INTERVIEW
April 8, 2020
STREET PRACTICE
Photography by Leroy fong
Interview by Melanie Meggs
Leroy Fong is a Singaporean street photographer of few words. What started out as buying a camera for the birth of his son, Leroy soon found himself photographing more than just his baby but the streets of Singapore or on his many travels. His photographs are filled with mellowed out tones, dusty street signs, and random people just doing their thing. Local life in an aesthetic pleasing way.
"Knowledge is a treasure, but practice is the key to it,"
-
Lao Tzu
IN CONVERSATION WITH LEROY FONG
TPL: Leroy, when did you start getting interested in photography?
LF: I started with photography in 2001 when my son was born and I borrowed a digital camera from a friend to document my son's birth and next three months.
TPL: Where do you find your inspiration?
LF: My inspiration comes from magazines and Instagram.
TPL: Who are your favourite artists/photographers?
LF: Fan Ho and Vivian Maier
TPL: Has your style of shooting changed since you first started?
LF: I think so definitely, because of the introduction of smartphones with their improved capabilities.
TPL: Where is your favourite place/s to photograph?
LF: Taiwan and Japan
TPL: Do you think equipment is important in achieving your vision in your photography?
LF: I don't use much sophisticated equipment. Whatever is available to capture that moment is most important to me.
TPL: What characteristics do you think you need to become a good street photographer?
LF: Impulsiveness but yet patience too.
TPL: Have you ever been involved in the artistic world before photography?
LF: Never before!
TPL: "If I wasn't photographing what would I be doing?...
LF: Forex and Futures Trading."