© Pamela Chiang, Taiwan, Shortlist, Open Competition, Travel, Sony World Photography Awards 2023
Your shortlisted low-light photograph beautifully captures the rice terraces in Japan. Can you tell us the story behind your image?
From May to July, the water-filled rice terraces turn the mountainside into a network of mirrored pools, each one reflecting its own fragment of the sky. The photo was taken with a 147-second exposure right after the golden hour from the mountain around the biggest Japanese tanada, Maruyama Senmaida Rice Terraces, in Kumano City, Mie Prefecture, Japan. Actually, the cars don’t really pass this area. There could be no or just one chance to capture the car light trails per day. To sum up, the photo depicts how the age-old natural beauty of tanada alongside the modern light trace from passing cars coexist in a singular harmony and shine together.
You were shortlisted in this year's Travel category in the Open competition. What advice do you have for photographers thinking about submitting their work to the Sony World Photography Awards?
It was actually my first time submitting my work to the Sony World Photography Awards as well as an international photography contest. I was really flattered and honoured to be shortlisted. It’s one of the best photography contests that breaks language barriers and connects the world together. So if you feel that you would like to share the moments or stories of your photos to the world, submitting them to Sony World Photography Awards is the best way to step out of your comfort zone.
You took up photography because...
Because of my experience living in Taiwan, Canada, the UK and Japan, I’m always curious about my surroundings. I enjoy wandering around the city as well as traveling in the countryside and overseas. I took up photography because through camera, I felt that I was able to capture, explore and redefine the hidden beauties of the ordinary. I’ll continue to learn and evolve the way I see the world though my camera.
Who or what has been the greatest influence on your photography?
Instagram I believe. I use Instagram to post photos as well as connect and see photos from other photographers and creators. Their work really have inspired me to continue evolving my photography style and the way to see the world.
Favourite photographic quote?
“The best camera is the one that’s with you.”— Chase Jarvis
You don't need a great camera to make a great image. Photographs are not just about megapixels or dynamic range, but stories and moments that you perceive from your eyes.
