(Note from the editor: Silicon Valley engineer Breene Yuen has found his real calling in life–the call of the wild. Yuen has traveled to the ends of the earth to capture photographs of wildlife in their natural habit. His company, Nature’s Interaction, features some of his best pictures. He agreed to share some of his photographs with AsAmNews as well as answer a few questions)
How did you get started with nature photography?
While working in Silicon Valley’s high tech industry, I started hiking and exploring
the area’s trails and parks to maintain health and fitness. During these hikes, my
appreciation for nature grew, along with the desire to capture the wonderful scenery
with photography. I started planning my vacations to areas with great hiking and
wonderful scenery to photograph. The activities of hiking and photography fit so well
together. Things took a turn in year 2006, when I took my first wildlife viewing trip
to see the Polar Bears in Wapusk National Park in Manitoba, Canada. During that trip,
I got hooked and now I can’t turn back! Wildlife, in their natural habitat! Using
photography to capture wildlife behavior in their environment has become the focus of
my photographic endeavors and travels.
How dangerous is it for you to be so close to the animals?
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Danger is minimal. But, I have to be sure I follow the rules. I’m always in a tour
group with a tour leader or naturalist who knows wildlife behavior. In the riskiest
situations, the group is escorted with a couple of armed crew members. In a National
Park, such as the Brooks River area in Alaska’s Katmai National Park, where grizzly
bears congregate, rangers are armed. But, keep in mind that National Park Rangers,
for many years, were not armed. Rather, it was knowing animal behavior that kept
people safe. That, along with not doing anything stupid!
What inspired you to launch Nature’s Interaction?
Several reasons:
– To show wildlife and nature interacting.
– To share my work.
– To force myself and learn to be critical of my own work.
– To inspire others to travel and appreciate the natural world.
– To hopefully generate some income!
What is the favorite photograph and why?
Panda #21 Portrait is my favorite photo. I had this photo displayed at a coffee shop.
I recall seeing one gal stand in front of the image and she just stared at in for
about a full minute. Wow!!! I still sometimes have the same reaction when I look at
this photo. It was a simple and fortunate photo opportunity. This photo was taken
at a Panda Preserve, Panda Valley in Wolong, Sichaun, China in May of 2007.
Anticipating a big tourist influx for the 2008 Olympics, the Panda Research Center
set aside an area where tourists could hike into a fenced natural area and possibly encounter and photograph a panda in its natural
environment. Our group starting hiking mid-day with a couple of guides, who were also
the care-takers of the one senior citizen Panda Female, #21, and a single Red Panda. Both
were given free-range within this area. We hiked around for about 3 hours. Finally,
at a clearing, #21 appeared. She walked toward our group – probably knowing that the
care-takers had panda food with them. For whatever reason, she decided to just sit
for a while and look at us. She has no idea that she has the most amazing smile!
(Canon Rebel XTi, ISO400, 70-200/f4, 1/400 sec, f4)
What advice would you have for hobbyist interested in getting pictures like you?
Be a sponge and soak it all in! There are plenty of resources to go to where everyone
can learn and improve their photography. There’s plenty of websites, podcasts, books,
and e-learning opportunities. Keep a balanced outlook. Photography is not all tech –
and yet, the technical knowledge can help get your artistic vision across.
What kind of equipment do you use to get your photographs?
I started out with Canon 35mm film gear. At the time, Canon 35mm gear gave more value
for the money. Over time, I built up a small collection of Canon lenses and moved to
Canon DSLR’s. Canon is now more expensive, but I’m
still with Canon because of the investment already spent on Canon lenses. If I’m going
to an extreme climate and really need some features lacking in what I have, I’ll rent
a camera body or two. Unfortunately, wildlife photography needs long expensive lenses.
I have Canon’s 17-40, 24-105, 70-200, 100-400, and 500. For bodies, I own an original
5D and a 40D. Not to mention, I also have several tripods and all the other ancillary gear.
Is there anything you’d like to add that we haven’t discussed earlier?
Folks are welcome to contact me. I’m happy to share information – especially travel
information. I’m happy to share my experiences regarding tour groups and tour companies.
Your most meaningful photos are the one’s you take! For more information, please visit my website and online galleries.
http://www.NaturesInteraction.com Gallery, print and download sales.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/NaturesInteraction Greeting card sales.
Email: [email protected]
RE: Photographer Breene Yuen follows the call of the wild: Amazing photos. The only problem I have is which ones to buy, as all of them are simply and naturally amazing…