An accomplished adventurer, Stefen summitted Mount Everest, becoming one of the rare individuals to climb and photograph the mountain. Nikon Singapore recently named him a 'Nikon Singapore Professional.

When did you first realize your inclination towards photography and how did you pursue the same as a career?
I was a full time mountaineer before I was a photographer. I was part of the National University of Singapore team to attempt Mount Everest, and I was designated as a photographer for the team then. I was chosen simply because I had the biggest camera, and I wasn’t particularly interested in photography then. It was the eventual experience on the mountains, and the realization of the power of a photograph. That started the obsession and eventually my entry into the profession.

When I decided I wanted to be a professional photographer, it wasn’t easy. I didn’t study photography, and I was always a science student. I graduated with Mechanical Engineering, and the jump into a completely different field was initially difficult and you could hardly see the path in front of you. It took years of perseverance, and also belief from people around you to make it happen. It wasn’t an overnight process but it was certainly beneficial.

Your portfolio is mainly people and places. Talking of people, how do you make them pose for you, especially when there are times when you don’t even speak the same language?
The power of body language is the most universal body language. Everyone recognizes a smile, a nod, and their own picture. I believe that mutual respect is the best society leveler among people.

“As a photographer, I am always looking to explore the potential in the power of a photograph.”

Your work has led you to travel to many places across the globe. Which has been the most challenging till date?
One of the most challenging assignments was when I was assigned by Keppel Shipyard to photograph the world’s largest conversion shipyard in Singapore. The assignment took 2 years, and I was given complete access to their facilities. I also had to take care of a lot of safety measures, as the shipyard is quite a dangerous environment to be in. 16,000 workers work on that site, and conditions are extreme. It takes a combination of physical work (a lot of climbing up and down scaffolds with entire loads of photography gear) and art direction.

Could you kindly share with us your experiences while on the Mount Everest mission?
It takes everything you have as a human being. Imagine carrying 20kg, on a 45 degree slope while suffering -35 degree Celsius temperatures, 70 km/h winds and oxygen levels only a third of what it is compared to sea levels. All this while you are wondering, ‘wow, that is a great angle for a photograph’, and you lie on the snow, waiting for the moment.

“Discover your inner voice, work really hard, and never take no as an answer.”

You have been awarded in PDN, PX3 and was also nominated for the PDN 30 and World Press Photo Masterclass. How does it feel to have achieved so much in life?
I am only grateful that I am allowed to do something I love everyday. Awards are nice, and it is a great affirmation to what I do, but I remind myself this wouldn’t define my work and my vision. I wake up each day feeling excited about the day ahead and my work and I think that is all it matters.

Stefen,  you have worked with some of the most renowned companies like  Geo, Time Magazine, Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, to name a few. How has the journey been so far?
Working with some of the best editors and photo editors in the world has been a grand privilege. I have always a lot of control on how the photographs are taken, and communicating with these companies is insightful; you appreciate how the world is seen through their eyes.

“The power of body language is the most universal body language…mutual respect is the best society leveler among people.”

Could you tell us something about your social-documentary project ‘The Poverty Line – China’?
As a photographer, I am always looking to explore the potential in the power of a photograph. For the Poverty Line project, I collaborated with economist HY Lin, and we created a body of work that explores what it means to be poor. We take the definition of the poverty line in a country, and we take a per day, per person of what can be bought with a single day of income. The items are all foodstuff purchased in local markets, and photographed in the same style against the newspapers of the day. The work has since expanded to China, Nepal and Japan, and we plan to continue the project as I travel to more countries. We have received numerous responses internationally, including being discussed in USA, Russia, China, Spain and also featured by CNN and PDN. The official site for the poverty line is www.thepovertyline.net

Nikon Singapore has named you the 'Nikon Singapore Professional'. Would you like to comment on that?
Nikon Singapore has provided me with incredible support in my career since beginning, and as a Nikon Singapore Professional, I receive product support and I have also tested some unreleased models for them. This is a very fun role especially for such a tech geek like me. Being associated with one of the biggest brands in the photography industry has been great, and I also continually feedback to them on my experience using their products in different fields and environments that I work in.

Looking back at your work, which of your pictures make the strongest impression on you?
If it is one body of work, the Chomolungma (Everest in its Tibetan name) series would be it. Everything starts with the instinct to photograph something that means to you, and my Everest work was a distillation of whom I am. 

Could you kindly provide a word of advice to the budding photographers of today?
Discover your inner voice, work really hard, and never take no as an answer. The road to be a professional photographer is rather arduous, but it can also be one of the most satisfying things you have done. And get good critique on your work.

	Quick8: Your Favourite Camera: Nikon D3X Your Favourite printer: Epson 9900. I really love the colors and the quality that Epson printers have. As I travel widely for work and exhibitions, being able to work with Epson printers around the world gives me the confidence and assurance that the consistency of quality is guaranteed. Your Favourite Shoot: Geo Germany shoot for the China Scientists. 4 month project photographing some of the brightest scientists and science facilities in China. Your Preferred Location: Himalayas Favourite Photographer: Richard Avedon Most memorable story: I was caught in an avalanche climbing in Pakistan on Gasherbrum II, and the last thing I did before the avalanche hit was taking a picture. That instinct reminded me that I was probably born to be one. Favourite Photographer: Richard Avedon Current photographers you like: Dan Winters, Vincent Laforet, John Clang, Stephen Shore Toughest day at work: Not one in particular. I live by a mantra. Passion Creates Possibilities.

More photos by Stefen Chow/ Fotosocial

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