There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer. ~Ansel Adams
This quote is especially visible when looking at the photographic works of Gregorius Suhartoyo, AKA /Leonheart here on Shadowness. His pieces possess a grace and strength more powerful than technique alone could render.
He is our first recepient of the Photographer of the Month award, and has taken the time to share with us insight into his work in an interview.
Tell me about yourself.
Hello, I'm Gregorius Suhartoyo, an open-minded person who likes to learn new things to improve what skills I already have. I'm a freelance photographer and a freelance motion graphic artist.
When did you first notice your own style emerging?
Everyone has to experience some steps in the process, including me. Around March 2009 I started taking pictures with very standard & simple results. Through time, I learned to use good lighting & simple composition with some processing to boost the result. I'm still looking for improvements with trial and error method :)
Who or what are your inspirations?
Actually nature magazines really inspire me a lot, before I owned my camera and started my photography adventures. I often look at the nature photos around the world and dreaming about having the adventure & visiting them. And Ansel Adams really inspires me a lot. His photos & simple composition really captured my heart.
What do you feel is the most important technical ability for photographers to master?
I think we should really know about good lighting & angle. With good lighting, usually the result will be good. And some interesting angle can really boost the result & make it different from other photo.
What advice do you have for the beginning photographers?
Practice is what makes us become better. Try different angles, compositions, and lighting. About lighting, try to avoid harsh lighting condition. For example, if you're taking scenery pictures, it's better to not take pictures between 7 am and 5 pm. And try to make notes of what you're mistakes are that need to be fixed for your next photo session so you will improve every time you take pictures.
And here are a few words about /Leonheart from the community members.
Greg's photos are so recognisable, especially the ones showcasing his homeland of Indonesia. They always evoke incredible warmth, and his landscapes communicate like paintings. It's always exciting when he shares his vision. /Snowmask
Greg's photography is that rarest of combinations: the ability to capture that elusive "perfect instant", and the communication of a universal human experience that transcends borders. It's a warmth difficult to describe, but one that has people from all walks of life nodding "yes", with a smile. /Kolaboy
He takes his pictures with a heart full of appreciation for the world around him, and with the skill which brings that world into vivid focus. /Wroth
Greg's works of art are of utmost quality -- exuberant in both technicalities and in passion. His photos, whether they are portraits that are beautiful and professional, detailed macro shots of nature or heart-felt landscapes of his homeland, fall nothing short of exemplary -- and he has a big heart to match. /Shebid
Jul 20th, 2011
Aww I'm so happy for Greg! and he so deserves this, he has excelled in his photographic abilities and I have always looked forward to seeing his new works. Fell in love with his pieces the day I joined Shadowness. Not only is his artwork awesome, but his personality is too, he's a really nice person to get to know! I remember a few weeks ago Greg and I were sharing photos from when we first started photography, was so fun seeing our progress!
Yeah very nice work indeed. What I'd like to know is if there's any tips for non photographers on taking better pictures, like with a non SLR. Are there any settings to tweak and what are the dos and dont's when it comes to lighting etc.
I love Danny's words: "Greg's photography is that rarest of combinations: the ability to capture that elusive "perfect instant", and the communication of a universal human experience that transcends borders."