Nick Ng | Profile | α Professional Photographers – Sony SEA Photographers Program

Travel + Documentary Photographer

Nick Ng

Malaysia

Travel + Documentary Photographer

Nick Ng

Malaysia

Nick started photography in 2008 and is an avid travel and documentary photographer with special interests in people, environmental portraits and their cultures. His interest in photography was instilled when he was a teenager, but due to financial constraints, he was only able to pick up his first camera in 2008. He has since won much accolades, and has been a Sony Alpha user since 2014.

"Photography to me is an extension of my inner childhood, memories of my old grandfather who worked as a goldsmith in a dimly lit area is what inspired me to explore the hidden gems during my travels. My passion lies in the people I meet and their surrounding environment that moulds their cultures and traditions, be it in modern cities or remote villages."

Interview
with Nick

What motivates the photographer in you?

The world that we live in is vast and very much alive, with different cultures and traditions that we may glance through in our daily walk, which we tend to just pass by. I have been very much privileged to have been allowed a moment into the lives of the people I meet, the very same people like you and me, and to have their respect in return with the respect that I have for them. It is the silent flutters of their inner beings that I have been allowed a glimpse into, and that is what motivates me.

How important is photography in your work and personal life?

In my work, pre-visualisation is a very important aspect, as is the aesthetics of the end product. In my personal life, everything around me has beauty in it, we only need to search for it, and sometimes it may just be around your doorstep. All these are related to my photography, in my quest to have the precise moments frozen by stills. Photography must encompass both the moments and the aesthetics of life.

What are your expectations of your photography equipment?

My photography equipment can be quantified into a few aspects, first and foremost is its digital qualities. It has to be less obvious in terms of size, e.g. small, and handles well in very robust conditions, as I do abuse my equipment to the fullest. It has to be delicate but able to withstand the rough environment of the places I go to, it has to be tough but able to deliver the best image quality as well.

Who are the biggest influences in your photography journey?

I am deeply influenced by the work of Steve McCurry and Sebastioa Salgado. Both of these masters in photography are truly icons, bringing together deep meaning and aesthetic values to their work.

What is the greatest challenge you faced in your photography and how did the a7 series help alleviate this?

The greatest challenge I used to have was carrying a very heavy camera, and lugging them around the places I went. It is not so much the weight but the glaring huge camera hanging around my neck. With the a7 series coming along, it has been a heaven sent, as it is a full-frame packed into a small body, very much what I want. It works wonders in very low light conditions as well as during my street journeys.

Why did you choose the a7 series to be part of your work and personal photography journey?

My photography basically involves connecting deeply to the people I meet, be it in rural villages or the heart of cities, involving streets, people and their environment. The a7 series gives me full-frame sensors in a very compact body. Plus the high image quality it produces is very much what I need when I travel to photograph, either locally or overseas. The small body gives me the edge of not carrying something huge, and by that, makes me less obvious and able to just capture natural moments of the situation.

What, to you, are two or three key features / advantages of the a7 series?

Very excellent image quality, compact and robust body with interchangeable small lenses.

How do you rate Sony in the field of digital imaging?

Sony has in recent years come out with excellent digital cameras at affordable prices. And the best of all was when the excellent full-frame cameras from the a7 series came out. To me, they are godsend!

What is your favourite lens?

Currently I mostly shoot with primes, mostly the 28mm F2.0 and 55mm F1.8. Occasionally I’ll just carry the 16-35mm F4.0. To me all are favourites, but if given the challenge of just carrying one lens, I’ll choose the 28mm F2.0 with the converters.

What’s in your camera bag?

My a7S and a7II, with my 55mm F1.8, 28mm F2.0 with wide angle converter, 8 batteries, loads of SD cards, lens blower and cloth.

Interview
with Nick

Q

What motivates the photographer in you?

Q

How important is photography in your work and personal life?

Q

What are your expectations of your photography equipment?

Q

Who are the biggest influences in your photography journey?

Q

What is the greatest challenge you faced in your photography and how did the a7 series help alleviate this?

Q

Why did you choose the a7 series to be part of your work and personal photography journey?

Q

What, to you, are two or three key features / advantages of the a7 series?

Q

How do you rate Sony in the field of digital imaging?

Q

What is your favourite lens?

Q

What’s in your camera bag?