Joseph Lai
1. Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
I am Joseph Lai, a full-time publicist and amateur photographer. I was heavily influenced by my father, Cheng Ying Lai, who is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at Taiwan's 2022 Golden Horse Film Festival. I've always been fascinated by the behind-the-scenes photos taken on location when he was filming.
2. Where did you study photography?
I started taking photography seriously during the pandemic when I was forced to work from home. I also took some classes at local universities where I learned the basics and took the time to go out, shoot, and experiment. You can also see me often at local photo bookstores and exhibitions studying other people's work (famous or not). A lot of inspiration comes from fellow artists (not just photographers).
3. Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
If I had to go back, it was with point-and-shoot at family gatherings. I would not call it "photographic work," but rather "personal memories."
4. What equipment do you use?
I'm shooting with a Fuji X-T4. I use Sigma 18 - 50, F2.8 as my daily carry. However, when I go out to shoot, I tend to favor prime lenses. In particular, Fuji 56mm LM WR F1.2, Fuji 23mm WR F2.0, Voigtlander Ultron 27mm F2.0, and Voigtlander Ultron APO 35mm F2.0. The manual lens allows me to slow down and really enjoy taking photos.
I also shoot with a Nikon F3 from time to time. It's more for the enjoyment of analog photography, so I'm not too critical of the result of those photos.
5. What do you hope to achieve?
My job is one way of dealing with a stressful work life. However, I think in every photo there is a story and a moment that I can always reflect on that specific moment in my life. It's a way to know that I have lived and enjoyed life.
6. What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
Some friends have said that my photos require imagination to understand. This is an honor because it means that my photos invoke thoughts and feelings. I don't intend every photo to be technically perfect (to me that is professional photography).
7. What inspires your unique storytelling?
Everything that surrounds me at that moment. Be it people, architecture, weather, my mood, etc.
8. Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2023 New York Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
The two photos were RUN in People Photography – Street and BEFORE SUNSET in Nature Photography ––Sunset. I like to take high-contrast photos and, as mentioned above, require some imagination to understand, which means that the audience can make up their own story.
9. How has winning an award developed your career?
It gives me confidence to chart a path/direction for my future work.
10. What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
Keep shooting and try not to look at them until you get home because you may miss a "street moment" when you spend time looking at the LCD screen.
11. What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
I think it is more important to develop a "keen eye" rather than fixate on "the equipment." Read lots of photo books (not photography books), where you can find inspiration to serve as examples of finding your style.
12. What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Be diligent and not discouraged by having a "bad photography day." As with life, photography has its ups and downs.
13. How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
Bouncing ideas from other photographers and artists. Social media these days also helps, but you need to filter out a lot of "white noise" and focus on constructive criticism.
14. Anything else you would like to add to the interview?
Receiving the awards is one of the best things for Christmas 2023! Thank you NYPA.
