Marcus W K Wong has a passion for people. A relative newcomer to life behind the lens, Marcus has captured some stunning images in the short time he has been shooting. How did he get started? What drives him? What are his secrets? All will be revealed in Phottix Photog Friday…
Name: Marcus W K Wong
Country of residence: Australia
Brief Bio:
I’m the kind of person who’s interests lie in photography and human psychology. Being 19years of age, I find myself somewhat of a fun-loving person without all of the world’s poisons ( drugs, alcohol etc). What I find passionate is in people, understanding them and finding new ways to communicate and socialize.
How did you first get interested in photography?
Good story actually, my mother used to work in a Camera House, and at the time I was in my final year of Secondary Schooling, put two and two together and viola! My passion for people was my drive and photography fell in after.. though, I must admit, it has changed dramatically, my first camera was the EOS 1000D, the first drop of love fell in place when O picked up the 24-70 f2.8, from then on it’s now in my history.
What do you like to shoot?
Give me people, people, people. Overall, I love photographs of people, it shows so much character and definition in each and every photo, no two images are ever the same (not even at 10fps). I find that the raw, gentle features cater to myself, but the be very precise on my passion in photography it would lie in fashion, nothing makes my heart beat faster than that.
What’s your approach to photography, your philosophy? What do you look for? How do you set-up a shot?
My approach to photography comes from a quote:
“Clearly define what you would love to do in your life. Don’t edit your dreams. If you have a clear roadmap it’s much easier to get somewhere. You’re energy soars when you’re clear on your aim and direction.” – Dr John Demartini
My aim is always in improving my vision rather than editing it, what I define to be a true philosophy was something that a friend told me, “What’s the point if you live a life and have all the money in the world? Is that your legacy? It is better to have no money in the world, and leave a footprint, an imprint on the way the world looks and feels, it is without a doubt that I find this living a good life.”
When I capture images of people, there are things I have a niche to loving, that is rim light. I love the look of someone with a bit of definition in their hair, something that stands out, I love high key imaging. The way that I set this up is using a video light 126 LED from behind my subject to control the light as a continuous rather than speedlite, I personally prefer having the speedlite as my main or as a fill ( Phottix Wireless Transmitters “TETRA” works wonders, I would like to say I use them more than anyone else in the world, but I’m sure there’s someone out there just as passionate about portraits that use these wonderful pieces).
What is the best photo you have taken? Why? Background and details, please…
The best photo that I’ve ever taken was only just recently, it was while I was hired by a company called “Xiomara Australia.” They hired a model for themselves at the Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, my personal model. Who for 5 days put up with my crazy schemes and ideas, lied on dirt, jumped on a bin, while still giving me a classy edge. The best photo was of her, in a pink bridesmaid dress with a white ribbon round the waist, Standing and posing for me in front of a classic architectural design of “Customs House, Circular Quay, Sydney.” Standing at the top step while I laid down on the bottom, portrait orientation, capturing the blue sky with the whispy clouds that stretched beautifully from my Ultra Wide Angle lens. The exposure, the composition, the facial expression and contrast was just perfect to me. All these elements complimented each other wonderfully.
What gear are you using? What else do you want to buy?
My current gear that I’m using would include :
- Canon EOS 7D + BG-E7
- Canon EOS 1000D + Phottix BP-450D
- Sigma 24-70 f2.8
- Canon 70-200 f4L USM
- 580EX II
- 430EX II
- Bowens Prolite 100
- Phottix 3 color diffusers
- Phottix Cleon II (x2)
- Phottix Reflector (32” + 42”)
- Phottix Cloth Sock
- Phottix Tetra
My next few purchases would be :
- Canon 85mm f1.2L II USM
- Phottix Extension Tubes
- Phottix Atlas
- Phottix Foton UB-88 Flash
Wouldn’t mind a new tripod either.. haha
Which area of photography would you like to explore further (macro, landscapes, portraits)?
I’d love to delve more into fashion photography, strobes and continuous systems in studio and outdoor conditions. Overall, it wouldn’t be so bad if I could play with it all, but people are my passion and it won’t ever stop.
Where do you see your photography 5 years from now?
In 5 years from my now, I see myself challenging the top fashion photographers in the world, my vision is exactly that, being happy, and “almost” the best at what I do ( because there won’t ever be the “best”).
What the best advice you would give to fellow photographers?
Practice, practice, practice. Books can only get you so far. There’s no point reading about Manual modes if you don’t use them. Play and have fun, all the while learn a little more, if you’re frustrated, you’re doing it wrong. It shouldn’t be about all the “wrongs” that you think you do, it’s about the right ones. The one out of the many that to you really go wow. Clearly define what you think is a good photo, then clearly define what is a great photo.
Where can we find your images?
My images are available to view on my facebook page
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