What
are your first memories with photography?
My first memories of photography were not that good. I studies in a fine art school, when
I was 18, I had my first lessons in photography that lasted only three weeks. The teacher
then was a very boring photographer. Apart from teaching in the college, we also learned
that he had a part time job shooting awful hair style pictures for a hair salon. He could
take a normal looking person to a scary and funny devil in a scary movie. In my eyes that
kind of work was terrible. After being educated by him, I was full of disgust towards
photography. Going back to that time, I wouldn't have believed that I would make a living
by taking pictures. Regarding my first photograph, I cannot remember. It must’ve been
some homework back then, and it was perfunctory.
When did you start your
photography career?
It was about April, 2004, I bought my first camera which was relatively professional, and
started my creation.
Your work is very
artistic or theatrical, how would you describe your style?
I cannot describe clearly what my style is. This is the work for the critics. I hope the
audience doesn't have any certain expectations when looking at my work. Before I used to
tell people why I took pictures in a certain way. But I found out later that doing so was
a limitation to the observer, who should rather have more freedom. Now I prefer the
audiences to find out the answer by studying my work. By themselves.
Have you done much
commercial work?
I used to make a living on making commercial ad films. Before I started my personal work
in 2004, I was an advertising director for several years. I didn’t particularly like
that career, to create for others, then to be denied and modified ruthlessly. Later I
decided to create for myself, and never go back to commercial work again. Of course, at
the very beginning, such a choice isn't very practical. I've experienced the financial
problems. But I believe I can get through that. One must have the desire, and must believe
in it himself, then comes the realization.
So photography is now
more for your own enjoyment?
Both my biggest happiness and my only job as well. I'm happy that I found this kind of
life. I found out that the work is simply my joy, for expression and appreciation. That
made my early works seemed kind of dashing and light. During the time when photography was
actually my job, I was constantly nervous then. It was too serious, the work seemed a
little to heavy. Then I found out I must balance the two parts to create truly wonderful
work.
What do you like to
shoot?
I like those works which can express the spirit and emotion of human beings. Only a
shocking vision isn't enough. Work in which I can feel my heart moved by it at the first
sight, that touches my soul and is so wonderful.
Where do you get your
ideas for shoots, what inspires you?
Many things inspire me. Often when I read a poem, watch movies and look at stranger’s
blogs, I get inspired. I felt that the sparkling glimpse in creation is just like some
re-encounter that is unpredictable. To see one phrase or image that is mentally touching,
it might excite you because the same sensation has long lived inside your heart. Maybe you
just haven’t happened to realize it. When it’s met, all becomes clear. I'm sort
of a sensitive person. And I like to experience all the details in life. So, actually life
itself is a source of inspiration. Don't live only in your own world away from life, when
you go out you will find inspiration. |
view more of
Maleonn's work at maleonn.com |
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