by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 19th October 2020 

 
To Angela Muliani Hartojo, photography is a tool for capturing a moment or an object and visualizing it into an image that is alive, can tell a story and create a certain mood for the viewers.  Angela's work is very diversified because she likes to take pictures of anything providing her the challenge of different levels of difficulty that she wants to learn.  But undoubtedly, all her photos tell a story and all have an exquisite mood. 

Let's wander through her portfolio and learn more about this lovely and sensitive heart-minded lady artist.

'Sad Morning'

Briefly tell us about yourself, your hobbies and other jobs, dear Angela.
My full name is Angela Muliani Hartojo, usually called Angela which is also my baptismal name. I was born in 1965 and currently I live in Jakarta.
I am a mother of 2 children, a boy and a girl.
My husband C.S. Tjandra is also a member of 1x. 
You can read here his interview, if you are interested.
We are both Architects but we work in different fields. I have been busy working as an interior contractor for 18 years.  In 2014 I closed my company because I barely had time for myself and my family. After that I started to enjoy my life by travelling a lot and developing my hobby in photography.

How has your history and the life experiences affected your photography? Which are most   important experiences that has influenced your art?
Because of my busy work, I could only travel with my family and at that time only took pictures of my children. So, it was enjoyable when in 2008 a group of friends asked me to join them hunting for photos, ranging from macro, animal, sport and others. From here I seriously started to develop my photography skills by participating in many national and international salons of photography from 2011 to early 2014. I learned a lot from the participants’ photos and this I received some distinction awards, ARPS, EPSA, EFIAP, GPUcr3.

What first attracted you to photography?
I became interested in it when I took a photography class in my architecture master’s degree program at Univ. of Colorado at Denver in 1992.My first camera was Nikon N6006.

Describe your overall photographic vision?
For me, photography is a tool for capturing a moment or an object and visualizing it into an image that is alive, can tell a story and create a certain mood for the people who see it.

'Across'

'In the Desert'

'The Followers'

You have your very own style but your work is very diversified. Can you explain why this is?
I like to take pictures of anything. For me it is interesting and provides a challenge that must be learned because it has different levels of difficulty. Luckily I have friends in various genre of photography.

'Run 4'

'Through the Light'

'The Structure'

'Mother's Love'

What is more important to you, the mood/story behind your images or the technical perfection?
Although related to each other, I prefer to choose either the mood or story behind my images is more important. Because even though we are technically perfect, we still have to process the image (even though not too much). So, we can get an image that has a soul.

'Sandstorm'

'Dusty Track'

'Praying'

What generally is your relationship to your subject matter beyond being an observer?
Do you prepare carefully the location where you are intending to photograph?
I don't really prepare the location specifically. If I travel with my family, my husband will usually arrange our trip in detail. I just glanced at Google, because I wanted to feel the surprise when I was there. In that way, I can freely take pictures according to my heart without being influenced by pictures from other people. Often, I also take part in photo trip. In this event we are usually given a briefing by the guide before taking pictures at the location.

'Cleaning'

'Waiting'

'Passing Through'

What gear do you use (camera, lenses, bag)
I use Canon 5D mark IV and 1DX mark I.

Lenses that I always carry are
EF 24-70 mm f/2.8 L,
EF 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 L,
EF 16-35 mm f/2.8 L for landscape
EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 L and EF 100 mm f/2.8 L for macro.
My bag is Lowepro

What software do you use to process your image?
I use Photoshop CC 2017 and NIK Software

Can you tell us something more about your work flow?
I use to take photos quickly and from various angles, because I am afraid to miss the right moment. During the editing process, I'm thinking about what parts I should highlight to increase the mood and atmosphere. Lately I prefer B&W for my photos.

'Playing'

'Waiting'

'Net Maker'

What is your most important advice to a beginner in photography and how do you get started?
Lots of practice and looking at photos of other people’s work. I joined 1x in 2011, but because of my busy work, I was last active about 6 years ago. Since the Covid 19 outbreak, I can’t travel and have plenty of time to look at my photos and edit them. I started to be active again at 1x and I am very happy to see the extraordinary photos of 1x members that came from various genres. I learned a lot from their works, also when I participate in the curation process. I think 1x is a great place to learn and also has facilities such as magazine, tutorial, critique that will help a lot.

Who are your favourite photographers and more importantly, how has your appreciation of their work affected how you approach your own photography?
I like works of various genres, but I am more interested in works that take the topic of every day human life. And in 1x I found lots of wonderful works from great photographers all over the world that often fascinate me and inspire my photography works.

Are there specific goals that you wish to achieve?
I wish to travel to many places that have unique cultures, where I can share what I see for many people to enjoy. It is unfortunate that this year I had to cancel few trips including Africa. It also would be great if someday I could make my own books, although now I have made several books with my friends.

Describe your favourite photograph taken by you and why is it special to you?

'Best Friend'

Looking at this photo I was deeply moved by the gaze of the dog. The dog looks so comfortable and peaceful in his master’s arms. Although all day long he had to stay still and wait by the side of the road.

Is there anything else you wish to add and what do you think about 1x as a home base for your work?
I think everything is very good, 1x is the best photography website. I am very grateful to be a member at 1x. Here I can share my works with my fellow members from all over the world and can see lots of beautiful and creative works that inspire my work.
Thank you very much Yvette Depaepe for the Interview, 1x Team and 1x Members who have supported me. I wish 1x lots of success.