Derry Ainsworth
1. Congratulations on winning in the New York Photography Awards! Can you share a little about yourself, what inspired you to pursue photography, and how has your journey evolved since your first shot?
Hi, my name is Derry, I'm a British photographer who has been living in Hong Kong since 2014. I originally worked in architecture, but quit my day job to pursue a career in photography - inspired completely by the amazing scenery in Hong Kong and Asia.
Since moving to Hong Kong, I taught myself photography and focused on capturing scenes of the city, whether grand or small, telling stories of people who live here and capturing unique perspectives.
2. Can you share the story or inspiration behind your award-winning piece? How does winning this award make you feel about your journey in photography?
For 'Containment' - I kept seeing these buildings that had this 'dragon gate' feature, and I wondered if there would be any chance to frame a subject within these holes. This particular building sits near a busy shipping channel in Hong Kong, so it was a case of waiting for a boat to come past in the right place and lining the camera up so it was framed right in the middle. The time of day also added some sunset glow to the gaps in the buildings, which was nice!
For 'Concrete Horizons' - I was hiking up on Hong Kong Island on a really clear day, and noticed that you can see for miles into the urban landscape of Kowloon. So I captured this compression shot with a zoom lens, where only the 'Aqua Luna' sailboat was visible passing in front of the 'concrete horizon'.
3. How do you decide which photo to submit for a competition?
I have held some exhibitions here in Hong Kong, and it's a great opportunity to self reflect and self curate from your photo collection. I think when you show your work to the public, you also get an honest response from images that people like, and that helps you know which images people are drawn towards. Social media engagement also helps you to realize which images work.
4. What first made you pick up a camera?
Buildings! I studied architecture, so I've always been drawn to capturing angles, perspectives and urban scenery.
5. What’s your favorite type of photography, and why do you love it?
Urban photography of all kinds, whether it's architectural or street - I love capturing the city and life within it. Using a range of techniques helps to document life in a place. I find it fascinating to see how different neighborhoods in different cities all have their own distinct character.
6. What’s your go-to camera setup, and why does it work best for your projects? What’s your favorite feature?
Sony A1 - is the most incredible tool I've ever owned. I can't recommend a camera more. It has the resolution, the speed, the focus capabilities and strength in both photo and video.
7. If someone looked at your work, what’s the one thing you’d want them to feel?
A sense of time and place. I hope it inspires people to get out and explore more and take their own photos. Photography is one of the best ways to appreciate and connect with your surroundings, and I hope more people pick up a camera and create for themselves.
8. What was the most challenging part of capturing your winning shot?
Timing, centering the boats, is a small but crucial detail to making these shots what they are.
9. Is there a specific place or subject that inspires you the most?
Hong Kong. I owe my entire career to this inspiring place. It has given me the visual inspiration and endless work opportunities to make a career from something I love.
10. Who or what has been your biggest influence in photography?
The feeling of exploring a new place, and music are my biggest influences for photography.
11. What message would you share to inspire photographers to participate in photography awards, and what advice would you give to help them excel in the competition?
Find what you love to shoot and keep shooting it, be original and don't copy others. Take your chance in competitions, as you have to be in it to win it.
12. What’s one piece of advice for someone just starting in photography?
Shoot what interests you, don't shoot for IG likes, use photography as a tool to appreciate the things that you love and you find interesting.
13. What role do editing and post-processing play in your creative workflow?
Editing helps you ultimately define your style. Eventually, you will find techniques that work for you and what you want to achieve. I've spent years trying out different looks and styles; it's just about practicing and experimenting until you find what works for you.
14. How do you see technology, like AI, influencing the future of photography and your own approach?
Keep the AI tools coming; they are useful for fixing things like blemishes and corrections. I don't think AI is a threat in this field, as photography is really personal to your 'eye' and it's hard to replicate that, unless you just copy other people's work, then you might get replaced by AI.
15. If you could photograph anything or anyone in the world, what would it be?
I'm interested in traveling more and shooting more cities and architecture - I really want to explore more of the Middle East!
