KIRSTY PANG
PHOTOGRAPHER

Born and raised in Hampshire, England, my love for photography started with the basic 35mm film camera. It started as a hobby and grew into a developing talent. During college, a course in photography was introduced. With no hesitation, I immediately signed up. Thus began my two-year love affair with a film camera.

Subsequently, I was introduced into the world of black and white photography. I was instantly surrounded by many great photographers of our past. From Henri-Cartier Bresson to Ansel Adams; the power of their photographs have inspired so many, including myself. Yet there was one photographer who inspired me in more ways than one.

His name was Ralph Eugene Meatyard. A mysterious photographer that took photographs of the strange, and quite frankly, disturbing. However, there was something great about his work. Meatyard was different to other photographers; he stood out above the rest. I simply loved his imagination and creativity. As a result, I was inspired to base my photography project around his work. Our project theme for that year was movement. With a camera and a tripod in hand, I photographed the project in my dormitory, pleading my friend to be my model for the day. Using only light from the window, I watched my friend dance and jump crazily around the room, whilst I captured her movement. It was perfect. It was through the processing of that project that I truly began to love photography. Ralph Eugene Meatyard simply inspired me to pursue it further.

Movement Project B

So it began, my first opportunity of freedom, university. The new world of digital photography awaits. With every step, I gained more experience; photographing nature to my first fashion shoot. More than a year later, I obtained my first DSLR camera, A Nikon D700. I was overwhelmed with pride and joy. With every shot, I was improving my photographic skills; composition was my main target. Honestly, I was having fun. It was just me with my camera, photographing the world. Nothing could stop me.

After graduating, I decided to take some time out to explore and travel. As much as I had enjoyed my time with my camera, I wanted more; I needed feedback on my photographs. So I decided to create a blog. On the 19th November 2010, La Plume Noire was created. Within a few months, I gained a solid readership. I received the comments and feedback that I had wished for. Yet there was always more to come.

In June 2011, I went on lifetime trip to explore Canada. It was breathtaking. Every scenery was beautiful. To be surrounded by mountains and lakes was amazing. I didn”t want to leave. In fact, I overloaded my camera. I wanted to photograph everything. To capture every moment is worth treasuring forever. The feedback I received was mind-blowing. It was the start of a successful blog. A blog that can keep on growing, and thus I am very grateful.

I am grateful for the experience that I have achieved over the last 5 years; the places that I have travelled to. Not only have I significantly improved on my photographic techniques, but it has taught me that dreams can be accomplished. All you need is that little inspiration and a huge push forward. Never forget, the world is forever changing. Capture it, and you can relive that moment forever.