The name Jacky Suharto is synonymous with brilliance in the world of photography. He has the passion, he has the eyes to capture precious shots, and most importantly, he has the drive to give his best, keep moving forward and refuse to be defeated by failures.
Q: How did you first get into the photography business? Has it always been your passion?
A: I was inspired by my photography mentor, Edward Tigor Siahaan, back when I was in college. Before the passion grew, I started photography because it allowed me to pursue both my hobbies and my career. I love the freedom it gives me and how every picture tells a story. It allows me to be both technical and artistic.
Q: What elements do you think are required to be a good photographer?
A: A good photographer needs to have very keen eyes for details. Photography, for all intents and purposes, is a form of art. Therefore, it requires a creative mind. Secondly, a good communication skill can maximise your strength in becoming a good photographer.
Q: In your opinion, what are the keys of capturing great photos?
A: First, the photographer needs to be able to communicate by telling a story through each of the image. Strong photos express a story and bring to mind a response from the viewer. Secondly, in a big team, usually in fashion and commercial photo shoots, photographers need to be able to collaborate with the whole team, because I always believe behind every good picture there’s a good teamwork behind it.
Q: How would you define your photography style?
A: I don’t have a “style”, but I set out to have an approach. That way, I get to experiment different types of photography genre with joy.
Q: What is the most memorable or rewarding moment throughout your career as a photographer?
A: When I get to travel to exotic destinations for work — somewhere that I’ve never considered before. Also, when I got appointed to do the family portrait for the then Vice President Jusuf Kalla and saw my work on display in his house.
Q: What is the biggest challenge you’ve come across in your career and how did you overcome it?
A: Navigating my creative side and the business side of my career can be challenging, but I have the right team by my side to handle it. The cost of equipment was perhaps one of the biggest challenges that I had to face when I first started. The cost of the camera is high, but the cost of accessories is often higher than the camera itself. But nowadays equipment is no longer an issue, you also need to stay updated, adapt and embrace the vast technology development that can change the way the human system works, such as the emerging of AI (artificial intelligence).
Q: What advice would you give someone who wants to get into the photography industry?
A: Always strive for progress, not perfection. You have to realise that not every photo you take will look like how you imagined, and not every project you tackle will end in success. That is just the nature of creative work. Keep moving forward, to become better today than you were yesterday means you must not fear failure. Just keep trying, keep experimenting, keep putting yourself out there. Remember to focus on creation, not consumption.
Asia Dreams Volume 47
Jacky Suharto
(jackysuharto.com)
@jackysuhartophotography
@jackysuharto
