Focusing on the overlooked

• Source: Global Times
• [11:22 April 30 2010]
• Comments

A 60-year-old gardener surnamed Jiang leaves the Expo Park on April 17 at the end of a three-month job. 

An amateur's eye

Chen's work has been recognized for its unique perspective. His exhibition has drawn many visitors, many of whom praise his work. "Chen's photos are of high quality not because of his skills, but because of his subjects," said Li Quan, the head of the newspaper People Photo.

People might think that Chen has been trained as a photographer. He hasn't. A former university lecturer on international trade who now runs a company that exports tableware and kitchenware, Chen has never taken a photography class.

He learned basics from photography books and built up his skills through practice. He also believes that he was simply blessed with a good eye. "Taking photos requires talent the same way singing requires talent. Some people were born to sing. I am proud to say that I was born to shoot," Chen said.

At first, Chen's wife, Guan Bin, was annoyed with her husband's new hobby because it took time away from their family. But after a while, she became more supportive. "I came to recognize the value of his work and I'm pleased that he could balance his life, job and hobby," Guan said. According to Chen, a great photo is the consummation a photographer's talent, his understanding of his subject and a profound thought. "Photographs are reflections of all that the photographer has, not only his skill and knowledge, but also his taste and thoughts," Chen said.

Two years ago, Chen noticed that the photography being taken at the Expo site essentially ignored the workers, so he started sneaking in to take his own pictures.

"If you want to achieve something, you have to try it without hesitation," he said. "Some people put aside their dreams when they get out of bed. I'm the kind of person who has to try out my own ideas. "