Yanuar Surya got out of his comfort zone by getting into photography in the first place. He then did it again by focusing more on the Portrait Photography genre and leaving behind Wedding Photography. Let’s hear more about his story here!

In your own words, what is Portrait Photography?

It is a complex concept of art where we as photographers capture the subject’s expressions through various moods, characters, and stories. A good portrait photograph is one that can deliver all of those in one frame.

Tell us more about your journey to becoming a professional portrait photographer, including the challenges you faced and the achievements you are most proud of!

Getting into photography is all about getting out of the comfort zone for me. At first, I got into Wedding Photography just because everybody was into Wedding Photography. However, after a few years, I started to feel disinterested in Wedding Photography. At that time, I started exploring other photography genres and trying to get out of my comfort zone, once again, challenging myself to “create art” in the form of portrait photography. 

It was an intense journey and full of challenges but it molded my character as the photographer that I am today. I now have a strong idealism in applying the technical standards in every photography project that I have. In my case, the use of artificial lighting is a must in all of my projects.

As for my highest achievement, I think some of my Portrait Sport projects are the highlight of my career as they became a trend in the photographer communities.

What do you think is the most recent trend in Portrait Photography? How do you adapt to it?

The development of visual art with the help of Artificial Intelligence or AI is the new trend in Portrait Photography. This technology affects us in many ways. To be able to survive, we must understand this technology and where it’s going. We must learn and use this technology for our benefit, adapting to it rather than being reluctant toward it. 

Do you have any specific way to interact with your subjects in order to get their best expressions and emotions for a portrait picture?

Every photographer must have their own way to make their subjects look more alive and interesting in front of the camera lens. To do that, they must have a clear and firm concept of what they want to create, then they must find the perfect subject that can help them realise the character based on the concept.

Other than that, I use music to help build the subject’s mood and emotions during a photo session. In my case, this is an effective trick and I often do this in my projects.

What are your go-to gears and why do you use them?

Throughout my career, especially since I joined the Alpha Team in 2018, I have used many different cameras and lenses. Among them are the Alpha 7 II, Alpha 6000, Alpha 9, Alpha 7 IV, Alpha 7R V, and Alpha 7C II. As for the lenses, my favourites are the FE 70-200MM F/2.8 GM II, FE 50MM F/1.2 GM, FE 35MM F/1.4 GM as well as two lenses with the best wide angle capabilities FE 14MM F/1.8 GM dan FE 20MM F/1.8 G. However, my most favourite gear combination is the Alpha 7R V and either FE 50MM F/1.2 GM or FE 70-200MM F/2.8 GM II. 

Lastly, do you have any other favourite photography genre outside portrait photography?

As I said before, I have tried different genres of photography throughout my career. I like photography genres other than portraits because I can hone my instinct and sensitivity when taking pictures of different genres. This is also important for me because it helps me improve my knowledge and skills in the wide realms of photography.

Other than Portrait Photography, I also like Street, Landscape, Architecture, and Food Photography. However, Street and Landscape Photography are the two genres that affect and inspire me as a professional photographer.