Bamboo fisherman's artful work along Xiapu's coast in Fujian Province, China, caught photographer Tugo Cheng's eye, capturing this image of him at his daily labor, adorned by clean lines and the sea's backdrop.
Title: The Artful Eye of Photographer Tugo Cheng: Capturing Stunning Travel Moments
Welcome to the 2016 our website Travel Photographer of the Year contest, where photographers from every corner of the globe share their breathtaking travel snaps. This week, we delve into one captivating entry by Tugo Cheng and uncover the story behind his seemingly drawn, awe-inspiring photograph.
Nat Geo Travel: Describe the photo you submitted and explain the creative process behind it. What drew you to this particular scene?
Tugo Cheng (T.C.): The region is renowned for its unique aquaculture landscapes and fishing villages. Locals use bamboo rods in the sea for various purposes, including drying seaweed and growing oysters. These arranged patterns presented a perfect backdrop for photography. A fisherman Sorting the catch presented an active element in this unique setting, and I captured the image from a mountain vantage point using a telephoto lens.
N.G.T: The composition and aesthetic of your photo look almost like a drawing. What did the scene/weather look like when you first arrived?
T.C.: Initially, I had a sunny day with vibrant colors and stunning reflections, which are typical of coastal Fujian. However, on the second day, the weather took a turn for the worse, with clouds and rain. To my surprise, these conditions resulted in unexpected yet interesting photo outcomes, as the scene transformed into a black-and-white drawing sans shadows.
N.G.T: When you took this photo, did you have that exact vision in your mind?
T.C.: Life often surprises us like a box of chocolates, and photography is no exception. Although I was anticipating a different result initially, I found the unexpected simplicity and graphic quality of the image intriguing. The fisherman adds a sense of scale and life to the scene, making it more dynamic.
N.G.T: Do you find yourself drawn to scenes composed by graphic elements? What types of locations do you typically shoot?
T.C.: I'm fascinated by patterns in nature and human-made environments. I strive to understand what causes these patterns to form. From coastal landscapes to tea farms, rice terraces, and more, these unique environments embody local charm.
N.G.T: Aside from the photograph you entered, you've shared your work with the Nat Geo Your Shot community. Are there any themes that consistently run through your portfolio?
T.C.: I have a preference for capturing order and patterns in environments, whether natural or human-made. The process of exploring rural China and experimenting with various photography techniques, including drones, has been a rewarding journey.
N.G.T: What's the most striking moment you've ever captured?
T.C.: One particularly impressive experience was witnessing the Tibetan sky burial tradition, during which deceased bodies are left for vultures. Tibetan Buddhists believe that the vultures are angels who transport the souls to heaven for reincarnation. While the process was intense, witnessing the peaceful departure of the vultures post-ceremony was a moving and thought-provoking experience.
Ready to showcase your travel photography skills? Submit your best shots now for a chance to be crowned the 2016 our website Travel Photographer of the Year. Don't miss out on your opportunity to join this incredible community of gifted photographers.
- Tugo Cheng's awe-inspiring photograph captures a unique fishing scene in Fujian, where bamboo rods create artistic patterns for drying seaweed and growing oysters.
- The composition and aesthetic of Tugo Cheng's winning entry look almost like a drawing, as the scene transformed into a black-and-white drawing sans shadows due to unexpected cloudy and rainy conditions.
- Tugo Cheng's photography portfolio consistently showcases his fascination with patterns in both nature and human-made environments, from coastal landscapes to tea farms, rice terraces, and more.
- Tugo Cheng's most striking moment was witnessing the Tibetan sky burial tradition, where deceased bodies are left for vultures as a means of peaceful departure, symbolizing angels transporting souls to heaven for reincarnation.
