Jimmy Cheng, an award-winning photographer, and filmmaker with over 16 years in the industry. He is also an Olympus Ambassador, educator, and speaker who supports entrepreneurs within the photographic and filmmaking industry as well as artists and creatives.
Jimmy Cheng also has a Youtube Channel, which shoots some everyday life in stills and videos and offers some reviews and tips about some affordable and interesting camera gears.
Now. we had the great opportunity to talk to Jimmy Cheng about their photography career and Youtuber life.
Where did you grow up?
Hong Kong
What was your exposure to photography？
Travel, in the early days when parent gave me a point and shoot camera.
Who were your early influences?
First from friends in university, who took some amazing pictures that got me interested. As I grew more experienced, I was heavily influenced by masters like Steve McCurry and Henri Cartier Bresson.
What is the gear you have used in the past and present?
I used old film SLRs and medium formats, also Leica rangefinders. I now fully digitsed and use digital Leica rangefinder and Olympus micro four thirds system.
How did you become a photographer？
I used to write travel blogs and attached some of my photos from my trips. It got noticed and published eventually, and that got me to think that photography can be a profession. So I gave it a go and the rest is history.
Did you go to school to study photography?
No, I am completely self-taught.
How long have you been a photographer?
16 years as a professional.
What kind of tools do you use for post processing?
Mainly Adobe Lightroom, occasionally use Photoshop for touch ups. I also use DxO PureRAW to clean up images and Nik’s SilverEfex Pro for black and white conversion.
What is your favorite subject to photograph?
People, I love people.
What are your favorite Youtube Channels for Photography？
Too many to list. I used to love DigitalRev, they are fun to watch and Kai just kept me engaged through his humourous remarks.
What advice would you give to people wanting to be a photographer?
Shoot, shoot, shoot. Many worries about gear too much and forget about the essence of photography is not just about specifications and numbers.
What is your essential camera equipment (3 pieces of camera equipment you couldn’t live without)?
Camera, Lens, Bag
What is the most difficult part of being a photographer for you?
Missing a moment. But something that’s out of my control. A photography can’t capture everything, but when you know that you miss something, that’s close to you, then it’s hard to swallow.
How do you start a YouTube channel and why?
Soon after I started running workshops to teach photography, I want to reach wider audience and youtube was a great way to promote photography to different parts of the world.
What are the best topics for YouTube channel?
There’s no BEST topic on YouTube, there are catchy ones but you need consistent and engaging contents.
How can I be a YouTuber?
Just be yourself and try not to become someone else. Talk about things that you are passionate and interested about.
Is it a good way to make money as a youtuber?
Yes, through sponsorship and product placement.