Meet the Qrafties II: Aaron Michelson, Talented Hong Kong Photographer

November 2021 | 3 Mins Read

Born and bred in Hong Kong, Aaron has been taking pictures since a teenager. After studying Film and Communications at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, Aaron has worked as a freelance videographer and photographer, documenting local theatre productions, weddings, private parties, and other events, and creating music videos and corporate documentaries.

In early 2020, Aaron has held three exhibitions of his Hong Kong photos. Aaron has launched a series of greeting cards using his own photography and adobe InDesign skills including his signature Sights of Hong Kong series and his recently launched Christmas series.

How would you describe your photography style?

I really don’t have a particular style because I merge different photography styles together. Like, I take a little bit from street photography, a bit of Cityscape, architecture, landscape, and a bit of candid and bring them all together to create my own photography style. My style is more about seeking out the moments that I find beautiful, whether it is the sun setting over the street or a taxi passing by me, then I capture them in an image.

What does photography mean to you and what is the most rewarding part?

I define photography as capturing the moments that I find beautiful. The most rewarding part about this is being able to share how I view the world through my photography. Another rewarding part is sharing my photos with the public and how they react positively to them which gives me a great sense of accomplishment that lets me continue to photograph these precious moments.

How do you as a photographer make sure that the landscape you want to shoot looks the way you want it to be?

First, make sure that my camera lens is in focus and that the lighting setting on my camera is suitable for the shoot If they aren’t adjust them accordingly until I am satisfied with how it looks. After I finished adjusting the setting, I shoot it from different angles and perspectives. I also shoot it multiple times just to be safe. When I get 3-5 good shots and I am happy with them, I upload them to my computer for further editing.

Would you say photo editing is an essential part of photography? Do you enjoy photo editing?

Yes, I believe that photo editing is an essential part of photography because it helps you modify the image to the way how you visualized it in your head. I do enjoy the editing process because it allows me to play around with the different editing settings to see what works for the image and what doesn’t. I try them all out till I am satisfied to how I want the image to look.

What would you say makes a good photo?

Well Balanced lighting and contrast, well-defined colours, clear angles and perspective. Eye-popping visuals as if you were at the place where the image was taken.

Which camera and lens are your favourites? Why do you prefer them?

My favourite camera is the Canon 80D. I like this camera because it has great focus and the setting are up to my satisfaction. Plus it has a built wi-fi function which means I can connect my camera to my phone via wi-fi and transfer the pics from my camera to my phone very easily. Also, I can use the wi-fi function to control the camera with my phone and use it as a trigger remote whenever I need to take stable high exposure shots. As for the lens, my favourite one is the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX Lens because it has a large aperture setting and steady focus and range. It’s great when for landscape shots and wide street shots.

“I define photography as capturing the moments that I find beautiful. The most rewarding part about this is being able to share how I view the world through my photography. ”

— Aaron Michelson, Photographer

Which photographer influence you the most and why?

Actually, I am not influenced by any photographer in particular. I am more influenced by the films that I watch. For example, take the movie Blade Runner, if you have seen the movie, you can see some its street-level shots are reminiscent of the Mong Kok/Yau Ma Tei area in Hong Kong. Whenever I take street shots at night, the film always pops into my mind, and I try my best to emulate those shots in that film as if they belong there.

Your photography work focuses a lot on street views. Do you enjoy taking portraits too?

Yes, I do, take a lot of portrait shots both for work and pleasure.

(Sights of Hong Kong) A Set of 5 Blank Greeting Card

What do you do to keep your photography skill improving?

To improve my skills, I usually take a look at what kind of shots that other photographers are taking and use the inspiration to give me some ideas on new possible shots that I can take.

Why did you decide to start Aaronography to share your photography through printed greeting cards with the community?

I did this because some people can’t afford to purchase my photos in framed print form or they don’t have enough space for them on their walls in their tiny apartments So decided to give people an easy, cheaper, and accessible way to own a piece of my photography work. Plus, they can send them to their friends abroad as well.

WORDS FROM OUR FOUNDER

“Aaron has been a part of the Qraftie community for over a year. He has been a collaborative member and his down-to-earth personality makes it a pleasure to work with him. I am impressed to see how Aaron developed his photography work throughout the year. It is just amazing to view different parts of Hong Kong through his lens. Aaron has launched a few series of greeting cards using his own photography and Adobe InDesign skills. His Sights of Hong Kong series gorgeously captured the iconic sceneieries of Hong Kong. I always look forward to Aaron’s new creations and perhaps he can bring us to all those hidden paradises in Hong Kong through his lens someday.

Thank you for being an appreciative reader as always. Meet the Qrafties II is a series of Qraftie sellers’ stories, sharing with you the passion and hard work behind the creative works you see in their Qraftie stores. If you enjoy reading this blog post, please share it with your family and friends. Stay tuned for our next Meet the Qrafties story.