by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 25^th of September 2023

To Louise Xie photography is a spiritual world, a channel where she shows the beauty of this world from her own point of view and where she can express her feelings without boundaries. Photography became a part of her life. Louise excels in several genres and strives to share her works evoking an emotional response from the viewers. Come along with me on a journey through her images and to learn more about this talented lady.

'Foggy morning for Fiz Roy'

Dear Louise, first I would like to thank you for taking the time to answer this questionnaire! To begin, please introduce yourself shortly and tell us more about you, your hobbies or other projects you are involved in!

My name is Louise Xie. I grew up in Shanghai, China and my studies and early work were related to architecture back in China. I have lived in the United States for 30 years and since I moved, I changed careers to computer science. Currently I am a professional IT specialist. In my spare time, I like photography, travelling, painting, flower arrangement, and cooking. I also volunteer in several non-profit organizations. I am passionate in multiple photography subjects including landscapes, humanities, and wildlife, etc. My photographic works have been awarded PSA and other photography competitions. I also have been published multiple times on international photographic media.

'Castle Mountain'

When and how did you start your photographic journey?

My uncle’s hobby was photography, and when I was little, I was his model. He loved  to work in the darkroom to develop his photos. When I saw an image paper, I felt that it was so amazing. When my son was young, our family took vacations every year travelling around the world, which allowed me to catch up on all sceneries and cultures which I wanted to see. After many years, when my son went to college, I decided to choose photography which I liked the most, as my main hobby. I wanted to dedicate more time on developing my images.  So, that's how photography became my very first choice.

'Follow mom'

For many of us photography is either a hobby or a way of life. How would you define your relationship with photography?

Photography started as a hobby and the more I spend time on it, the more I felt in love with it. Photography is Art. To me it is not only freezing the beauty of a scene, but also includes the feelings of the photographer when photographing it. Photography is my spiritual world. It is the channel where I show the beauty of this world from my point of view and where I can express my feelings. Photography has become a part of my life now.

'Flamingos over lake Magadi'

What would be the most important experience so far that has influenced your steps in photography?

I joined several photo workshops/tours, where I learned a lot from excellent photographers. Their vision, their passion for photography always inspired me greatly. Later, I joined the PSA contest and became a 1x member. Those all are major resources for me to learn from other photographers. At the beginning of the year, I joined Raying Photography. I am so glad to find photographers that have common hobbies and ambitions where we can grow and improve together. We had a major exhibition in February of 2023. It was great to see our photos printed in high quality and in physical form for all to see and share.

'Snow Day'

You have your very own style. Your landscapes are magnificent but I also see bird photography and more genres. 
Can you explain why this is?

I am interested in many categories of photography. Landscape, Wildlife, Stage, Sports, Humanities. Exploring the beauty of nature and life brings me visual impact and emotional pleasure. I also have a passion for dynamic images of Stage Performances and Sports. I always try 'slow speed' to express their movement and flow. It provides a challenge and looks more artistic.

'Chase Me'

'Cycling'

'Group Dance 7'

What is more important to you, the mood,/story behind your images or the technical perfection?

I think technical skills are just the foundational skills for every photographer. Thus, I believe a good mood and well story-told picture can evoke an emotional response from viewers. It can make people connected with the image through excitement, laughter or tears.

'Meet at Foggy Morning'

'Blizzard day Bison around Geyser'

What generally is your relationship to your subject matter beyond being an observer?
Do you prepare carefully the locations where you are intending to photograph?

Photography is an art of observation. It's about finding something that touches my heart.
As for preparation: Yes, before every photography trip, I will research where I’m going and get some inspiration from other photographer's works at that particular location. It is important to me to have a deeper knowledge of the location or subject that I want to shoot.

'Winter Yellowstone'

Describe your overall photographic vision.

A good picture is a fusion of creative ideas, photographic techniques and emotional expression. We use our eyes to observe, use our brain to shoot, use our heart to comprehend, and use colour and light and shadow to render the atmosphere and express emotions. My vision is to keep improving, endow photos with humanistic feelings, and endow photos to have thoughts and soul.

'Two little babies'

What are the main features of a successful landscape photographer in your opinion?

Respect:  Respecting and understanding nature

Curiosity:  It will lead us to try different techniques and to ponder our stylistic decisions. Being intrigued by our surroundings and our own ideas is what leads to exploration, discovery, experimentation, and creative growth.

Flexibility:  Nature is notoriously capricious, having change as its only constant. If you are willing to adjust to conditions and make the most of whatever nature gives you, then the world is yours.

Patience: Sometimes simply watching and waiting allows opportunities and ideas to come together in fruitful ways.

Speed:  The ability to respond quickly to opportunities and to think for yourself.

Integrity:  Do not forget the original intention. Remain true to our own art.

Courage: The dangers of working outdoors are many, making it necessary to exercise caution and good sense, and when those requirements are met, to find the courage to proceed.

'Drive it Away'

'Frozen on Fiz Roy lake'

Can you please tell us something more about your workflow from the idea to the final product?

I shoot pictures in the RAW format. I open it in Photoshop, start basic adjustment in ACR. Then, I use he Nik Collection for selective area adjustments and sometimes I use the Topaz Denoise and Sharpen features.

'Torres del Paine'

Where do you look to find inspiration and what inspires you the most?

Lots of things inspire me. From museum sculptures, painting, from different music concerts, stage performances, from creative architecture, to humanities in different countries and regions. Sometimes little things in life will touch my heart.

Many are of the opinion that the gear is not very important when the passion for photography is strong. However, can you please share with us what gear you use (camera, lenses, lighting, tripod, etc.)?

Personally, I think gear is quite important. I have chosen for Canon. My cameras: 5D Mark III , 5D Mark IV, 1DX II, EOS R5 and EOS R5 C and RF/RF Lens are all from Canon. I also use DJI Camera Drones for aerial photography.

'Cinque Torri sunset'

What would be your favourite photo? Please tell us the story behind it.

I like some of my photos better than the rests. Most of the time, one never have the total control for each picture taken. It is a challenge to catch a “perfect” picture. Also due to social progress, improvement in the level of appreciation, personal skill set upgrade. I am always looking forward:  next one will be better.

'Run After'

Who are your favourite photographers or mentors whose works have influenced you and your photography?

I like to visit museums and read some art books. Of course, when I started photography, I couldn't avoid looking for works from famous photographers, including: Ansel Adams, Christophe Jacrot , Franco Fontana , Jordan Hammond, Henri Cartier Bresson, Jordan, Hammond, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Pedro Luis Raota, and Annie Leibovitz. In their works you can see their thinking, exploring options and progress. Their creations are not limited to the eyes of the world, and always have their own unique perspective and style.

I also browse the photographs on 1X community, because many talented individuals are there.

I also have also joined photographer tours with Victor Liu, Jeffrey Wu, Kah-Wai Lin, Zhang Zhi and Yiming Hu. They have given me a good foundation of landscape, wildlife and video production. I admire their works and artistic vision and am touched by their dedication.

I learned a lot about Photoshop from Larry Deng. His vision is so artistic, very moody, and always improving with his creative skill. It is so mesmerizing.

Finally, I would like to say that John Fan’s book, blogs and his photography are works that influence me to think about the commitment of nature and the wisdom of life. His personal photography insights, including current photography trends, always helps me to reconsider how can I improve my works.

'Skogafoss waterfall'

'Misurina Lake'

Now, since we have almost reached the end of this interview, I would kindly ask you to share with us your plans or photographic projects you would like to be involved in.

At the technical level, I hope to break through my existing foundation and form my own style. If I had more time for my photography journey, I would like to put more effort and volunteer on more non-profit organizations to help others.

'Touch Down'

Is there anything else you wish to add and what do you think about 1X as a home base for your work?

First, I want to thank Yvette for providing me this opportunity to share my experiences through this interview. 1x has played a major role in my photography journey. 1x is an exclusive curated art gallery with so much talented photographers. 1X inspired me and helped improve my artistic vision. I have learned so much from the photographers I follow. 1x is part my life, it is a home base to share my own works with my friends and others. I am so proud to be a part of the 1x family.

'Take off'

Thanks for your wonderful words in the conclusion of this interview, dear Louise.
We too are glad to have you as a member of our community.