Russel, my inspiration.

It's one of those rush again.

The kind of ideas and influence tv has on one. Having been to his exhibitions, attended his talks, Russel Wong is one local photographer whom i have great respect and admiration for. Watching the Art Central special on him reminded me of the tremedous awe and inspiration that struck me few months ago at Singapore Art Museum.

Observing his work was the turning point of my perspective towards Photography. Never one who liked "un natural", "manipulated" pictures created with the hands of man, studio shots was naturally one I do not like to think Photography is all about. (Think Henri-Cartier Bresson's work) But through Russel's works, he told me a story, painted me a picture about how even studio shots incoporated the beauty of the unexpected: people's behavior. While you can anticipate the photographs you are going to churn, you can never anticipate what your subject can offer for each individual is different. How the subject is posed, how he sits, where he looks, how his hands are placed all makes a difference. People shots bring one photograph to life. A brilliant one leaves a lasting impression. It knocked a certain wall down, it brought in new ideas into my head. That's when i realised portraiture, studio photography, or even fashion photography, could be genres I'd like to walk into.

Light, shadows, textures all plays an important role in all his photographs. Photographs of his are never too commercial, or typical, for every subject's personality and Russel's creativity shines through them. The effort that goes into each picture, from detailed researching, to his sincere pursuit, to printing, defines Russel a great photographer from the good in the field.

Watching this special reinforces that very spark, the kick that drove me from NYJC to TP design with the drive to pursue Photography as a career. I am, i will and i must graduate with Photography as my specialist topic!