HOT SPOT : Alexis Lim

Who is Alexis A. Lim?

Alexis A. Lim ay isang kaibigan mula sa mundo ng mga photographers, nagkakilala kami ng personal ng taong ito noong ako'y dumalo sa isang pagtitipon na inorganisa ng Jaywalkersph (isang sikat na photography group sa tumblr), isa siya sa mga taong hinahangaan ko pagdating mga magagandang street photography at photo process nito.

Madalas ang tawag ko sa kanya ay Master A, alam naman siguro kung bakit dahil isa siya sa mga madalas na kausap ko pagkatapos ng event at natutuwa naman ako dahil ang dami niyang mga binibigay na tips pagdating sa larangan ng street photography.

Sana sa taong ito ay makapagcollab ang aming group na Powerhouse G5 at JaywalkersPh para sa isang project.

Tara na simulan na natin ang aking munting interview kay Alexis.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Full Name and Alias: Alexis A. Lim
Website/Blog: http://litratonijuan.tumblr.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/litratonijuan
Location: Paranaque
Age: 20
Education: BS Management Accounting (Graduate)
Genre of your Photography: Street

Tell me about yourself that people dont't know: 
I’m Alexis Lim, a blogger, a photographer, and a movie addict. People on Tumblr mostly know me as a photographer who teaches people new things and gives them different perspectives of life. In real life though, I am really awkward, especially the first time you meet me. But during 2nd meetings, I can assure you that it’ll be easy for you to get along with me.

What is your current state of mind before we continue with the interview?
Hmmm. Blog about my recent shoot. Haha. Recently, I enjoyed blogging and I’m hoping that my blog will become big someday. Just a dream. 

How did you get started in photography?
I started in photography when I was in high-school but only using my Nokia 6630. I love taking stolen shots of my classmates and random places. I really never thought that I would love photography that much. From there, I started liking this hobby which eventually led for me to have my first camera, a Nikon Coolpix.

Did you go to school to study photography?
Nope. I did attend some seminars though.

What camera did you use?
I started using a Nikon Coolpix Point-and-Shoot camera when I was 4th Year High-school. After a year, I got my very first dslr camera, a Nikon d40. Then last year, my mom and dad’s gift for me was a Nikon d300s. I love my cameras so much.

How would you characterize the style of your photography?
Before, I took shots of just random stuff I see at our school, mall, streets… And there, I realized that most of my good shots are street shots. And I am known for my street shots.

Can you share with us some recent images?
Yep! Visit http://litratonijuan.tumblr.com . My blog’s layout was recently revised and I’m giving my readers a new kind of photoblogging.

Who or what influenced you to become a photographer?
Hmmm. Just me, I guess. Everyone’s life come to a point wherein they would realize what they should really be doing. I just found it within me that photography is really my passion.

How did you become a photographer? And When did your career start as a professional photographer?
I started calling myself as a photographer when I officially joined the Accountancy Journal of my college and I’m one of their photographers. By being a member of this journal gave me an idea to make a career in photography.

What makes a good photographer in your opinion?
A photographer is good if he can compose images beautifully and has a great eye on things. DSLR models don’t determine how great a photographer is. If you are a good photographer, then you can be good in any camera format, and don’t need the help of Photoshop.

Do You Have A Favorite Walk Around Lens...If So What Is It?
Yes! My Nikkor 35mm f/1.8. I just got used to it. I can manage to shoot wide range of photography field using this lens.

Which one item of equipment would you say is the most important to you?
Of course, my Nikon d300s body and the 35mm f/1.8 lens! I don’t know what to do without these things. I’m not sure if I can continue photography without these.

What is the most rewarding part of photography?
Meeting amazing people is the best perk of having photography part of my life. And having some invitations for events is also a good reward which is partly because of my blog.

What is your most embarrassing experience as a photographer?
I think it would be the day when I just couldn't say anything. It’s as if my tongue just got cut off. What I lack is confidence, and I think I must have that. I think I grew a lot though. 

How photography change your life?
Photography changed my life in big ways. Just like what I said in previous questions, it gave me access to a lot of things and to a lot of amazing people. I never regretted having photography as one of my priorities while I was studying. It opened a huge door for me.I will continue photography not only because of the rewards, but also photography is my true passion and that you can’t take away from me.

I know you been working with some of the famous and influential people in the country but may I ask whom do you wish/dream to work with and Why?
I wanna work with some of the big names in the Philippines which would be Xander Angeles and Mark Nicdao in terms of fashion/portrait, and Joel Garcia who is my idol ever since in street photography. I also want to work with Jason Magbanua who is a great videographer. Yep, all of them are Filipinos. I support Filipino Talent!

What tips can you give to someone aspiring to be a professional photographer?
Just practice shooting and read online articles and magazines for opening your mind of what photography really is. Don’t be afraid to take the shot if you really want it. I assure you that it will be very rewarding after taking that shot.

What is your favorite recent image you have shot recently? Can you describe it’s creation in regards to location, lighting, composition, camera settings etc, also your thoughts when creating the image and what it means to you?
I guess that would have to be my Subspace Coffee House place. The light that enters the shop is just perfect and the colors that give life to the place is just amazing. I know that there are better shots than this set but this one was the first thing that came to my mind.


I know you like traveling for shoot or even for chill-out, can tell me where is the best place to be to do some shoot? and why there?
The best place to shoot would have to be Quiapo (in my opinion). I chose Quiapo, because as a street photographer you can have a lot of subjects with great stories to tell in this place and a lot of photography elements are present in this place. Everything! This is also the place where I mostly held my photowalks.

What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know you have reached it?
My goal is to became a known photographer. I know that I will reach it when I will be featured in a famous magazine or tv show(even local), and to have my photography be in a huge billboard with a well-known celebrity as its model.

What photographic organizations do you belong to?
Jaywalkers Philippines, Helios Project International.

Name a photographer you would like to take a portrait of?
Paco Guerero! My idol in travel/documentary photography!

If you weren't a photographer or a multimedia artist, what would you want to be? Why?
I guess, an accountant. Just because it was my course.

How do you see yourself 20 or 30 yrs from now?
I see myself as a well known photographer/filmmaker attending a lot of social events and being invited as a speaker. Gaaah. I know it will come, someday.


Here exclusive picture of Alexis Lim

Any final mesage? Its your time to shine..
Please do track/follow, and visit my blog: http://litratonijuan.tumblr.com . You’ll have no regrets in visiting my blog. I’m just a simple photographer and blogger who dreams to become big someday. Help me become one! :D