73 Questions with Jules: Photography Edition

11th April 2025 | 10-20 minute read

Answering questions about myself Vogue style would be fun. Or so I thought. Happy reading!

  1. How did you first get into photography?

    I had the opportunity to hold a few cameras when I was a kid but it was all really just point-and-shoot at anything then. In 2016, right after the final exams was over, I finally hopped onto Instagram like every other kid and was simply amazed by the photographers there. This impression became an interest, so the first thing I wanted to do on IG was to start a photography account which apparently was being run on my personal account 😅. I have been self-taught all this while.

  2. What was the first camera you ever owned?

    The Nikon D7000 was the first camera bought with my own money which I bought 2nd hand from this lovely store and I’ve been patronising them for years. Before D7000, Nikon D5200 was the camera my dad bought and I used it when I was starting out. As an entry-level camera, I would say it served me well.

  3. Film or digital—what’s your preference?

    Digital supremacy! The power to edit!

  4. What’s your go-to camera setup right now?

    My trusty 15-year-old D7000, zoom lens Nikon 18-200mm VR II and wide angle lens Nikon 10-20mm DX VR.

  5. Favorite lens and why?

    Initially, I used the wide angle lens a lot but realised how limited I was when I couldn’t get close up shots at all. It’s real good for large indoor spaces or a tight environment with loads of details. Now, the zoom lens is my favourite for it’s versatility in all kinds of shoot.

  6. How would you describe your photography style?

    2 words: Honest stories. I’m a honest person myself (it’s true!) so I like things to be true to themselves. I don’t try to exaggerate the colours of an image too much from the original if not the context would be lost. Capturing moments tells a more dynamic story, almost like a snippet of an ongoing documentary. I usually put myself close to or be in those happening moments when I shoot. That’s how I come up with a range of creative perspectives and details. Be bold! These nitty-gritty things help to create a distinct identity for myself.

  7. What’s the most challenging shot you’ve ever taken? The Steven Lim one! 😂
      1. I never shot in a dark room
      2. Had to dance with my camera swinging on my neck
      3. Too much sensory overload
  8. What’s one photo you’re most proud of?

    Tough question. I love all my photos equally even the bad ones but if I had to pick one it would be my first featured photo from 2020. Well, it wasn’t an original idea but one of the first kind to blow up in Singapore which I’m quite proud of.

  9. If you could photograph any historical event, what would it be?

    Honestly, 9/11. Tragic event. The number of photos I’ve seen posted by many and in the different perspectives shakes me some times.

  10. What’s the best lighting situation to shoot in?

    Sunset or when the sunlight is somewhat at its strongest. It’s difficult to create manmade shadows in outdoor scenarios so strong lighting is suggested.

  11. Favorite golden hour or blue hour?

    Golden hour!

  12. Do you prefer shooting indoors or outdoors?

    Outdoors!

  13. Studio lighting or natural light?

    Natural light!

  14. Favorite editing software?

    Lightroom supremacy!

  15. Do you prefer minimal editing or heavy post-processing?

    It’s a mix here and there. Sometimes heavy editing leads to some really cool photos but does take time and patience to produce. Certain images are suited for minimal editing if I perceive that there’s a style that fits easily so not all photos can easily be edited in seconds. Pros and cons.

  16. How do you organize your photo archives?

    Year > YYYYMMDD Location Event > Unnamed Images

  17. RAW or JPEG?

    RAW like how I like my sushi!

  18. What’s one photography rule you always follow?

    Shooting with a grid. Always useful in compostition.

  19. What’s one photography rule you love to break?

    It’s not always necessary to get the perfect exposure on camera.

  20. Best photography advice you’ve ever received?

    I went to a talk by Tavepong who’s a street photographer and him simply having the patience for the right shot is solid advice. Check out his photos and you will know what I mean.

  21. Worst photography mistake you’ve made?

    Probably trespassing and getting caught or hitting the gong which cracked the filter while I had the camera hanging on my neck.🤔

  22. Have you ever lost important photos?

    Besides a guard telling me to delete photos I took at a place I trespassed, not really.

  23. How do you stay inspired?

    Looking at as much art in real life and in the digital sphere. Inspiration comes from experiences.

  24. Who are your biggest photography influences?

    I’ve always been influenced by only photographers on Instagram. I’m not well versed in professional photographers outside of social media. Surprise!

    Last time: Mangostreelab, YK, Peter Mckinon, Ryan Mamba, Brandon Woelfel

    Currently: YK, Jujushoots, t_yaosheng, maciejsphotos

  25. What’s your dream photography project?

    Astrophotography + capturing the aurora borealis!

  26. If you could do a photoshoot anywhere in the world, where would it be?

    Faroe Islands!

  27. If you could collaborate with any photographer, who would it be?

    YK! If you ever read this, I would like to be your apprentice!

  28. How do you prepare for a big shoot?

    Never done one so I would love for someone to hit me up! Maybe one key thing is to leave home on time :)

  29. Do you prefer shooting people, landscapes, or still life?

    No preference. I like capturing many things.

  30. What’s the best camera for beginners?

    I may be biased but Nikon D5200 newbie’s set. Easily under $600.

  31. What’s your favorite part about photography?

    No two shots taken will ever be the same.

  32. What’s your least favorite part about photography?

    The weather can sometimes ruin a shoot.

  33. Do you prefer prime lenses or zoom lenses?

    Zoom!

  34. Do you like using vintage lenses?

    Never touched them.

  35. What’s the most underrated photography trick?

    Putting the camera behind something or simply blurring nearby subjects/objects by zooming into the subject to create a focused view.

  36. What’s one photo trend you love?

    Currently, photo series/moving postcards. They’re sort of the same category when it comes to documentation. Single photo posts have always been okay, nothing wrong with having 1 wow image but these carousel takes more effort to put up and tells a more compelling story similar to flipping a book. I admire people who curate series which has inspired me to do my own too!

  37. What’s one photo trend you can’t stand?

    Keeping one’s feed in blue and orange tones. Complimentary colours yes but it does express the lack of exploration into other editing styles. It’s too easy to do, too easy to apply, anyone can do it. Not sure when this trend will expire.

  38. Do you believe in gear minimalism or having every tool possible?

    Gear minimalism. I’m not rich enough to have all the tools I want.

  39. Black and white or colour photography?

    Colour photography supremacy! Wouldn't want to miss a single detail to the darkness.

  40. How do you approach storytelling in photography?

    Well, I’m not much of a thematic storyteller but more of a photo set curator which is simpler to talk about. I guess it’s more of an overall big idea that connects the photos together instead of being distinct and hard to read seamlessly.

  41. Do you prefer posed shots or candid photography?

    Candid!

  42. Favorite photography genre?

    Travel!

  43. How do you handle creative blocks?

    Stop editing and do something else! Touching grass is always effective. Or finding more inspiration.

  44. How do you deal with difficult clients or models?

    Waiting for someone to offer me a job with someone difficult (I hope not lol).

  45. What’s the best location you’ve ever shot at?

    Hard pick. Earth is just so pretty you know.

  46. What’s the weirdest place you’ve ever done a shoot?

    I still think it's the Steven Lim one. It’s not 100% weird but the setup with the flashing graphics on the screen before the huge red screen at the end of the event. What was that? Art?

  47. Do you enjoy shooting in extreme weather conditions?

    Of course not! Gear is expensive to maintain!

  48. Do you prefer street photography or controlled environments?

    No preference. Anything can be fixed on Lightroom!

  49. Have you ever done underwater photography?

    No but I would love to try!

  50. Drone photography—yay or nay?

    Yay!

  51. Favorite focal length?

    I think 50mm. But most used could be 18mm.

  52. What’s one photography hack you swear by?

    Turn on the grid in your camera!

  53. Do you prefer wide apertures or deep depth of field?

    Deep depth of field.

  54. How do you handle low-light photography?

    Reduce the shutter speed first before bringing the ISO up. Recieve enough light before bringing in the noise.

  55. How do you capture the perfect portrait?

    I’m no portrait pro but getting real close to the subject. Like zoom in to their face close creates this blurred background effect. Works best with a background filled with lights. Strong lights and shadows to accentuate the facial features is another tip as well.

  56. What’s the best way to get authentic expressions from people?

    Capture without them knowing that they’re being captured. Or simply zoom from a distance without looking like a creep lol.

  57. What’s your go-to pose or composition technique?

    I get posing ideas from David Suh the pose god but the latest tip I heard is to dance.

  58. Do you prefer symmetry or asymmetry in composition?

    Asymmetry! It's gets tiring to align things perfectly after a while

  59. What’s your favorite photography rule (like rule of thirds, leading lines, etc.)?

    Rule of third! Really firms up the composition.

  60. Do you like shooting in black-and-white mode or converting in post?

    I only shoot in colour.

  61. How do you achieve the perfect exposure?

    I don’t. My thanks goes to post-processing. Just kidding. My photos are a bit dimmer or with a just right exposure. I use my eyes to gauge, there's no LCD screen judgement going on.

  62. What’s one thing people overlook in photography?

    Good gear doesn’t mean your photos are good. Good editing methods can elevate a photograph further.

  63. What’s your dream camera setup?

    Any camera that is lighter than this 15-year-old brick would be good to go.

  64. Favorite photography quote?

    I don’t think I can quote Instagram photographers LOL.

  65. If you could photograph any celebrity, who would it be?

    Hmm lemme think. Definitely a female singer but not sure who.

  66. What’s your most used photography app?

    Photos by Apple followed by Snapseed by Google.

  67. Have you ever printed your work?

    No but I will soon when I figure out how to hang big pictures without drilling a hole onto my walls.

  68. Do you sell prints or offer photography services?

    No because I’m simply not famous enough for any gig (Feel free to hit me up!)

  69. What’s your favorite way to showcase your work?

    Digitally at the moment.

  70. How do you deal with imposter syndrome as a photographer?

    I used to have it a lot which is part of why I took a 4-year hiatus. If I do have the slightest feeling, I would just take a breather, silence the mind and go touch grass.

  71. What’s your biggest photography goal right now?

    To be famous?

  72. If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be doing?

    Landscape Architect. That's my job!

  73. Any final words of wisdom for aspiring photographers?

    Capture with intention. I used to waste many shots because I’d take photos for the sake of having taken the photo at a certain location like a fancy popular place for example. I later realised that these photos weren’t nicely shot, not composed properly and a lot of post-processing was required to make it look decent. After much deliberate practice and studying, capturing with intention gets processed quicker and easier. Soon, I went from crap to capturing gold straight on the camera screen.

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