An Exclusive Interview with Ismawan Ismail

Ismawan Ismail born in 1972, and started to take pictures using pocket camera since his high-school days. An IT executive at a mining company located in Papua, Indonesia that started his IT career from a computer hobbyist. Ismawan is hoping that someday photography can also be another hobby-to-career move for him, as he already started taking photo assignments and selling stock photos.

In this “Exclusive Interview” section, today we have the opportunity to talk with Ismawan Ismail, as his photograph was winner of Photo of the Month – 25th Month, 1st Place. Let’s discover more about Ismawan, and his forays into photography in the following interview with him.

Light & Composition: Hello, Ismawan Ismail. How does it feel being selected as the winner of Photo of the Month, 1st Place?Ismawan Ismail: To know that people appraise my work is already pleasing, but to recognize that my photographs have been rated above the works of other talented & respectable photographers, it really is exciting. This honor fires me up and encourages me to keep growing, improve my skills, raise my own bar and create better photographs in the future.

L&C: Your photographs, “Sunrise at Tengger ”, as well as “East Flores Mountain Layers” were selected as Photo of the Month, both of them are beautiful landscape photographs with artistic perspective, correct lighting, and very well presented. Overall, they are great composition! Tell us more about your experience of taking these two photographs.

Ismawan: Both photographs were taken at famous tourist destination in my country, Indonesia. It is a challenge itself to find and own a spot to take pictures when people – sometime lots of them – are around you trying to have better view of the sceneries.

To negotiate such issue, I always do at least two visits to the place where I want to take pictures, and that was the case as well for both location, Penanjakan for the first photo and Kelimutu for the second.

First visit was always the ‘tourist visit’ like other people, and I used this opportunity to try recognizing the interesting objects to capture and the best spots to take them. On the second visit the following day, I went earlier than anybody else, claimed the spot and executed my shot.

L&C: Besides this winning photograph, many people liked and voted for several others of your photographs in the Photo of the Month contest. You must be proud. How do you see your journey to the world of photography so far?Ismawan: Yes of course. It has been a long journey and full with learning experience. I want to take every opportunity to share my works and gain as many constructive feedback as possible in order for me to grow and improve my skills. I really appreciate all people and especially my fellow photographers who have recognized my works so far and provided constructive feedback that allow me to keep growing.

L&C: As we know, you are originally from Indonesia, which has its own rich diverse cultural and artistic heritage. Do you think depicting life in Indonesia portrays a different essence? How much does that influence your work?Ismawan: Indonesia is a beautiful country. However, there are still lots of places in this country that have not really been explored and people yet to know about those places. This has driven my passion and shoot landscape pictures more, to make those beauties eternal in pictures and share them with people all over the world. I love travelling, and I want to visit as many places as I can, introduce those beautiful places to my children to grow their love to nature, and at the same time.

L&C: We see so many different genres of photography in your portfolio. Do you like a particular genre of photography?

Ismawan: I enjoy exploring all genres of photography. I love experimenting with lighting in studio. However, what I mostly love is being outside of the room and capturing the beauty of landscapes everywhere, as well as human activities.

L&C: One of the keys to any style of photography is visualization. Please tell us how you started this process and what you did afterwards.Ismawan: As I mention before, I always visit the location prior taking the pictures. During the first visit, I am trying to identify the interesting object that I can capture, identify as many factors that will affect the process as possible – i.e. sunlight direction, sunrise time for landscapes – and then determine on how I would like to capture it.

L&C: Ismawan Ismail, have you ever exhibited your work? If so, then tell us about your first exhibiting experience.
Ismawan: Not yet, have been busy with work. But I have already planned to have one, soon..

L&C: Are you involved with any photography organizations? How does this help you in your photography?Ismawan: I was the chairman of photography community organization in the company where I work, back then. I am still active in all its events although not as the chairman. I think it’s good for everybody to get involved in such community or organization, because by seeing many people with different styles and genres will definitely widen your exposure about photography in overall. It is also an opportunity for me to learn and gain feedback from other people who are far more experienced, and on the other side sharing what I have to other people as well.

L&C: What advice would you give our readers who want to take part in the journey around the world with Photo of the Day?Ismawan: Don’t stop learning, don’t stop exploring anything that interests you. Believe in yourself, but don’t be too proud to take any constructive criticism and feedback because it will only do you good.

L&C: Thank you, Ismawan, for sharing your feelings and experiences with us.
Ismawan: Thank you Light & Composition for the opportunity to share, and for the honor.