@itsphillam
We are honored to have, Philip Lam, as our Featured Artist, he is an incredible photographer that takes breath taking photos that place you right there in the very moment, make sure to check out his wall to see them all and while your there make sure to hit that follow button to help support a fellow artist of our community!
How long have you been an artist? What is your specialty? Where do u find inspiration?
I have been interested in photography for many years (and yes I do mean years of taking pictures of food lol), but I only seriously started learning photography about 2-3 years ago.
For the most part, I focus primarily on the travel/adventure style, where I shoot both portraits and landscapes. I am far from being a pro, but that is so exciting because there’s no way but up!
I’m honestly inspired by everything and everyone. I think if we all just took a second to slow down and look around, we would be so surprised by the beauty that surrounds us all. When editing my photos, I try to incorporate the emotion that I felt while taking the shot. My goal is simply to share my perception of the world.
Do you have a job in the art industry? If So, what’s one thing you don’t like about it? If no, where would your dream job be?
Since I am still studying in Medical School, I have never had the opportunity to have a job in the art industry. However, my dream gig would be to provide healthcare relief work in communities around the world, all while photographing and documenting my experiences. Somehow, I hope my photography could be used to help these communities.
Do you have a favorite Artist?
My favorite artists at the moment are Sam Kolder, Valdays, Jeffisy, Nolan Omura, Nainoa Langer and Michael Nguyen (caerus.exe). I think it’s especially cool that Sam Kolder and Valdays have found a way to use their skills for a greater purpose by collaborating with Karmagawa and VetPaw to combat rhino poaching in Africa. (HUGE kudos to them!)
What is one accomplishment you’ve had in your life? Does not need to be art related.
When I was growing up, my parents would always encourage me to pursue my passions to the fullest, regardless of how difficult or unconventional they may be. Here I am today, balancing two of my greatest passions, Medicine and Photography. I think this is the accomplishment that means the most to me.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years?
In the next 5 years, I will still probably be in school/training ahaha, but I can for certain say that I won’t be slowing my photography game any time soon. I’m actually hoping to get into videography within the next year!
In 10-20 years, I’d ideally like to find a balance between working as a doctor and exploring the world.
If you could meet and talk to any person in the world, dead or alive, who would it be?
It would be an honor to talk to Elon Musk or Neil deGrasse Tyson. I think they are both two of the greatest minds of our time and would love to learn literally anything from them.
How is one way you make money with your art?
For now photography is just a hobby, but I would like to one day incorporate it into my profession.
If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be and why?
Being Vietnamese-Canadian and having never seen my roots, I would love to visit Vietnam.
What is your favorite brand of art supply? Whether it’s a brand of pencils or brand of camera or software
I am a huge fan of the Sony’s mirrorless cameras (Woo-Woo!). They are so compact and great for travel!
Software-wise, I love using Snapseed and Lightroom Mobile for quick edits on the go. These apps really help my productivity because I can squeeze in an edit when I’m having lunch or between classes.
Any advice for young artists?
1. Practice your craft as much as possible, especially when you feel constrained! Some of my best photos are from when I felt most constrained by things like gear, weather, or even physical barriers. They forced me to think “Given this situation, how can I still capture a cool photo?” . Long story short, if you only have a phone camera, GO SHOOT! If its raining outside, GO SHOOT! If you’re without transportation and stuck in the city/country-side, GO FREAKIN’ SHOOT!
2. If you’re every feeling uninspired or creatively drained, take a walk to a new neighborhood or just go see something you’ve never seen before. The world is such a huge and diverse place, you’re bound to run into something that will reignite your burning passion.
3. If you have passions other than photography, combine them! Use photography as a vehicle to share your other passions!
