【Video】Nathan Tsui | Photographer and writer, conveying emotions within photos
Nathan, both a photographer and a writer, is captivated by the stories behind photos. With the belief that photography and writing are inseparable, he interviews different photographers to explore the details behind each of their photos.
“Photos can present news events visually and concretely, but sometimes a photo alone cannot let us know the context of the event.
In this era, it is difficult not to self-censor. I was dispirited for a few days before I became aware that I could not be defeated by my feelings of powerlessness. I had to continue with what I am good at to fight against this sense of oppression. Even if you can’t change this world, don’t let it change you.”
Journalist: Jenna
Videographer: Crazy Man
Video Editor: Skyhorse Creative
Photos: SL, Lespetitsmomentscaptured
Translator: Miff
Editorial: A Boy Name Flora A, Windlikes, Firefly
Production: Onehungrycoconut
I have a love and passion for words, although I dare not say I can compare with countless impressive writers in this era. I love photography, but I am not even close to the outstanding frontline photographers or documentary photographers these days. The only relatively special thing about myself is my love for both photography and words. I thought, why not use words to express photography?
I am Nathan, a Hongkonger who expresses photography through writing.
I worked as a photo editor at a mainstream media outlet for years, and had also been a photojournalist before. This let me understand how covering news events from the scene is like, such as code of conduct in the industry, habits of photographers, etc. Since June 2019, more and more photos related to the social movements have been emerging, and some even won a few international contests. After this, I started to write these types of news stories. I interview photographers whom I know well to learn about their ideas or stories and their emotional struggles in shooting the Anti-Extradition movement, beginning with one photo. Eventually, I started this Facebook page on photography and writing, "Nathanotes".
Actually, most photographers do not like speaking much because they think their photos can already express their thoughts. However, every time I conduct an interview with them, we still chat for hours. Photos can present news events visually and concretely, but sometimes a photo alone cannot let us know the context of the event.
I once wrote a story about Ah Hoi (anonym), a photojournalist who created a photo collection on the scenery and still life of Hong Kong Polytechnic University. It records the objects and traces which protestors left behind after hiding deep within the campus. There is not a single person in the series of photos but we can still see the emotions contained within. The photo was great, and I added words to it. To my surprise, many people liked and shared it. At that moment, I realised the combination of words and photography can bring about huge power.
The most unforgettable photo is the one taken by Photographer Y (pseudonym), taken on July 21, 2019. It captured a black-clothed person being surrounded and attacked with long sticks by over 20 people dressed in white. Since he worked at a Chinese-funded media outlet at the time, the photo was not released by the media and he only shared it among his friends. It later became a promotional material for the protest, but I think it deserves to be seen by more people.
In this era, it is difficult not to self-censor. At the end of June 2020, I spent much effort writing an interview. after the new National Security law was passed—it seemed that there were things that could not be written anymore, and I did not know how photographers or people captured by photos would be affected. I was dispirited for a few days before I became aware that I could not be defeated by my feelings of powerlessness. I had to continue with what I am good at to fight against this sense of oppression.
Comparing photojournalism in Hong Kong with that in other countries, the biggest difference is the foreign audience has spent more time on photojournalism. They know how to appreciate a composed photo, while Hong Kong social media often needs a startling photo. Most photos are direct and easy to understand for now. In future years, protests in Hong Kong will possibly cool down bit by bit, like in the later stages of the Umbrella Revolution. Photographers in Hong Kong may no longer have the chance to take photos of intense moments like last year, so why not try out other forms of photography like documentary photography or photos of those marginalized? These are essential if you have the heart to immerse yourself in the world of photojournalism.
I feel blessed to be able to understand a photographer's creation.
The future will only be more and more difficult. Even if you cannot change this world, do not let it change you. If you think you cannot do anything at all, try to keep on doing what you are good at, be it photography, writing, or anything. Make good use of this period of time to sharpen your own knife, it may come in handy in the future.
“I am Nathan Tsui. I am a HKer. ”
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