by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 6th of November 2023

YY DB - Dachun Bao - masters wonderfully her photographic work.  She quotes: 'My take on photography is like a journey that's always evolving. It's about capturing the genuine beauty and soul of the natural world. You've got to feel that deep connection with nature, tell stories through your shots. It's all about learning and growing, always pushing for that next level.'
Let me take you on a journey to learn more about the artist behind her splendid images.
Enjoy ...

'Desert Night Sky'

Dear  friend, 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.

I grew up in China and came to the United States for grad school in the mid-80s. After working for three decades, both in private and public sectors as a librarian, I retired in 2022. Now, I've got more time to do what I love - snapping photos, exploring new places, hitting up museums and theatres, pottering around in the garden, and just relaxing. 

'Desert Lagoons Golden Hour'

When and how did you start your photographic journey?

I got my first DSLR camera in 2009, for learning basic photography skills in a beginner’s class at a local Chinese language school. Initially, my aim was simply to capture memorable moments from vacations and gatherings. Little did I know, this would alter my perspective, allowing me to perceive the world in a whole new light through the viewfinder.

'Steaming Geysers of Sol De Manana, Bolivia'

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

To me, photography is a dynamic hobby that combines my love for the natural world with creative expression and technical skill. It brings a range of personal and emotional rewards. It's a source of inspiration for travel, exploration, and enjoyment, while also pushing me to learn new skills, experiment with techniques, and capture even better images.

'Memory – Lone Tree'

You have your very own style. Why are you so drawn by landscape and wildlife photography?

I'm drawn to landscape and wildlife photography because of its remarkable ability to capture the beauty, diversity, and wonder of the natural world. Engaging in photography amidst nature encourages me to slow down, observe, and truly appreciate the world around me. Achieving that perfect shot of a landscape or wildlife requires a blend of skill, patience, and a keen artistic eye. The satisfaction comes from creating visually compelling images that reflect my unique perspective of the world.

'Golden Hour in the Valley' (Iceland Highland Mountain View)

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

As I lift my camera, my goal is to capture the essence of wildlife in action or the beauty of a landscape, weaving a story or setting a mood that celebrates the wonders of the natural world. I truly believe that a photo, even if it's not technically perfect, can convey a genuine narrative and resonate deeply with viewers. Photography, for me, is a way to express myself creatively. I'm careful not to get too caught up in the pursuit of technical perfection, as it's my unique perspective that truly matters.

'Winter Serenity'

'Foggy morning'

'Tranquil' (Little Church in the Green)

'Feeding Time'

What generally is your relationship to your subject matter beyond being an observer?

How I connect with my subject is all about context and my creative vibe. It's about spinning a tale, bringing out emotions that go way beyond just the visual. Plus, there's the artistic side, where I get to be all creative with how I frame things up, play with lighting, and give it that special touch in post-processing. It's what really brings the subject to life.

'Desert Lagoon Sunset'

'First Light at Westrahorn – Iceland'

'Cascading Beauty – Selfoss waterfall, Iceland'

Do you prepare carefully the locations where you are intending to photograph?

A successful photo session takes some serious prep work. I'll research online for access information and study how other photographers have captured the scene. Additionally, I rely on the handy PlanIt App to determine the positions of the Sun, Moon, and Milky Way. Nonetheless, there are those times when I just go for spontaneous, unprepared hikes, allowing myself to be pleasantly surprised by breathtaking scenery and the play of beautiful lighting.

'Floating Iceberg' (Jokulsarlon Glacier, Iceland)

Describe your overall photographic vision.

My take on photography is like a journey that's always evolving. It's about capturing the genuine beauty and soul of the natural world. You've got to feel that deep connection with nature, tell stories through your shots. It's all about learning and growing, always pushing for that next level. For me, photography isn't all about technicalities and artistry. It's about really seeing and understanding the world around us, and finding joy and wonder in the beauty of nature.

'Mountain Trail'

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

From my perspective, successful landscape and wildlife photographers tend to embody a blend of attributes. They've got this genuine love for nature, a keen eye for details, and a knack for seeing things from an artistic angle. Plus, they've got the patience to wait for those magic moments. They're also adaptable to shifting conditions, possess a talent for narrative through their images, and exhibit technical proficiency in camera settings and post-processing.

'Desert Night Sky'

'Fagradalsfjall Volcano'

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

Here's how I roll with my photography workflow: I begin by brainstorming and planning, delving into ideas and conducting thorough research on locations and subjects. Next, I ensure that all my equipment is in excellent condition. When I'm in the field, being patient and adaptable is crucial, especially when waiting for that perfect shot or capturing wildlife in action. After the shoot, I review and organize the images, followed by engaging in detailed editing using specialized software. Finally, I share my work on various platforms, aiming to reach a wider audience and connect with fellow photographers and nature enthusiasts.

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

What really gets me going are travelling and exploring new places, whether it's a far-off wilderness or a hidden gem closer to home, which can be incredibly inspiring. Plus, checking out the works of accomplished fellow nature photographers serves as a catalyst, sparking fresh perspectives and nurturing innovative ideas.

'The floating net' (Flying fishing nets)

'Old Mill on the Stream' (Glade creek grist mill)

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.)?

I use Nikon 850 and 14-24mm, 16-35 mm, 24-70mm, 70-200mm, 200-500 mm lenses for most of my photos.

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

'Heading North to the Ice'

This photo captures a moment from a November journey to Canada's Arctic, specifically along the south-western Hudson Bay. Unlike other Arctic regions where polar bears can hunt seals on the ice year-round, Hudson Bay's ice fully melts by late July or early August and doesn't refreeze until early November. This compels all bears to come ashore for approximately 3-4 months. The mother polar bear in this photo has struggled to find food all summer. Unless the ocean freezes soon, she risks running out of milk, endangering her twin cubs. Moreover, she needs to fiercely defend them against hungry and irritable male bears.
The temperature plummeted the night before, and we were informed that the bay had frozen over quickly. We were fortunate to spot this mother bear with her twins heading north towards the ocean ice, and felt a sense of relief and happiness, knowing they were on their way to the frozen bay to resume feeding and be in a safer environment.

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

When I first started photography, I became a member of the VA Photo Club, a community of Chinese-American photographers in Northern Virginia, USA. Through the various club activities, I gleaned fundamental photography skills from my fellow members. In particular, my friends and fellow clubmates, Jingren Du and Qiwu Liu, played a significant role in guiding me through mastering camera equipment, honing observational skills, and adapting to changing shooting conditions.

Furthermore, I had the privilege of joining photo excursions with accomplished nature photographers such as A Liu, Yan Zhang, and Hua Zhu. This experience allowed me to observe and learn from their fieldwork workflow and enhance my technical proficiency through their insightful classes. I greatly admire A Liu’s bold approach to natural beauty, characterized by vibrant light and colour in his "Crazy and Wild" style. Yan Zhang’s controlled use of colour to create images exuding calmness, depth, and grandeur is truly impressive. Additionally, Hua Zhu’s creative and artistic perspective on light and shadow, particularly in landscape and night photography, has been a tremendous source of inspiration. Their generous guidance, willingness to address my queries, and support in refining my work have been instrumental in my growth as a photographer.

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.

As I mentioned earlier, photography is my hobby that not only brings me joy but also inspires my travels and explorations. While I don't have specific projects in mind, I do have exciting travel plans in the works for various places. These journeys promise to be fantastic opportunities for capturing stunning moments and scenes.

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

In 2022, I became a member of 1x. I utilize 1x as a platform to submit my work for curator review and to share it with a wider audience. The feedback I receive from fellow members is invaluable to me. This platform serves as an excellent learning tool, allowing me to explore and learn from the many outstanding works shared by others. I am truly grateful to 1x and especially to Yvette for providing me with this opportunity to express myself.

'Mountain top Church in the Mist'

'Valley of Light' (Mountain view – Glacier National Park)