by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 12^th of June 2023

Yun Thwaits is a most talented photographer in several photographic categories.  She uses photography as a channel for understanding the world and expressing her feelings. She quotes : “Photography is a lifelong learning journey. I want to discover with my eyes, measure with my feet, feel with my heart, record with my lens, and see, hear, think, and realize through images. I want to be able to let my body wander with my heart, so that body and soul, always on the move, freeze every moment worth freezing. Photography has become her way of life.”
Beautiful words if you ask me … Let us discover the works of Yun and the lovely personality behind them.  

 'Cerro Torre after Sunset'

Dear Yun, first I would like to thank you for taking the time to answer this questionnaire! To begin, please introduce yourself shortly and tell us more about you, your hobbies, or other projects you are involved in!

I’d like to thank you for interviewing me! I’m honoured.
I grew up in Inner Mongolia, China, and have lived in the United States for 32 years. I worked as a Commercial Loan Approval Officer, SVP, for Bank of America for 27 years in Boston. I retired in December 2017, primarily to pursue my new hobby: photography. Playing pipa (the Chinese Lute) is another long-time hobby of mine. I enjoy travelling, reading, gardening and cooking. I’ve also been involved in some community non-profit cultural organizations and projects, including a Chinese music ensemble and volunteer photo workshops.

'Mt. Fuji in Fall'

When and how did you start your photographic journey?

In spring 2017, I got by chance into mobile phone photography with a focus on street snapshots. I participated in international and domestic mobile phone photography contests, and won some awards and recognitions, which further motivated me. In spring of 2018, I bought my very first SLR camera, and photography has became a major part my life ever since.   

'Rockies in Winter'

'Flowers and Sea'

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

From my beginning with mobile phone photography to my later delving into SLR photography, photography gradually became a fun way of strengthening my body and cultivating my mind. So I believe that my getting into photography was an accident, but falling in love with photography was inevitable. What I like about photography is that it captures not only the simple beauty of a scene, but also momentary feelings, such as those of the photographer. After experiencing all kinds of ups and downs and twists in my childhood, I have come to the present, thanks to the pipa to some extent. My devotion to the lute helped me get through. But since I got this new hobby of photography in 2018, I spend all my spare time taking photos, listening to online and offline lectures, and reading books about photography. I use photography as a channel for understanding the world and expressing my feelings. Photography has become my way of life.

'Snowy Owl at Sunset'

What would be the most important experience so far that has influenced your steps in photography?

Thanks to scholarships as a result of winning photography awards, the two years of photography study at Harvard gave me a good theoretical foundation. I also learned so much from the photo workshops/tours of Marc Adamus (marcadamus), Yiming Hu (yiminghu), Victor Liu (victorliuphotography), Jeff Wu and Tim Zhang. Marc Adamus' (marcadamus) vision for landscape photography and his passion for the wilderness inspired me greatly. I want to thank Boston Chinese Photography Association (BCPA) for all the workshops and activities from which I learned a lot. I also want to thank 1x.com for being a great influence in my photography journey over the past year. The curated images have inspired me and helped improve my artistic vision.   

'Fitz Roy after Sunset'

You have your very own style. Your landscapes are magnificent and form an essential part of your portfolio, but I also see bird photography and more. Can you explain why this is?

Basically, I'm interested in many categories of photography. Both landscape and bird photography belong to nature photography. Exploring the beauty of nature and wildernesses brings me great pleasure. I also have passion for street photography. Street photography is a fascinating style of photography that can richly express the dynamic changes of a city and the feelings they evoke.

'Mt. Fuji in Winter'

'Arguring'

'Tie Down Roping Calf'

'Meet on the Street'

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

I believe a good photo should always tell a story and/or evoke an emotional response. Technical perfection is the foundation of a good photographer, but it is secondary in importance. For instance, when I'm in the city, I try to capture the mood and tell a story with my pictures. Technical perfection is always in the eye of the beholder.

'Iceland in Summer'

What generally is your relationship to your subject matter beyond being an observer? Do you carefully prepare the locations you intend to photograph?

I’m a nature lover. I go for things that touch my heart. I follow my heart. I usually prepare for landscape and wildlife photo trips by researching the location, surrounding, weather, and maps and by taking inspiration from related photos. For street photography, I like to be surprised and work without much preparation. As a matter of fact, on the street, planning is almost impossible, as pedestrians are rapidly moving and the light is always changing. I prefer just walking into any random street and looking for things that attract my attention.

'Let's Dance'

Describe your overall photographic vision.

Photography is a lifelong learning journey. I want to discover with my eyes, measure with my feet, feel with my heart, record with my lens, and see, hear, think, and realize through images. I want to be able to let my body wander with my heart, so that body and soul, always on the move, freeze every moment worth freezing.

'Winter in Hokkaido'

What are the main features of a successful landscape photographer in your opinion?

I believe that a successful landscape photographer combines creative vision, good technique, strong editing skills, and the ability to plan ahead. Strong planning is especially important because landscape photography leaves us at the mercy of the light and elements. If the photographer has a specific image in mind, it will help to understand how conditions will evolve and when to shoot. Similarly, when it comes to the editing stage, we can often improvise our way to something good, but having a preconceived idea in mind can often help us to more consistently produce a stronger, more creative image.

'Misty Morning'

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

I shoot in raw format. Then I transfer the images from the camera card to my computer with Bridge. I always start processing images with the ACR basic adjustment, and then I move on to Photoshop for image enhancement and local fixes. I also use Topaz Denoise Al and Topaz Sharpen AI for most of my bird and wildlife images. I usually process my street shots using Lightroom to adjust exposure, correct for lens effects, reduce noise, etc. Finally, if the photograph needs to be converted to black and white, I often use the Silver Efex Pro plug-in from the Nik Collection.

'Snowy Owl by the Sea'

Where do you look to find inspiration and what inspires you the most?

I get inspired by things that touch my heart. The beauty of a natural landscape touches my heart and moves me. What I like most about wildlife is their affection for one another. The affection between mother and offspring deeply moves me. For street photography, my favourite presentation is to use images to tell stories.

'Brave Little Cowboy'

Many are of the opinion that the gear is not so important when one’s passion for photography is strong. However, can you please share with us what gear you use (camera, lenses, lighting, tripod, etc.)?

I had a Canon 5D Mark IV for about 3 years, but then switched to a Canon R5. I recently added a Sony Alpha 1 primarily for wildlife photography. I have an RRS Series Mk1 Carbon Fiber Tripod. For lenses, I most frequently use a Canon 14-35 mm, Canon 24-105 mm, Canon 100-500 mm, Canon 70-200 mm, and Sony 200-600 mm.

'Abraham Lake in Winter'

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

This photo was shot three weeks ago in Patagonia. I found this prospect in an inconspicuous corner of the Cerro Torre glacial lake. The leading lines less than a foot long and their shape echoed the peaks in the mist of the distant mountains. It has a 3-D quality with smooth transitions from dark to light and cool to warm throughout the photo. I also pride myself on being able to climb the very challenging mountains of Patagonia, given my physical limitations. 

'Cerro Torre in the Morning'

Who are your favourite photographers or mentors whose works have influenced you and your photography?

I have many favourite photographers. Marc Adamus stands out because of how he fuses his art with his appreciation for the natural world. I am inspired by his amazing unique way of capturing light.
Yiming Hu  (landscape) and Jeff Wu (wildlife) are among the most well-known photographers I admire. I’m touched by their work, artistic vision, dedication, and passion for nature and wildlife.
I like to read John Fan’s book and blogs about personal photography insights, which I find very helpful.
The street photographer whom I most admire is Fan Ho. His photos portraying Hong Kong in the 1960s are always inspiring. His brilliant use of geometric shapes and light in his compositions makes him a real artist.
I have also learned much from the many great artists posting on 1x and photographers belonging to my local photo community, Boston Chinese Photography Association.
Outside of the world of photography, I would like thank my husband, Alan. He is an amazing linguist, editor, and translator, who has encouraged me to travel the world, and experienced other cultures.  

'Surfing'

'Spring Arrives in the Wheatfield'

Now at the end of this interview, I would kindly ask you to share with us your plans or photographic projects you would like to be involved in.

I consider myself still to be a beginner on my journey in photography. I will continue to improve my artistic and creative vision. In the near future, I would like to learn black and white photography.

'MIT Stata Center'

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

I want to thank Yvette for providing me this opportunity. 1x is not only a home base for me to share my work, but also an incredible learning platform. I’m happy and proud to be a part of the 1x family.

Thank you so much, dear Yun.  We are proud to have you among our talented members ;-)