by Editor Yvette Depaepe
Published the 13^th of January 2025

Dennis Zhang sums up his photographic vision as follows: 'Photography not only makes travelling more meaningful, it also provides us with an additional lens through which to view the world. As we search for the best camera angle, we learn to look at the world in different ways, to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. Photography has also taught us the virtue of patience. Capturing sunrises and sunsets, the dynamics between animals, all require a great deal of patience, sometimes in challenging environments. The uncertainties in the process make the potential rewards extra sweet.'
Discover the man behind the images through this interview and enjoy! 

'Mount Bromo sunrise'

Dear Dennis, I would like to thank you for taking the time to answer this questionnaire! Please introduce yourself and tell us more about yourself, your hobbies or other projects you are involved in!

First of all, I would like to thank the 1X platform for the invitation. It is certainly an honour. I was born on a small island in the East China Sea and grew up in a tropical environment. In 1978, I was admitted to university to study philosophy. After graduating, I worked in international trade for 30 years. Photography and travelling is something I have taken up as a hobby after retirement. In my spare time I also enjoy sports and gardening.

'Fighting'

When and how did you start your photographic journey?

I originally started learning photography as a pastime for my retirement. In 2018, I bought my first Nikon camera and started learning to photograph landscapes. In 2020, when Covid was at its peak, I went into full retirement mode and had more time to spend at home....Most of that time went into learning the basics of photography and it all took off from there.

'The light of life'

'GuanineGou'

For many of us photography is either a hobby or a way of life. How would you define your relationship to photography?

After retirement, photography has gradually evolved from a simple hobby to an important aspect of our lives. Before retirement, my wife and I might travel once or twice a year. After retirement, however, the frequency and length of our travels have increased significantly. In recent years, we have travelled to all seven continents and more than 50 countries. After each trip, we would organise our photos and write a travel diary to share with all our family and friends. This has become an important tradition for us.
For me, photography and travelling go hand in hand, like soul mates. Travelling provides the material and inspiration for photography, and photography is the best way to capture and record these inspiring moments.
Photography not only makes travelling more meaningful, it also provides us with an additional lens through which to view the world. As we search for the best camera angle, we learn to look at the world in different ways, to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. Photography has also taught us the virtue of patience. Capturing sunrises and sunsets, the dynamics between animals, all require a great deal of patience, sometimes in challenging environments. The uncertainties in the process make the potential rewards extra sweet. 

'Sunrise at Moeraki Boulders'

'Sunrise at Glenorchy Lake'

What would you say is the most important experience that has influenced your steps in photography?

My journey in photography began with learning still life photography. As a form of staged art, still life photography requires the photographer to select props, compose scenes and set up lighting according to their own vision before taking the shot. Through still-life photography, I began to understand that photography is truly an art of light.
In early 2021, when the world reopened, we went on a journey. Initially, my focus was on capturing the natural landscapes we encountered on our travels.
Landscape photography is full of choices: choosing the location and timing of the shot, as well as determining the various parameters for pressing the shutter to capture and convey the beauty of nature.
Learning to fully utilise various tools (including drones), mastering the functions of the camera and honing the shooting techniques was my first step in learning photography. The second stage of my journey focused on how to use post-processing concepts to guide the initial shooting process.

My connection with the 1X photography platform began in 2018. At the time, I only admired the many high quality works displayed on the platform and never imagined that one day my own work could be published there.
During the pandemic, I enrolled in a still life photography course taught by Lydia Jacobs, but due to a scheduling conflict with other activities I had already signed up for, I transferred this learning opportunity to my wife.
Driven by interest, I actively participated in my wife's learning of still life photography. Together, we scoured websites, second-hand shops and garage sales to collect various bottles, props and lighting equipment. We explored how to create atmospheric compositions, and finally mustered up the courage to submit our work to the 1X photography platform.
In October 2020, my first still life photo was selected and published by 1X. This was a great encouragement for me.

'Red autumnal leaves'

You have your own style but your work is very diversified.  I see landscape photography, animal photography and still life photography. Can you explain why this is?

My photography covers a wide range of subjects, driven by my curiosity. I hope to have the ability to perfectly capture every moment that moves me. Among the many genres of photography, my favorites are natural landscapes and wildlife photography.
My love for natural landscapes likely stems from growing up on a remote island. The untouched, pristine scenery exudes a raw and simple charm that calms the turbulence within. In recent years, most of our landscape photography has been from sparsely populated wilderness areas, such as Patagonia in South America, Death Valley and the Badlands in the southwestern United States, the Icelandic Highlands, the South Island of New Zealand, and this year, Xinjiang in China.
Photographing wildlife is also closely tied to my love for pristine natural environments. Wildlife are the spirits of nature, an indispensable part of the Earth's ecosystem. I feel that every time I press the shutter to capture the fleeting moments of wildlife, it is a sincere and direct conversation with nature.

'Bee-Eater (3)'

'Blackistone's fish owl'

What is more important to you, the mood,/story behind your images or technical perfection?

I believe that photographic technique and emotional expression are complementary aspects of photography, and together they form the soul of a photographic work.
On the one hand, photographic techniques are like the brush that paints the author's emotions and plays a decisive role in the quality of the photograph. Excellent techniques can create the intended atmosphere and vividly convey the photographer's thoughts and emotions. By skilfully using light, composition and colour, a photographer can guide the viewer's gaze, enhance emotional expression and make the photograph more dynamic and engaging.
On the other hand, the expression of emotion and atmosphere is the true charm of photographic art. Photography is not just a collection of light, colour and composition; it is also a vessel for emotions and stories. Through the lens, photographers capture fleeting moments and make them eternal, conveying to the audience their emotions, observations, reflections and the life stories of their subjects. As viewers engage with the images, they can perceive the emotional dialogue and resonate with the stories through the details and atmosphere captured within the frame.
The key to assessing the relationship between photographic technique and emotional expression is whether the two complement and enhance each other. A truly outstanding photograph not only demonstrates the photographer's technical mastery, but also conveys deep emotion and tells a compelling story. Such works have the power to move people deeply and become timeless classics.

'Winter Rhyme II'

'Share'

What is your relationship to your subjects in general, beyond that of an observer?
Do you carefully prepare the places you want to photograph?

A photographer must first be an observer and recorder, bringing out the unique qualities of the subject through his or her perspective and techniques.
The subject can be people, animals, plants, architecture, landscapes and so on, each with its own characteristics and vitality. The more thoroughly and deeply a creator understands his subject, the more likely he is to produce works with depth and atmosphere.
Therefore, before shooting, I make every effort to spend time researching the geographical location, historical and cultural background of the subject, as well as the specific angles and timing of the shoot.

'Dead Tree'

'Golden Lights at Fizs Roy'

Could you please tell us more about your workflow from idea to final product?

Our travel and photography plans are often inspired by seeing other people's work or talking to friends. Once we have a goal for the activity, we implement it step by step.
The first step is to decide whether to travel independently or join a group (workshop). In general, for places that are easy to get to by car, have no language barriers and are relatively safe, we tend to choose independent travel or travelling with friends. When we attend a workshop, we focus on the photographer's location and style.
The second step, if it's an independent trip, involves referencing online images, researching classic shots of local landmarks, determining the best times and angles to shoot, and deciding what equipment to bring.
The third step, while on location, is to explore different angles and use different methods to complete the initial shot. Landscape photography often requires patience to wait for the right light and shadows. We have had several cases where we have left the location prematurely due to lack of experience or patience and missed the perfect lighting.
The fourth step is post-production. I usually use Bridge and Photoshop to select and edit my work. During post-processing, I mainly focus on adjusting tonal range and composition, trying to incorporate my feelings and emotions from the shooting process into the final piece, thereby creating works with a personal touch and style. After completing a photograph, I often set it aside and revisit it later. This pause often reveals opportunities for further refinement.

'Egret and Cypress'

Describe your overall photographic vision.

For me, photography is not just about pressing the shutter; it is about using a unique perspective and composition to communicate my observations and insights about the world. I see every journey as an opportunity to observe the world, every press of the shutter as a form of understanding and reflection, and every photograph I create as a pursuit and expression of beauty.

Where do you find inspiration and what inspires you most?

Careful observation during my travels, watching films, reading books and visiting museums are all effective ways to find creative inspiration. But for me, browsing various image websites, especially the 1X platform, to appreciate the photographic work of others has almost become part of my daily routine.
On days when I'm not travelling, whenever I have free time, I log on to the platform to explore. I learn how to get inspiration and ideas from others' work and how to use post-processing to better express emotions and feelings in photography. Each issue of the magazine introduces photographers and their work, which always helps me to identify gaps in my own work, fuels my creative passion and clarifies the direction of my efforts.

'Desert knight'

Many people think that the equipment is not very important when the passion for photography is strong. But could you please tell us what equipment you use (camera, lenses, lighting, tripod, etc.)?

Equipment is an essential part of photography, and quality equipment can be effective in helping photographers achieve their goals. This is especially true for wildlife photography, where the role of equipment is particularly important.

The equipment I use is as follow:

Camera: Canon EOS R5
Lens: Canon EOS 10-20mm, 15-35mm, 200-70m and 100-500mm
Tripod: Really Right Stuff TVC-34 Versa Series with BH-55M Ball head
Drone: ADJ Air3

What is your favourite photo? Please tell us the story behind it.

This still life is one of my early works in photography. I chose it as one of my favourite photos for two reasons: First, it captures my experience of experimenting with light every morning and evening during my early days in photography, and also represents the encouragement I received when it was published on the 1X website. Secondly, this photo was taken in the morning with natural light coming through the window, with the addition of a warm 15W light for fill. The light reminded me of the lighting in my childhood home. I remember that in my early years our home was always lit by kerosene lamps. It wasn't until I was in primary school that we installed the first kerosene generator in our house. However, the use of electric light was limited - each household could only use one 15-watt bulb. My childhood memories are filled with images of my family gathered around the warm glow of that dim yellow light. My siblings and I would be busy with our homework, my grandmother would be spinning yarn on a hand spinning wheel, and my mother would be mending our clothes by hand. The warm yellow light is a cherished memory of my childhood.

'Coffee time at night'

Who are your favourite photographers or mentors whose work has influenced you and your photography?

On my photographic journey, I have received guidance and support from many teachers and friends, among whom the following mentors have had the most profound impact on me:
Henry Liu and Jingyi Celia, my photography mentors in the beginning. They provided me with comprehensive and systematic guidance, covering everything from basic techniques in the pre-shooting phase to post-processing.
Duan Yue Heng is another teacher that I admire. His unique understanding and thinking about photography, his subtle and distinctive observation of natural and cultural landscapes, and his excellent post-processing skills are the directions I want to follow to improve my artistic cultivation and enhance the artistic quality of my work.
Marc Adamus: Most of his work focuses on natural landscapes, especially pristine landscapes, which is exactly what I love and pursue. Marc excels at capturing the fleeting changes and timeless beauty of nature, and he is able to showcase the most beautiful, wild and powerful forces of the earth through his lens. Each time I view his work, I am often deeply moved and immersed.

'After snow at FJ Mountain'

'Alone'

Now that we have almost reached the end of this interview, I would like to ask you to tell us about any plans or photographic projects you would like to be involved in.

This relates to our travel plans. My wife and I are planning to visit more places we've never been, looking for landscapes we've never seen before, for as long as we can. Our footsteps will never stop and, of course, photography will never be left behind. At the moment we are consciously collecting material for future projects. Perhaps when we can no longer travel, these materials will bring us back to the embrace of nature.
As we get older, we will gradually increase our urban travels and focus more on cultural photography.

Is there anything else you would like to add and what do you think of 1X as a home base for your work?

1X is one of my favourite websites and an indispensable part of my photographic journey. Not only do I share my work on this platform, but I am also able to interact with other excellent photographers from around the world to gain creative inspiration and improve my work.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the 1X platform and its selfless staff behind the scenes. I look forward to continuing my efforts and growing on this dynamic platform.

'Dancing trees'

'EL Chalten'