Alex Cheng, a photographer, director, and entrepreneur, took an unconventional path to the creative industry. From working as a nurse to taking a leap of faith into photography and production, Alex shares his inspiring journey, the challenges of balancing multiple roles, and what it takes to thrive in the competitive world of visual storytelling. His dedication to his craft, combined with a keen artistic vision, sets him apart in the industry. Join us as we explore his passion, process, and insights.
1.Could you share your life journey with us? Being both a Photographer and Director, and having previously worked as a nurse, how did you navigate these career transitions?
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This journey has been a mix of excitement and challenges as I switched gears from a whole different industry. I spent a good two years as a full-time nurse at HA, where the job demanded heaps of time, patience, and critical thinking, especially in those high-pressure clinical scenarios. Studying nursing and work as a Nurse is a memorable experience that I’ll always cherish. It taught me how to connect with people from all walks of life and those skills have come in handy in my other ventures.
Then, like a sudden realization, I woke up to the fact that I really wanted to dive into the world of entrepreneurship. I knew that sticking to my full-time nursing gig would put a cap on my dreams of starting my own company. So, I took a leap of faith, quitting without a safety net – no job waiting, no clients, no studios. It was the beginning of my journey to build something from scratch, fueled by sheer determination and a big dose of ambition.
2.Can you walk us through the process of photographing artists, including the preparation steps involved?
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Shooting stars and artists often appear effortlessly elegant and photogenic, as they are typically well-trained to engage with the camera and pose smoothly. However, the most crucial and challenging aspect lies in the preparation process. This involves scouting shooting locations, engaging in creative brainstorming, managing styling and art direction, planning lighting setups, and selecting lenses (I particularly enjoy experimenting with various vintage lenses). It is essential to ensure that all these elements harmonize with the artist’s unique style and personality. Ultimately, a successful photoshoot is the result of a collaborative team effort. As the photographer and director, I am privileged to present the collective work of the entire team to the audience with gratitude.
3.What inspired you to pursue a career in photography?
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My journey with photography began back in my final years of secondary school. It all started with me teaching myself how to operate a camera, learning online, but I was still unsure about what career path to pursue. After completing the DSE, I chose to study nursing without much hesitation. Nursing was considered a well-paid and secure job; the idea of a nurse being fired from a hospital seemed almost unheard of. However, my passion for photography continued to burn bright, and I dedicated time each week to shooting photos, mainly focusing on street photography.
Out of the blue, I received an invitation to a yearly gathering of a leadership program I had joined during my Form 5 and 6 years. It was there that I reconnected with my C Fu(mentor), Frank, who is a commercial photographer. Eager to showcase my portrait work, I shared some of my photographs with him. To my surprise, he offered me an internship opportunity to work with him for three months during the break before I started my full-time nursing job. This internship experience provided me with a glimpse into the life of a photographer and helped me clarify the career path I wanted to pursue.
After my two years in the nursing profession, I finally made the decision to transition into a career in photography and production.
4.How do you manage to balance work and personal life, especially with multiple roles such as Photographer, Director, and Entrepreneur? Do these roles overlap and impact each other?
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Balancing work and personal life, particularly when juggling multiple roles like Photographer, Director, and Entrepreneur, is indeed a challenging task. These roles can often overlap and influence each other in various ways.
I once came across the notion that achieving work-life balance might not be entirely feasible for a successful entrepreneur. While I understand and partially agree with this perspective, I am striving to create a more balanced approach to prevent being overwhelmed throughout the day. I firmly believe that maintaining a healthy mental and physical state not only benefits me personally but also enhances my career. To me, it’s an investment in myself.
Managing different businesses can be complex at times. Fortunately, being a photographer and director offers a level of flexibility that enables me to navigate my schedule according to my priorities across various ventures. Working in the creative and art industry also has a significant impact on my other businesses, particularly in shaping marketing strategies and branding concepts. This interplay between roles allows for a dynamic exchange of ideas and influences, enriching my overall approach to business management and creative endeavors.”
5.In your opinion, what presents the greatest challenge for a photographer? for example running your own business, meeting client Expectations or keeping Up With Trends?
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The primary challenge for a photographer, in my opinion, lies in setting oneself apart from others and constantly striving for improvement. This struggle to differentiate oneself is a common issue faced by artists and business owners alike.
As a photographer/director, I have shifted my focus from merely chasing a particular style of photography or film to concentrating on crafting images that resonate with my artistic vision. This approach involves striking a balance between staying current with trends and maintaining the authenticity of my artistic expression. I firmly believe that upholding the quality of work and staying true to my unique artistic voice are essential for the success of a creative business. This commitment to maintaining both quality and individuality is, in my view, the key to thriving in the creative industry.
