It's always sad when a Short Course comes to an end. We spend an intense eight weeks together (one night a week) and then it's all over.  So I've decided to occasionally feature selected students and their work just to ease the withdrawals. 

Jeremy has just completed the Rmit Short Course in People & Portrait Photography. He presented this series of photos, 'ORANGE' as part of his final folio.  

What camera are you shooting with?  
Sony a7rii

What's your favourite lens?
50mm f1.8 lens

What's the hardest part about portraiture for you?
Trying to achieve the closest photo to your idea. I usually have small compromises or have sudden new ideas while shooting. So I would always be experimenting while I’m shooting. This applies not just for portraiture but for photography for me in general.

What did you enjoy or learn or like the best about the People and Portrait class?
I enjoyed learning how to use studio lightings. I’ve always admired photographers create amazing photos using studio lighting in unconventional ways. I also enjoyed seeing other student’s work and perspectives in their photography.

How old are you? 
23 years old.

How/why/when did you get interested in photography?
Photography has always been a hobby of mine but I really got into it in my 2nd year of university. The ever-changing creative culture in Melbourne has definitely deepened my interest in photography. Seeing new ideas from students and/or people working in different creative fields are one of my inspirations for my photography.

Why did you choose to do the People and Portrait Course at RMIT?
I studied in RMIT before so I knew that in terms of creative subjects, RMIT is one of the more practical and hands-on universities, which is my preferred method of learning.

What's your next photographic project?
Probably another single color theme. This time, I would like to experiment more with studio lighting with the next project.

Would you like to go pro one day or is your photography strictly for fun?
I definitely would like to go pro one day but I like to find balance between two aspects. I would want my work to be professional and be fun for me at the same time.

What do you like to do when you're not taking photos?
I would be either be hanging out with friends, listening to music or finding new music to listen, learning how to cook new recipes or playing video games.

Working or studying? 
I graduated from RMIT last year with a Bachelor’s Degree in Games Design but after realizing that I want to have a change in career to photography, I took a few months off and practiced on my photography and eventually signing up for the People and Portraiture class. My next move would be to look for an internship in photography.

Where did you grow up? (How long have you lived in Melbourne?) 
I grew up in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. It’s an island kind of town, slow and chill. I have stayed in Melbourne for 4 years now ever since I left Malaysia for university.

Will you continue with portraiture or venture into other genre's? 
I would definitely continue experimenting with portraiture but I would also like to develop on my street photography too. I was even considering learning videography at one point.

How did you come up with the ideas/inspiration for Orange?
I was inspired by Korean photographer @ralachoi for his use of strong, single-block colours, as well as his simplistic set design. I stumbled upon his work when I was listening to Spotify and saw an album cover that stuck out to me.

Do you have any portrait tips to share?
Always try to have a good composition between subject and space. Sometimes what you show less is better.

You can follow Jeremy on Instagram: @jrmy_wng

If you're interested in learning more about photographing people, the next People and Portrait course starts in October.