What inspired you to become a photographer?

It was in 2004, when I observed the wedding portfolio of a photograher in my hometown of Jakarta. I was so impressed by the beautiful composition and wonderful candid moments. That was the very first time I was so interested to know more about photography.

Tell us about your first photo that really validated your interest as a photographer.

A silhouette photo that I took in Kuta beach, Bali 2004. I really love the moment and composition in that image. I think it was a lucky shot, since I didn’t know anything about how to manage composition and exposure at that time.

Back when you were just starting out, what was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome that?

Several months after I bought my first DLSR in August of 2009, I began to find what I like to create with my camera. The genre I chose was silhouette and mood photography, since I have a desire to express my sense of poetry visually. That genre is not a mainstream one. Many people disliked and even complained about my work, especially here in Indonesia, where most people glorify mainstream work. In their eyes, my works looked terrible, since they are not sharp in focus, have too much grain/noise and often don't "obey" the rules of mainstream photography.

Likewise, when I started to do some montage/composite images, I also received negative comments from some people. They said that my work is not photography. According to them, photography means to shoot with little or no retouching in Photoshop or other editing software. Nevertheless, I kept to my style and ignored such negative voices, because for me, photography is only a medium to express my thoughts, feelings and emotions. I need the freedom to express those things.

Later, I found some good European and US photo communities and decided to upload my work there. Surprisingly, as time went by, the audience (although not all of them) began to appreciate and love what I did. So, in that positive environment my work’s character grew stronger and my skill also developed greatly.

What do you enjoy photographing the most?

I love to capture silhouettes, some blur and vague imagery. I like to play on some symbolism, creating photos which look strange, with a chaotic beauty that can evoke curiosity.

What has been your proudest moment as a photographer?

When I won a FIAP Blue Badge as the best author in 9th Salon Daguerre International Projected Image Photography competition 2015, Paris France. The blue badge is such a difficult achievement!

Tell us about time in your photographic journey where you failed at something and how did you pivot to overcome this?

When I entered a local Indonesian salon photo competition in December 2015, the judges rejected almost all of my photos. It was quite discouraging, but I tried to be positive and believe there were still many good competitions that I could participate in. I moved on and submitted my works to an International salon competition and won several FIAP and PSA Gold Medals.

We all have weaknesses, what is yours relating to photography?

I am a person who believes in practical ways, so in my photography I just follow my instincts, grab my camera, make a brief adjustment and shoot. I don’t know much about the basic/written knowledge of photograph or, even the features of my camera.

Finding time to get out and shoot is another challenge for many. How do you find the time in your busy schedule to get out there behind your camera?

I agree it is not easy to find time for the fun of photography, especially if you are not a professional. Luckily, I have my own business, so my time is relatively flexible. If my work is not too hectic, I can go out for some shots.

Nailing a perfect composition can be a challenge. What do you think the trick is to mastering composition?

First, you have to know what story you want to tell in your composition. Then the elements needed to tell the story can be arranged for good balance.

There are many photographers starting out, who don't have the money to buy the camera gear they want. What advice can you give to them?

Don’t ever be discouraged! Cameras and other equipment are only a tool/medium. Your vision and creativity is most important. You still have a chance to create some awesome works, even with a very cheap camera!

How do you feel photography has impacted the way you see the world?

I now see the world in a more beautiful way, more interesting and full of excitement. This is because I realize every moment we have is so precious and could be an opportunity to create some great images, no matter where we are.

What do you see photographers doing today, that if done differently tomorrow would improve their success?

I believe character is the most important thing in photography. By having a unique personal character, one’s work is more powerful and engaging, which improves the chance of success.

To get your creative eye focused, where do you draw your inspiration from?

My own precious memories, fantasies and obsessions. Also, from some poetic music like that of the Belgian duo, Secret Garden, or some good artistic video clips or photographs/visual artworks on the Internet.

What is your best photography related tip?

Just be yourself, do whatever you like. Dig into your own fantasies, precious moments in your life, and your obsessions. By doing that, your work will have a distinctive character.

Don’t be discouraged if many people don’t accept your style, just keep on trying!

Keep practicing  how to manage well-balanced compositions in a frame, because composition is one of the key factors in photography.

What would you like people to take away from your work?

“The beauty of being different” is the essence of my work that I want to share with people.

What are some ‘must have’ items in your camera bag?

Lensbaby Composer pro with Single glass and Pinhole/Zone Plate optic.

My Sony Alpha 7r, Sony 50mm f/1.4 lens and Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Lens.

If you were stuck on a deserted island, what is the ONE photography book you would want to have with you?

1x.com's yearbook, 2011 Limited edition, “Beyond”

Final question, and it’s a fun one: Life has been found on another planet and none other than Sir Richard Branson is piloting Virgin Galactic and has put together a team of engineers, scientist, doctors and has asked you to come along to document the journey. The challenge is you can only bring two lenses and one camera body and two other items. What would you bring?

My Lensbaby Composer pro with various optics for sure, Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Lens, Sony A7r camera body, tripod and lens cleaning kit.