Chao Feng - Connecting to the essence of nature

by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 8th of January 2024

Chao Feng is an excellent photographer in various categories, mainly landscapes and wildlife. Photography is not his job to make a living. But it has become a part of his life. He constantly is in search to improve his photographic skills. He quotes: 'I hold the belief that relationships are a universal theme that imbues our world with vibrancy and fascination. My aspiration is for my images to encapsulate a connection—a connection that mirrors the essence of nature, humanity, and the spiritual realm.'
I invite you to learn more about the artist behind his work. Enjoy!!!

'Night at Tre Cime'

Dear Chao Feng, first I would like to thank you so much for taking the time to answer this questionnaire! To begin, please introduce yourself shortly and tell us more about you, your hobbies or other projects you are involved in!

Thank you Yvette and 1X team for the privilege to share my photography journey and my work. I’m very honoured.

Professionally I am a lead software developer in Cloud and Big Data Computing. Beyond my professional endeavours, photography has been my foremost passion. In a local photo association I serve as a Vice Chairman regularly leading and organizing photography events. Additionally I love classical music, travel and reading.

'Warm Morning'

'Snow Storm'

When and how did you start your photographic journey?

During my high school years, an introduction seminar by a classmate sparked my fascination with photography. Back then in China, the era of film photography rendered cameras a luxury item for most families. It wasn't until my enrolment in a graduate school in the United States, supported by savings from a research assistantship program, that I was finally able to acquire my first film camera. However, the demands of a busy life, balancing career and family, left me with little opportunity to fully immerse myself in the depths of my photographic journey until when my daughter went to college.

'Walk Alone'

'Thirst'

For many of us photography is either a hobby or a way of life. How would you define your relationship with photography?
Photography is not a job for me to make a living. But it has become a part of my life. In my spare time outside of work, no matter where I go, I always look for a way to grow my photography skills and my portfolio.

'Ice'

What would be the most important experience so far that has influenced your steps in photography?
The Distinguished Photographers Seminar Series, hosted by my photography association in both 2016 and 2017, was a transformative experience for me. These seminars not only exposed me to innovative visions but also introduced me to novel post-processing techniques, leaving me in awe of the possibilities: 'Wow, it can be done this way!' This marked a pivotal turning point in my photographic journey. Since then, photography has evolved beyond mere picture-taking for me; it has become a meticulous craft, unfolding through multi-stages, with post-processing as a crucial step in the creation of a truly impactful image.

'Cakes'

You have your own style but your work is diversified. I see beautiful landscapes and splendid animal shots. Can you explain why this is?
In my full-time job, prolonged hours at a computer have taken a toll on my physical well-being, with my back aching and my mind feeling the strain of stress. To escape, I find solace in immersing myself in nature with my camera in hand. Observing and capturing landscapes and wildlife allows me to express my emotions through imagery. Photography serves as a pathway for me to rediscover an authentic self, free from the constraints of meeting others' expectations. In this realm of freedom, I allow my imagery to harmonize with my inner songs.

I initially overlooked the distinction between landscape and wildlife photography, as both are intrinsic facets of nature that captivate my camera's focus. While acknowledging the unique workflows and techniques each demands, I've come to appreciate the synergy between them, discovering how one can enrich the other in the creative process. Personally, I find joy in seamlessly integrating landscape elements into wildlife imagery. This melding not only enhances the visual narrative but also establishes a natural setting, allowing the inherent wildness of the subjects to unfold authentically within their native environment.

'Water'

'Good Morning, Kilimanjaro'

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

Technical perfection only serves as the foundation for a compelling image. My aim is to craft visuals that resonate deeply with my own emotions; subsequently, I endeavour to impart that profound sentiment to viewers who engage with my work. My ultimate gratification lies in the ability of my images to transport viewers from their routine life into a realm of tranquillity, love, and awe.

'Hikers'

'Duet Dance'

What generally is your relationship to your subject matter beyond being an observer?
Often-times, I perceive my subject as an individual—a being infused with character and emotion, whether it is a landscape scene or a wildlife animal.. Upon arriving at the location, I endeavour to invest time in observation, earnestly seeking to capture the essence. It is imperative for me to sense something profound before I initiate the click of the shutter.

'Don't Rob My Food'

Do you prepare carefully the locations where you are intending to photograph?
While locations serve as the initial foundation for planning a photography trip, they don't singularly determine the ultimate outcome. Throughout the journey, I always look out for opportunities that allow me to encapsulate both my perspectives and emotions in the captured images.

'Watch Out'

Describe your overall photographic vision.
I hold the belief that relationships are a universal theme that imbues our world with vibrancy and fascination. My aspiration is for my images to encapsulate a connection—a connection that mirrors the essence of nature, humanity, and the spiritual realm.

'You Warm My Heart'

'Venice Impression'

'Forest Morning'

Can you please tell us something more about your workflow from the idea to the final product?
Initially, I strategically determine the optimal time to visit a location and envision the kind of images I aim to capture. Subsequently, armed with a full-frame camera, I venture into the fields. Interestingly, it's the unplanned shots among the collection that often evoke the most excitement. Upon returning, I employ Adobe Lightroom for the initial selection and adjustments, followed by delving into Photoshop for more intricate retouching. Within Photoshop, I occasionally use Nik Collections and TK Lum-Mask Plugins to enhance the final outcome.

'Secret Beach'

Where do you look to find inspiration and what inspires you the most?
1x serves as my primary destination for both learning from and drawing inspiration from exceptionally talented photographers around the world. It's a hub where artistic visions and profound emotions, the very essence of inspiration, resonate with me deeply.

Many are of the opinion that the gear is not very important when the passion for photography is strong. However, can you please share with us what gear you use (camera, lenses, lighting, tripod, etc.)?

Cameras: I use Nikon Z7ii for landscape work and Z9 for wildlife.

Lenses: I use Nikon 14-30mm F4, Nikon 24-200mm F4-6.3, Sony 14mm F1.8 with a E-to-Z adaptor, Nikon 70-200 F2.8 VR II, Nikon 180-400mm F4 TC1.4, Nikon 600mm F4 G VR.
I recently added Nikon 180mm-600mm F4-6.3 Z lens in my camera bag for wildlife and love its mobility. My main tripod is Really Right Stuff TVC-24L.

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

'Following'

This isn't your typical wildlife photographer's pursuit – no fierce bear fights nor exciting fish-catching moments. The lighting falls short of spectacular, and any seasoned photographer would caution against shooting from the subject’s back. Yet, my heart resonated when I witnessed the unwavering devotion of two cubs trailing their mother wherever she led. While fellow photographers focused on the river, anticipating other bears' actions, I turned my camera around towards the departing bear family. Incorporating the clouds into the composition and employing a black-and-white technique, I discovered a satisfaction in capturing my emotions in this final image.

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

I am fond of Nathan Wirth's photographs of trees and beaches; they create a tranquil atmosphere. John Fan's works, whether capturing small or grand scenes, exude unusual perspectives. His philosophical books and essays on photography influence me greatly. Bingo's images display an exquisite tonality, with unique arrangements of human figures that are unforgettable. Larry Deng's photographs are dreamlike and poetic. Alexey Frolov's portrait photography is composed and dignified, creating striking light and shadow effects with simple light sources. These are just a few examples; there are many outstanding photographers on 1X whom I frequently look to for inspiration and learning.

'Who The Fastest?'

Now, since we have almost reached the end of this interview, I would kindly ask you to share with us your plans or photographic projects you would like to be involved in.
In the journey ahead, my photography aspirations are straightforward: to venture out more frequently, embrace exploration, expand my knowledge of the arts to articulate my vision and emotions with greater efficacy and trusting the outcomes to the hand of the Nature Creator.

'Catch Big'

Is there anything else you wish to add and what do you think about 1X as a home base for your work?
Among the various platforms I've explored, 1X stands out today as the unparalleled space for maintaining a consistently high standard of photographic excellence and fostering an exceptional community of photographers. It serves as the ideal environment for nurturing my portfolio growth and finding continuous inspiration for my craft. My profound appreciation and best wishes extend to 1X.

'A Little Dinosaur'

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Yun Thwaits PRO

Very impressive! Stunning art work! Great interview! Congrats!