Close Up Interview with Automotive Photographer Aaron Lam from A.L Photography

Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.

I’m an aspiring automotive photographer.  My childhood love of cars and driving has never diminished.  Coming from a family of car enthusiasts, and owning my first ‘car’ (BMW Push Car) at the age of three stimulated more than just any mere soapy love for cars but rather invigorated a sense of passion and avidity.

If you love the sound of a roaring Mercedes C63 V8 as much as the screeching exhaust note of a Lexus LFA V12, you’ll find we’re both on the same page.

But when I’m not out taking photos, I’m at the University of Sydney finishing off my Civil Engineering degree.

How did you discover your love for photography?

Believe it or not, the iPhone! Downloaded the now well-known app known as Instagram and everything just unravelled from there.  It enabled me to explore photography through the eyes of other people from all around the world and experiment with a variety of perspectives.

Mitsubishi Evolution VIII

Who (or what) inspires you?

Big name photographers in the automotive industry such as Easton Chang and Nicholas TJ.R.  However, I’ve also been a big fan of Chase Jarvis.

Where do you get your inspiration when you do your photo shoot?

No one really, it’s all based on how I feel during the shoot.  The background and the surroundings is what I constantly keep in mind, whether it is by the water or at an industrial site.

What are the five words that people who know you would use to describe you?

Car Enthusiast, Committed, Organised,Motivated and Decisive.

Sergio’s Widebody S15

Tell us about your very first job and what did you learn from it?

I started my first job as an event marketer and door-to-door salesman working for a company called STM International situated at the heart of the Sydney CBD on George St.  I worked there from Monday to Friday and soon helped out at my parent’s company, Furniture Sales Direct on the weekends. Fresh out of high school and rather than enjoying the long summer holidays like every other ordinary student would, I worked like a dog! STM International was in a way a rite of passage into adulthood and a taste into the corporate world.  Sales pitches,

 As a photographer, what is your biggest frustration?

Coming back home and discovering some of the photos that have been taken were out of focus or realising that the background has an object that is intrusive and unattractive.  However, removal of objects is all possible with the art of Photoshop.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

Tell us about how you prioritise your work.

I’d like to say University work first and then photography.  But let’s face it that never ever happens.

Tell us about the project you are working right now with ArtSHINE?

I’m currently collaborating with ArtSHINE by taking photos to match with inspirational quotes that they have provided me.

A collaboration project with ArtSHINE

How do you connect with other artists, and your fans (i.e. how do you network)?

My content is predominately on Facebook as fans have the ability to like, share and distribute my work with great ease.  In addition, I upload high-resolution images onto Flickr.  I’m currently looking into designing my webpage to further exhibit my photography.

What advice can you offer other creative people who are just starting out and following their passions?

Discover famous photographers or artists and follow them! Scrutinise their work and take note of what they’re doing and what they’re attempting to portray. Being a photographer or artist takes time and patience.  You need to get out in the world and just start taking photos or take a walk to gather inspiration and ideas.  If things don’t work out, look back at what you did wrong and take an alternative route.

Nissan Skyline GTR R34

What dreams do you still want to achieve or fulfil in your life?

The aspiration of becoming a professional automotive photographer one day.

What is your proudest moment so far?

Having one of my photos posted up on a renowned automotive company known as ‘StanceNation’ which has over half a million fans! My picture received over 10,000 likes and 250 shares.

Who do you most want to meet and why?

Without a doubt, Easton Chang.  He’s automotive photography is set on a whole new level hence why his regularly graces manufacturer advertisements and magazine covers.  The fact that he’s self taught demonstrates skills that aren’t simply attainable through books or teachers.

What is the most important lesson in life that you have learned so far?

In terms of photography – make sure the battery is fully charged and always, always take several photos of the subject from the same angle.  This omits the possibility of motion blur caused by a shaky hand or a slow shutter speed.

Centre of all Evil

Where do we find you and your products?

You can follow me on:

Facebook: www.alphotography.com.au

Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/alphotography93

 

 

Vinh Van Lam
the authorVinh Van Lam
Vinh Van Lam, co-founder of ArtSHINE, is a visionary art coach and entrepreneur with a passion for fostering creativity. With a diverse background in art and business, he brings a unique perspective to empower emerging artists, enabling them to thrive in the dynamic art industry through the innovative platform of ArtSHINE.

1 Comment

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.