Introduction

Luke Chen is a Los Angeles based landscape photographer who started photography in Santa Cruz. Inspired by the scenery around him, Luke began to document his travels nearby Santa Cruz and amassed a following of over 13,000 followers on Instagram in three years. 

Today, Luke is currently working on a National Parks series, where he will be exhibiting some of America's hidden gems. While he has always respected the traditions of photography, he strives to innovate upon the methods that have a long history in photography through the latest photographic equipment and software.

Q&A session with Luke

What is your favourite location for taking pictures and why?

"My favorite location is Oregon. Locations are versatile – one day you can go to the beach, the other you can explore the forest."

What is your greatest achievement in Photography?

"My greatest achievement would be being featured on the UCSC’s social medias."

What style of Photography do you specialise in most?

"Landscape photography, particularly long exposure shots. I think long exposures add character to moving objects such as water and gives the photo a unique feeling."

What is your favourite camera or lens and why?

"The Laowa 15mm f/2. This lens is a beast. It can capture an entire scene."

What is the best picture you have taken using H&Y Filters?

"I used the RevoRing for my Burney Falls photo to slow down the shutter speed. The time of day was too bright, so my objective was to mute the reflection on the leaves while slowing down the shutter speed. No exposure or focus stacking for this image. 

As for the composition, I wanted to try to get an interesting perspective of the waterfall. I made my way down to the bank, but the waterfall looked a bit flat for my liking. I settled with this angle. 

This image means a lot. This was taken at the end of an emotional road trip, where a bunch of money and gear was lost or damaged. I anticipated this waterfall to be regal and it sure did not disappoint. We woke up early to arrive before the sunrise, thinking that there would be an excessive amount of people – luckily, there were very few people. My aim was to create one of my favorite shots and I believe I have succeeded.

42 mm, 1/2 sec, ISO 150, f/11, tripod used."