We have all seen the gaudy backdrops that many city photographers use for their very much posed portraits of individuals, weddings and families: loud colors, exotic props and fairytale-like scenery.
Philippines expat photographer Don Yap, from a Filipino-Chinese family, has made his life in Shanghai about finding the natural, relaxed beauty in his portrait subjects.
He loves photographing kids, watching them grow and being considered part of Chinese families.
Yap has lived in Shanghai for two years and has set up his own photography business specializing in portraits and food shots. His portrait subjects come from expat families and locals. He has even photographed the world's tallest man (Xi Shun) and his bride in Inner Mongolia.
"I feel that the best portraits are those that effectively capture the personality of the subject," says 28-year-old Yap.
For every photo, there is always an interaction between photographer and subject. "A good portrait shows a very natural look and that's why I love taking street photos in the long tangs (alleys) because that is the ultimate test of being able to relax someone who doesn't come to you to have their photo taken. The challenge is in the approach."
Explaining how he first got into photography, Yap continues, "I just started clicking one day and I haven't stopped since."
Yap moved to Shanghai in 2005 from Manila because of the photo possibilities.
"The incredible pace of growth of the city coupled with some gaps that I saw open in the market made it enticing."
Since he grew up in a huge (both parents have seven siblings) but close Filipino-Chinese family, moving away was difficult for Yap. "However, being young, driven, and single in a cosmopolitan city like Shanghai counter-balances things a bit. Manila is a relatively relaxed city compared to here."
Initially freelancing for publications such as City Weekend, El Mundo (the Spanish newspaper for which he photographed the world's tallest man), and Newsweek China, Yap decided to pursue something a little more personal.
"I figured that there is an opportunity to fill the market's need for high-quality family photography. Currently, most Chinese portrait studios have tacky backdrops and do awkwardly posed portraits. So I set up a studio called Barefootportraits to cater to the growing number of expat families and the local Shanghainese who have a more refined taste."
The best part of the job is getting to meet a lot of people with different personalities and finding out what makes them tick and relax in front of a camera.
"I love the challenge of bringing out the personality of a camera-shy person. When I started doing photography professionally, I was so concerned about the technical aspects of the shot. With experience, I learned that it's not about the aperture but the attitude a photographer takes that makes a brilliant portrait."
In portrait photography, it is also very interesting to see the different types of group dynamics between family members and the many forms of parenting. "Maybe when I retire one day, I can seriously consider being a family psychologist."
Now the Manila native is proudest of the fact that his clients consider him part of their family as his photography follows their kids growing up.
"Be it portraits or still life, I believe that finding the right angle is key. I try to find a different angle every time. Every smile has a crux. Every laugh has a climax. I always aim to capture that moment, be it in the studio or in a home-party setting."
With tips for aspiring photographers he says, "Stay passionate. Doing corporate work can be financially rewarding but it can be tedious sometimes. Take a break and shoot things you love. That's one of the reasons I set up Barefootportraits, because shooting kids at play is fun and always emotionally fulfilling."
Explaining the best picture he has ever taken, Yap concludes, "It is always the next one. I always try to push myself to be more creative and look for new ideas."
(Shanghai Daily August 7, 2007)
