Lee Yik Keat
Photographer
Instagram: @yk
TikTok: @yk
Looking at his vivid and striking photos, it is quite difficult to grasp that Lee Yik Keat’s passion for photography was something he discovered by accident.
“It started out as a curiosity. Back when Instagram just launched, I was roaming around with a phone and that’s how I started. Little did I know that I would really have the passion for it. It only took six months!” he said.
And to think the now full-time photographer, who has 1.1 million followers on his Instagram account, used to study aerospace electronics.
We caught up with him recently to talk about his craft.
Could you describe your photography style and where you get your inspiration from?
I would say my style is documenting daily life in a visually cinematic way. I take inspiration from everyday life, even the little details in between, such as how food-stall owners interact with one another. Anything that is human-centred in this digital era inspires me.
How did you teach yourself to get better photos?
Everything online! It involved a lot of scrolling on social media to see what people have been shooting over the years and how they evolved, so I know which stage I am at now and how much more I need to work on my framing, composition or colouring, among others.
What do you like most about being a photographer? What is the most difficult part about being one?
The ability to immortalise moments is my favourite. The most difficult part about being a photographer for me is probably the struggle to share difficulties with everyone.
Which photographers have influenced you and your work and how?
I really love Alex Webb’s work, he makes street photography so organised within the chaos; this is what I want to achieve too in my street works.
Why do you think your photos resonate with so many followers?
I believe it is a mix of the tonality of the pictures and how real they are. I don’t take photographs that extravagantly boost the quality of life. I show reality in everyday moments.
What gears or software do you use to take your photos?
I take my pictures with Canon gears and use Macbook and Adobe for all things editing.
What is your advice to others who feel like they don’t have a passion or any talent?
Don’t fret or be disappointed because many people find their passion only when they are older. So, the age at which you find your passion does not matter. What matters is what you want to achieve through your passion and how you spend your time to pull it off.
Where is your studio? Is it a home studio?
I don’t have a studio, but I’m currently renting an apartment in the central area. The modernity of a home and how light hits a room are two of the most important factors for me as it helps me get ample creative flow and inspiration from the space that I have.
What does home mean to you?
A house is not a home if it feels empty on the inside. So for me, a home is where people whom you cherish are at.
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This article is part of Ohmyhome’s The Most Interesting Person Now series, which features personalities who captivate and engage others with their incredible stories, passions or work. Watch this space for more.
