by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 19th of September 2022

Ruiqing P. 's photography is outstanding, beautiful and impressive.  She claims that her photographic journey is just starting and wants to continue to master new skills, to improve her artistic and creative vision. She wants to create the kind of art that speaks for her and makes others as happy as it makes her. She sometimes even uses photography as a means of meditation and that makes her happy.  I love when she quotes : 'If you want to touch someone's heart with your image it has to touch your own heart first.'
I invite you to discover more about this great artist and the interesting lady behind her work.

'Mysterious Oak Trees'

Dear friend, briefly tell us about yourself, your hobbies and other jobs.

I’m a scientist with a background in molecular biology working at a Federal Government Agency as an active duty officer in the Public Health Service, Commissioned Corps. I am dedicated to public welfare and volunteer in several non-profit organizations. Because of my busy lifestyle, I use photography as a means of meditation - something that ultimately makes me feel happy.  
For me, photography is a science that is full of fun! The more I study, the more I feel challenged and inspired. It challenges both sides of my brain (analytical and artistic), helps me to better observe, understand and analyse the world where we live in, and is also the great tool to help me to express my feelings artistically. This is totally fun to my brain.
Besides photography, I also love travelling, visiting museums, enjoying music, and appreciate all forms of art.

'Ibex sand dune'

How has your history and life experiences affected your photography?

My parents are physicians, not artists, but their passion for music, literature and art always influenced me throughout my life. I remember when I was a kid, I’d spend some time in the darkroom of the hospital where my father worked, under the safe lights, watching photos develop slowly. I never forgot how fascinating it was!

'Pink Breakfast'

Which are your most important experiences that has influenced your art?

The most unforgettable experiences for me is the Marc Adamus’  photography workshop I attended in 2021. I learned so much more from that trip than I ever could reading my photography books. It was an eye-opening experience for me! Marc’s vision for landscape photography and his life-long passion for the wilderness inspires me.
I also want to thank 1X for being a great influence on my work. I believe my artistic vision has improved through collaboration and inspiration.

'Crashing Waves'

'Sister Rock Sunset'

'Misty Creek Falls Creek'

What first attracted you to photography?

I bought my first DSLR camera in 2016 because of a family trip. I used the automatic function for a year until I joined a local photo club and photographer’s social media group in 2017-2018 when my daughter left for college. I met many talented photographers and who encouraged me to stay with my passion. Back then, I often asked myself why I couldn’t take photos like theirs and why I never liked mine? I learned that it takes time so I started my self-study photography journey and found that the more I learned, the happier I felt. Now photography plays a major role in my life. 

'Cracking beauty'

Describe your overall photographic vision.

I use photography as a means to understand the world we live in and express my feelings for nature. I hope I can use my photos to inspire others, just like nature inspires me. 
My process is that I observe and notice things I want to capture, document what I see with my camera truthfully, and express my feelings artistically by adding mood to the work.

You seem to be passionate about landscape photography as well as by wildlife photograph. Why are you so drawn by these totally different categories?

Landscape and wildlife photography are similar belonging to nature. Exploring the wilderness and capturing the beauty of nature is what I love most.

'The Story of Spring'

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

I believe a great photo can evoke an emotional response from viewers. Technical skill is the foundation of a good photographer but I don’t think everything needs to be “perfect,” because imperfections can still present the work in a better way. Even in the hands of a master, a camera alone will never capture nature as “perfectly” as we observe it with all of our senses. I believe a great photo is the combination of a photographer's creative idea, technical skill, and the story behind the image.

'Endless'

What generally is your relationship to your subject matter beyond being an observer?

I am a participant and a nature’s lover. I believe if you want to touch someone's heart with your image, it must touch your own heart first. 

Do you prepare carefully the locations where you are intending to photograph?

Yes, absolutely! Before every photography trip, I will research where I’m going and take inspiration from other photos taken in similar areas. If I am shooting wildlife photography, besides checking weather and maps, I research animal behaviour and learn from my photographer friends about the locations and other relevant information.   No matter how you prepare, there is always an unexpected situation. I always stay flexible but do my best to prepare before any photography trip.

'Night Sky of Badlands'

What gear do you use (camera, lenses, bag)?

Previously, I was using a Nikon D850 camera. Two months ago, I switched my camera from Nikon to a Sony Alpha1. The lenses I use are: Sony 14 mm f1.8, Sony 12-24mm f2.8, Sony 24-105 mm f/4.0 and Sony 200-600mm. My husband makes fun of me because I have too many camera backpacks but this is also necessary for my photography trip.

What software do you use to process your images?

I mostly use Photoshop and other plug-ins such as Nik collection, Topaz, etc. to process my images.

Can you tell us something more about your work flow?

I import and manage my photos in Lightroom. I usually start processing photos with ACR for basic adjustment then send the files to Photoshop to make further adjustments.

I often go back and forth between ACR and Photoshop before getting a satisfactory image. I use Topaz DeNoiseAI and Topaz Sharpen AI for most of my wildlife images.  Sometimes I use Nik Collection to enhance tonal contract, add some special effect and enhance mood of the photo. No matter what tool I use for landscape images, I often selectively process the foreground, middle ground and background separately. Global adjustment is needed but for most of my photos but making selective adjustments is necessary. 

'Red Foxes playing on Beach

What is your most important advice to a beginner in landscape and/or wildlife photography and how do you get started?

Good technical skill is the foundation of being a good photographer. One can learn technical skill by practising in the field, but I think one of the most important stages for a photographer is to have your own artistic vision. Our artistic vision is comprised of every aspect of who we are and what we believe in, driving our work. Artistic vision is the key element that creates individuality in our work and and allows it to stand out from other similar works. Artistic vision may take years and life experience to find and I am still striving to develop my own. For a beginner, if you think about developing artistic vision while you are learning photography skills, you may find it sooner. 
I suggest to immerse yourself in all forms of visual art such as watching movies, visiting art galleries, and studying your favourite works that inspire you. Visiting 1X gallery is one of the best ways to learn by many top photographers.

'Castleton Peak'

Who are your favourite photographers and more importantly, how has your appreciation of their work affected how you approach your own photography? 

I have so many favourite photographers. Just name a few, some of my favourite landscapers are Marc Adamus, John Fan, Hua Zhu, Larry Deng and Bingo Z. For wildlife, Phillip Chang is my favourite.

In front of Marc Adamus’s work, I always feel the magic and energy of the wilderness. His talent and boldness capturing amazing light movements and epic moments all over the world encourages me.

John Fan’s photography book, blog, and photography works influence me through his wisdom and the way he uses his work to convey the conjointment of nature and the wisdom of life. I learned a great deal of what makes a great photo from his critiques as well.

Hua Zhu’s landscape works, especially the photos taken in north-west of China, are so beautiful and breathtaking. His dedication to photography and passion to nature leave me in awe.

Larry Deng’s artistic vision, mood to photo, and post-processing skills are mesmerizing.

I learned a lot about post processing through Bingo Z. His ingenuity, use of unique colours, and creative vision of art is all unmistakable.

Last but not least, Phillip Chang is full of stories and mood. Through him, I learned that for a great wildlife photo, technical perfection is not the most important - story/mood and artistic expression comes first.

I can’t name everyone but there are so many more great artists from 1X, in my photo club, and photographer friends near me, whose work inspire me every day as well. 

'Social distancing'

'Love Story'

Are there any specific directions that you would like to take your photography in the future or any specific goals that you wish to achieve?

My journey for photography is just starting. I will continue to master new skills, strive to improve artistic and creative vision. I want to create the kind of art that speaks for me and makes others as happy as it makes me.

'Stone Tree'

Describe your favourite photograph taken by you and why it is special to you?
This is not a perfect photo but is my favourite one that taken two years ago at a local park near my home. It was a misty morning and I planned to practice my wildlife photography skill by taking the departure moment of Canadian geese on the lake. While I was waiting and focusing on the water surface, suddenly a flock of flying geese under the morning light caught my eyes. I very quickly changed the focus, and aimed to them in front of these beautiful autumn wood. During post processing, I enhanced the light and colour, adding my artistic treatment to it. 
It is a special photo to me because it taught me to react quickly when facing an unexpected situation. Opportunity for capturing a decisive moment is there only for people who have the skills and are prepared for it. This picture also signals that a good photo does not necessarily have to be taken in an exotic place but could be in your own backyard.

'Misty Morning'

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

I want to thank Yvette for giving me this opportunity. I always enjoy reading 1X magazine and other articles by the 1X editorial team. Being published and awarded on 1X gives me a feeling of achievement. 1X is not only my home base to share my own works with others, but also a great learning platform for me. I am very proud of being a part of 1X family.

I'm proud to present your interview in our magazine, dear Ruiqing !
Thanks a lot ...