Hong Kong landscape photographer, 27-year-old Kelvin Yuen, has faced challenges such as overcoming altitude sickness, enduring freezing temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius, and trekking a hundred kilometers in the desert just to capture a single photo. He describes himself as someone who has made wilderness his home.
Recently, Yuen received great news as he emerged victorious in the 15th Epson International Pano Awards competition, surpassing over 4,500 photographers from 95 countries and territories. He was awarded the “International Landscape Photographer of the Year” and “International Panoramic Photographer of the Year,” becoming the first Chinese to achieve such honors. Despite his humility, Yuen attributes his success to his dedication to achieving top-tier landscape photography rather than specifically aiming for competition recognition.
Reflecting on his journey, Yuen recalls the hardships he has endured over the years, from sleeping more in tents than beds to consuming dehydrated food until it became unbearable. His path to becoming a professional landscape photographer has been challenging, with experiences that he now considers minor compared to his current endeavors. Beginning his journey at the age of 19, Yuen won the National Geographic Photo Contest’s Youth category with his work “The Dream World of Wild Children” at Fei Ngo Shan, marking the start of realizing his dreams.
Five years ago, during an interview in Hong Kong, Yuen had just wrapped up an all-night shoot before rushing to Lion Rock to meet for an interview. His passion for photography was evident since he started, with a genuine joy that shines through his work. Observing his progress over the years, one can see his consistent efforts towards becoming a top landscape photographer, defying the notion of fleeting passion. Tracking his journey and listening to his stories offers insight into the dedication and perseverance required to capture stunning landscapes.
In 2020, following his ILPOTY International Landscape Photographer of the Year victory, Yuen’s solo collection “KELVINISM” was unveiled at 1881 Heritage in Tsim Sha Tsui. Determined to continue his journey, he ventured to remote areas worldwide, enduring harsh conditions to capture his envisioned landscapes, whether facing fierce storms or icy terrains providing rare photographic opportunities.
This year, Yuen clinched the EPSON International Panoramic Photography Competition’s overall championship. Each award-winning piece reflects his immense dedication, with many works being serendipitous creations rather than deliberate pursuits. In a recent interview, Yuen shared the stories behind his photos, offering glimpses into the challenges and adventures he encountered.
One of his showcased photos, “Power of Nature,” captures lightning over the mountains of Guilin, China, earning him the Natural category championship and Best Aerial Imaging Award. Recounting the story behind this challenging shot, Yuen describes the endeavor as an adventurous experiment with drones to capture lightning amidst a storm, highlighting the risks involved in finding the perfect shot.
Despite the perception that drone photography is straightforward, Yuen shared a perilous experience while shooting in Argentina’s high-altitude mountains. Waiting for favorable weather conditions for nearly a month, he faced challenges ascending the peaks, ultimately capturing panoramic shots under daunting circumstances before a storm hit.
Yuen’s work often leads him to high-altitude regions like Tibet and Qinghai, where he draws inspiration from unintentional snapshots taken by locals, treasures hidden in mundane observations. Venturing deep into restricted areas in Qinghai with local Tibetans, Yuen traversed a hundred kilometers to capture breathtaking scenery, underscoring his commitment to authentic and unique landscape photography that AI-generated images cannot replicate.
Looking ahead, Yuen aims to continue evolving artistically and exploring new avenues while solidifying his position as a leading figure in the industry. With a decade dedicated to honing his craft, his ultimate goal is to create outstanding works in remote wilderness settings. His dedication to his personal style and desire to push artistic boundaries reflect a promising future guided by unwavering passion and resilience.