you want to be in 2 years?
I’d love to turn this hobby into a profession.
* Current Projects you are working on?
I’m not that focused - I just shoot:)
* analog or digital
These days, I prefer film (analog). I think there’s something special about the look of film, especially for street photography. There’s nothing “wrong” with digital - the two are just different.
* post-processing or unprocessed
Post-processing all the way! Just no Photoshop trickery. I use Nikon Capture NX to process my photos.
* Who or What would you like to Photograph in future?
I would love travel the world for a year and shoot landscapes and people.
* Which Photographers do you like or adore?
My great-grandfather, Vo An Ninh, is considered the father of black and white photography of Vietnam, and it goes without saying that I admire his work. I also enjoy the work of my many contacts on Flickr.
* When did you sale your first photo?
I’ve given photos away but have yet to sell any.
* What is your favorite Place or Landscape to travel for taking photos?
St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Thanks for your time and your patients for doing this interview with me. Best of luck in your future and hope to see more black and white soon.
