by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 10^th of March 2025

Ben.C.L.'s landscape photographs are breathtakingly beautiful. Photography is his main hobby and his favourite way to relax by finding beauty in the world around him. It also became part of his lifestyle. Ben quotes: "My photographic vision is to explore the subject first, before attuning to the inherent aesthetic nature of the subject, and then using my photographic tools to depict and present it visually".
Let his wonderful work knock your socks off, as it does mine every time I see one of his works.

'Seashore Rainbow'

Dear Ben, first of all I would like to thank you for taking the time to answer this questionnaire! First of all, please introduce yourself and tell us more about yourself, your hobbies or other projects you are involved in!
I'm honoured to have the opportunity to be interviewed! Professionally, I am a registered engineer and work as a technical manager for a bakery company. However, as a passionate nature lover, my hobbies are anything that brings me closer to the great outdoors, so travelling, hiking, camping and outdoor gymnastics with my wife have become important parts of my everyday life. Poetry and photography have always been my favourite ways of capturing the most memorable moments of my experiences.

When and how did your photographic journey begin?

'Romantic Night'

I first encountered film cameras during my university days, borrowing and playing with them here and there. I didn't pick up a camera until my son was born, 30 years ago now, when I bought my first film SLR - just to capture his daily growth and milestones! My serious photographic journey really began in 2017, after a failed attempt to capture the Aurora Borealis. We were waiting during a dark midnight in minus 30°C and the horizon had a dark peachy glow. The light from the aurora was incredibly rich and powerful, but all my photos came out as dark as the horizon. I had misunderstood that f/22 was the biggest and best aperture - this miserable lesson became my greatest shame and the best weekend joke of my life, but also the starting point of my photographic journey!

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

'Morning Vibe'

So far, photography is my main hobby and my favourite way to relax between jobs, finding beauty in the world around me - it's safe to say it's become part of my lifestyle!

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

'Ice Jellyfishes'

In terms of professional photography, 2018 was a real turning point for me because I made a new friend, Louie Luo (louieluo), who was the one who introduced me to the gates of photography! He has since become my close photographer buddy.

You have your own style. Why are you so attracted to landscape photography?

'Cove View'

I grew up in a beautiful landlocked village with rolling hills deep in southern China. That childhood became my most beautiful and nostalgic memory. I believe that the love of landscape has been in my genes for a long time.

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

'Crystal Morning'

They are all equally important in making a good photo, but technical perfection is a must for a top-class landscape image!

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

'Ice Wreckage in Belssing Halo'

I treat my subjects as destiny - I trust that every existence and experience must have its own reasons. Usually I only do a very rough and loose preparation of the place I am going to photograph and leave the rest to God's plan and my exploration.

Describe your overall photographic vision.

'Romantic Stave'

My photographic vision is to explore the subject first, before attuning to the inherent aesthetic nature of the subject, and then using my photographic tools to depict and present it visually.

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

'Embrace The Sea With Open Arms'

A successful landscape photographer must hone his or her ability to organise a chaotic scene into cohesive aesthetic harmony through framing, light, tone, contrast, colour and so on, to name but a few.

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

'Gone With The Wind'

My workflow is very simple and straightforward! I use Lightroom for basic tone, colour adjustment and denoising, then export the piece to Photoshop for fine adjustments. The order is usually 1. Composition; 2. Light and contrast; 3. Colours; 4. Dodge and burn; and finally 5. saturation.

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

'Frozen City'

Exploring the great forms of nature and looking for the underlying beauty of ordinary scenes are the best and most exciting inspirations for me. I often go on nature walks with my wife, and I think in her company we share a lot of creative ideas and support each other!

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.)?

'Loneliest Inn'

I totally agree with this concept. My equipment is very simple. I use Nikon D750 and D850; Nikon 14mm~24mm, 24mm~70mm for landscape, plus tripod and natural light. I never use lights or filters, and pay close attention to the weather and time of day.

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

'Ruby Wedding rng'

Ruby Wedding Ring is my favourite so far! The shape and colour of the magpie bridge, as well as the ground, all come together to evoke a giant ruby wedding ring. Fun fact: This also coincides with the 2000 year old Chinese romantic legend of "Cowherd and Weaver Girl", where a cowherd crosses a magpie bridge to be reunited with his true love.

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

'Nostalgic Little Fishing Village'

Both Ansel Adams’ Zone System and Henri Carti-Bresson’s Decisive Moment are the most important guidelines in my heart. There are a lot of great photographers on 1X Gallery as well—I come across lots of fantastic photos every single day!

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.

'Sweet Dream'

I have always dreamed of another opportunity to capture the Northern Lights properly. I hope to make a trip to Iceland soon, perhaps after my daughter graduates this spring, so that I can experience the Aurora Borealis again with my wife (who is also a talented photographer) and family!

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

'Early Cloudsy Dawn'

1X is a very good platform to get to know so many talented people and it has opened my eyes to the more ingenious creativity that exists in this community.

Ben.C.L.