Hengki Koentjoro

Type of photography: landscape, mountain, jungle, sea
Personal website: http://10711.portfolio.artlimited.net/
Country: Indonesia
Camera type: Nikon D700, Canon 5D

Please introduce yourself. How old are you, where do you live and what is your job?

My name is Hengki Koentjoro, I’m 47 years old and living in Jakarta, Indonesia. My job deals with multimedia business specializing in corporate Videography.

How long have you been taking photos and what brought you to photography?

I’ve been in love with photography since I was 15 years old when my mother Gave me a Kodak Pocket for my birthday. I just love images and photography fulfill that passion.

Do you follow any photographic icons? If so, how do they inspire you?

I follow Michael Kenna because of his minimalism style. His photographs take You to a journey and contains deep emotion.He teaches me that less is more.

What photographic equipment do you use?

I used film sometimes but I work mostly in 35 mm DSLR such as Nikon D700 and Canon 5D.

What is your favorite place or theme to take pictures of?

The ocean is my favorite place to go, the huge open space is the main Inspiration for most of my works. The Blue color has a special property to calm me down.

Why are your pictures only in black and white?

I find B&W more suitable for my type of photograph. It’s easier for me to express my emotion in monochrome because B&W is more pliable and not restricted therefore more freedom.

You use long exposure time a lot, how do you measure it?

I usually use a 9 stops ND filter and try to get more than 2 minutes of exposure to achieve that smooth and velvety looks.

Do you know immediately when you shoot, how will your picture look like in the result?

Yes, I do. At schools I practiced to look in B&W also the theory of Visualization helps sharpen your vision.

Atmosphere in your images is amazing. How much time do you spend in the nature to capture these scenes?

Nature is my passion, she rarely let me down. Water in particular gives me deep inspiration within my soul. I try to spend as much time in nature as possible, this is the environment I feel comfortable with.

What does photographing mean for your life?

I love Photography because this is the medium where I can express my self with freedom. B&W, in particular, gives me more flexibility for personal interpretation. It is rich in mysteries and evokes stronger emotion.