Interview with Vincent Roy Chau, an Engineer by Day, and a Photographer by Night.

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Vincent Roy Chau | European Photography Awards

Vincent Roy Chau

Vincent Roy Chau is a street photographer whose profession is a mechanical engineer. Vincent has been taking photographs for over 20 years since his first contact with a camera from his father. His determination and passion for the craft adhere to the belief that no matter what, keep trying and keep learning as a thousand miles starts with a single step.

1Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
Hi, my name is Roy! I am a mechanical engineer and a street photographer at the same time. I have been taking photos for over 20 years. I first came into contact with a camera when my dad bought me a film SLR camera while I was in elementary school. At first, I didn't fully understand how to operate the camera. Each time I shot, I had to carefully remember the settings like the aperture and the shutter speed, and then wait a week to see the developed results. As film photography involves costs for development and requires time, this experience trained me to be more deliberate and thoughtful with every shot I took back in those days.
2Where did you study photography?
I did not have any formal training in art school or photography school but I did learn all the basics from my father. I also joined the photography club when I was in secondary school. Thanks to the internet, I am able to continue learning every day through many online courses.
3Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
I remember my first roll of film was all about the rotating fan at home! Yes, a fan! I was trying to figure out the relationship between aperture and shutter speed. I used a roll of film to shoot the rotating fan with different shutter speeds to see the effect.
4What equipment do you use?
I usually use the Sony RX100VII for snapping in the street. I love this camera for its small size and versatility.
5What do you hope to achieve?
I am working on a few photography projects at the moment, hopefully, there will be something to deliver next year!
6What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
The genuine smiles from the people I photographed, after I showed them the photos, are the biggest rewards for me to continue my photography journey.
7What inspires your unique storytelling?
I am very much inspired by “The Last Resort” by Mr. Martin Parr. I love how his series captured the essence of the British seaside in the 80s.
8What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Intimate, satirical, and humorous.
9Congratulations! As the winner of the European Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
Thank you! I am so honoured to receive two Gold Awards this year. As I have mentioned, I am working on some other projects and this award certainly motivated me on my photography journey.
10Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 European Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
This project showcased a celebration event for the handover of Hong Kong. It is astonishing to see so many people all wearing and waving the same colour.
11How has winning an award developed your career?
It certainly gave me confidence in the pathway of my photography journey. I am hoping to produce more impactful images in the coming years.
12Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
Henri Cartier Bresson for his insights about the decisive moment, Martin Parr for his thought-provoking images, and Bruce Gilden for his close-up images.
13What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
If in doubt, just shoot. You never know what may happen before you click the shutter button.
14What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Put on your shoes and bring your camera, go out the door. If you stay at home, you will never take good photos.
15What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Keep learning, don't dwell in the past. Push yourself to produce and deliver, even if the results are sometimes less than ideal.
16How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
Never stop learning. We live in the information age, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, the internet is my best teacher, helping me stay up-to-date.
17Anything else you would like to add to the interview?
Thank you for having me in this interview!

Winning Entry

Celebration of the Handover of Hong Kong | European Photography Awards

The handover of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China was at midnight on 1 July 1997. This event ended 156 years of British rule in the former colony,... (read more here)


Vincent Roy Chau

Vincent Roy Chau is a street photographer whose profession is a mechanical engineer. Vincent has been taking photographs for over 20 years since his first contact with a camera from his father. His determination and passion for the craft adhere to the belief that no matter what, keep trying and keep learning as a thousand miles starts with a single step.

 


Read about the interview with Vesela Hadzhiyska from Bulgaria here.

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