Chow Yun-Fat in one of his interviews for his films. (Photo : Reuters)
Chow Yun-Fat is a well-known Hong Kong actor. He gained popularity from his roles in numerous movies, including the award-winning "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."
But while the 59-year-old actor enjoys being on screen, what he loves most is going behind the camera and capturing life as he sees them from his lens.
Hi love affair with photography began when he was still in Hong Kong's TVB television station's acting school. While he remained active in films and movies, Chow maintained his passion for photography.
"Besides my wife, the camera is another companion throughout my 30 years in film," said the star. He added that "in the past, I have always been in front of the camera. Now, I would like to take a step behind it and look at the world through the lens in a different perspective."
Chow's photography skills were first recognized in 1977. His sister sent three of his photos in a competition sponsored by a Hong Kong gallery under a different name. The actor's photograph of a tomato won third prize.
Speaking about his winning photo, Chow detailed how the idea came into his head.
"That day, my wife bought some tomatoes to prepare for lunch. For that picture, I didn't use a Tungsten light, just an ordinary fluorescent light, because the light source was very close to the tomatoes, if I'd use a tungsten light it would have roasted the tomatoes until they were dry."
The actor described his ingenious idea of popping the tomatoes in the freezer for a short period before capturing it on his camera. The process covered the tomatoes "in a layer of moisture, which made the texture even better," he said.
Aside from the thrill of capturing things with his 4x5 or 8x10 camera, Chow's passion extends to the development of the actual photos in the darkroom, saying that what excites him is "the unknown."
"Pressing the camera shutter's button is only one part of taking the picture. Before taking the picture into the darkroom to develop it, you don't know how it's going to turn out," shared the actor.
He further added: "Also, if you're taking a picture using an 8x10 film, each picture will cost about £10. So, as you are about to take the picture, you've really got to think about whether it's worth £10 or not!"
Perhaps, what is most exciting for Chow is the whole process of creating a picture. From the moment you take it, to the part you submerge it into the liquid in the darkroom until the finished product comes out.
This is one of the reasons the Hong Kong actor has stayed away from digital photography. He is averse to the idea of taking a photo, which is not carefully thought of, and just deleting it immediately.
Chow is grateful that his work in the movies allows him to continue his love for photography. Opportunities to travel and discover new sights are one advantage his job has afforded him.
However, the actor is quick to differentiate the two.
"Acting is a way to support one's family, but photography is a true passion of mine, something which I can enjoy on my own," noted Chow.
