HymChu hails from Guangzhou (China), a city with over 2,000 years of history. Its administrative center is estimated to have a population of more than 13 million. Guangzhou is one of the biggest capitals in Asia and is home to some remarkable architecture, perfectly noticeable in its tall buildings. It is around the streets of Guangzhou and above them, in the skyline, where HymChu found inspiration for his art.
It was back in 2015 when Hym started to photograph the most extraordinary sites of his home city. His mentor, @NK7, introduced him to the ins and outs of social media and together they explored and photographed the city, always supporting each other’s work. Through practice and constant learning Hym found his own style and today his art resembles futuristic scenes. After all, Hym has been largely inspired by science fiction movies.
Eventually Hym began to explore beyond the boundaries of his city. His trip to Xinjiang was a tipping point in his career as an artist, as he discovered the beauty of landscape photography. Surrounded by some of the most important mountains in China, Hym felt in love with the region as he got to see his first snowflakes and contemplate the power of nature. Xinjiang also saw the birth of Hym’s alternative style, which is dominated by the wilderness. To HymChu, “life is short.” And you have to capture every moment of it!
Welcome Hym! Can you explain us where does your passion for photography comes from and when was the first time you captured a photo with a DSLR camera?
I have developed a strong interest and passion in photography over time; that is the only way to treat this art as a way of life. To resist the fading of the passion, you have to continue to press the shutter!
I initially picked up a SLR camera when I was 18 (now I am 21 years old). At that time, my friend had a camera and we went to the beach and decided to start shooting. He started teaching me the basics of photography. Back then we had a strong interest in SLR cameras.
Although I haven’t left China yet, mainly because the cost of the tickets is too expensive for me nowadays, traveling is something I am looking to do more often. If I have the chance to travel, I will choose to go to Japan or Toronto, Canada: I love everything about this country!
My first trip was to Xinjiang. Xinjiang is a border town in China. After traveling through half of China, the trip was worth it. It was a pretty cold place, but I enjoyed the trip because I saw an unprecedented view and I challenged myself waiting for the sunrise. To be there, under the endless and starry sky, was such an experience. Especially considering that I saw snow for the first time. Back then, my body and mind felt free and relaxed.
You have a clear and well-defined style that is pretty distinctive in my opinion. How did you develop such style?
My style comes from excellent photographers on Instagram. They have given me a lot of inspiration. Many people are not willing to admit that they are imitating other people’s styles at first, but that is just who I am. Futuristic movies can bring inspiration as it can slowly be integrated into your own style.
Can you explain to us your editing process with an example?
My editing process is very simple. The only tool I use is Photoshop, where I import RAW photos from the camera and then simply adjust the contrast and color temperature and then subtle color changes.
A photo takes me about 30 minutes to process. I will usually edit a photo in three styles, and finally I will choose a style I like to complete the editing.
Regarding this photograph: Where did you find such a unique site and in general, what is your approach when it comes to planning your trip and finding your ideal locations?
I usually open Google Maps when I am bored to find a unique location, including this plane. I found this plane the day before the shooting. I was very excited. I went to find a friend the next day. The location was on military alert. We had to bypass the security surveillance. We found a hillside, lots of trees and grass. We crossed it for half an hour and successfully went in and took this picture.
From “regular” Instagram user to “influencer”. What is the one thing that people don’t see along this process?
One thing people don’t see, in my opinion, is “the story outside the photo.”
As a photographer, I am sure that you feel attached to all your photos. All your pictures represent unique moments of your life. However, among your works, do you have any picture that you really like? Which is your favorite photo?
What is the most beautiful thing that travel has allowed you to do?
Last year I went to the highest mountain in the area with my friends. I suddenly encountered heavy rain and hail. The stones on the mountain rolled down. There was no shelter to hide from the rain. Very big storm, suddenly there was a car. They opened up, they were very good, took us over, went to dinner together, and took us to the hotel. This is an unforgettable experience.
Imagine yourself at the beginning of your professional career as a photographer. What four pieces of advice would you give to yourself?
Learning photography is a never ending process.
Connect with professional photographers: I would recommend to meet photographers offline. Meet and organize photo tours together, and you will benefit from the exchange with the photographer or photographers. Then you can study his or her work: look at their angles and compositions, how they use light and change their depth of field in their photographs in real time.
Practice: The more you shoot, the better you become. Practice makes perfect. As you shoot more and more, look back at your previous photos and you will find yourself growing.
Think more: Good photography equipment won’t make you a good photographer. If you just learn photography, then the top-rated camera may be a waste of your money, which may make your learning process too cumbersome and complicated. You have to think about the composition: What do you want to change from a different angle? for example.
Learn more: Lastly I would recommend that you share your photos on Instagram and other social media platforms. Each person’s perspective is different: their aesthetics may be different, and may reveal many problems. Other people’s comments may not be friendly, but there are some good suggestions that will be very helpful for your photography. You should draw suggestions from others and don’t be afraid to give you bad reviews, which will make you progress.
Are there any artists/photographers who has inspired your art? Can you name three?
On Instagram, there’s @NK7 and @samkolder. I am very grateful to @NK7 because he introduced me to Instagram, took me to many places to shoot, supported my work and so on; and @samkolder I haven’t met him yet, but he is a very hardworking traveler. His composition and color are what I really like in his photography. I yearn for the life of travel like his! There is also a band, “No Party For Cao Dong,” whose songs are very passionate. It is an expressive band with sad songs, but they always inspire me.
Any new projects coming up or countries you will be visiting soon?
I am currently preparing to visit Thailand for a holiday and to relax. This should be my first time leaving China!
Can you fix the world in one sentence?
Beauty is not the world, but your eyes that have accepted this world.
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