by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 29^th of April 2024

HAN Dong Hee  majored in mathematics at the University and that impact on his photography.  He quotes: 'In mathematics, for instance, defining relations on a set and specifying three rules—reflexivity, symmetry, and transitivity—allows for the smooth partitioning of sets based on these rules and mathematical logic. This demonstrates the power of mathematical and abstract thinking. I continue to explore whether such ideas can also exist in photography.' To him, photography also is like a heart-throbbing pleasure: relaxation, rest travel. Let's discover his personality behind his work through this most interesting interview.

‘by window’

Dear friend, please introduce yourself shortly and tell us more about you, your hobbies or other projects you are involved in!
I was born in Korea, lived mostly in Seoul, and spent my childhood in busy cities. I always was fascinated by finding beauty in patterns, so I majored in mathematics at university and graduate school, worked as a chess instructor and maths teacher, and now I work for a public institution under the Ministry of Environment. 

‘rainy people out of a bus’

‘blue squares’

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

For me, photography is like a heart-throbbing pleasure: relaxation, rest, travel. It's a rare, secret, sweetness that I want to hide, but at the same time to share only with loved ones. It's the first and last encounter with a special moment, and it's like a song that I can't repeat again.

‘the music’

‘cinema’

‘from white’

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

My first steps in photography were when I found out that most photographs convey the intentions of the photographer pretty well, no matter who's taking them. This property of photography sometimes allows me to experience one common theme in the community. Therefore, the experience in the community is important to me. One of them, 1x, is the place that gave perfect feedback, both technically and photographically. Thank you to this community. Also, thank you to the friends and family who love my photos and give me feedback.

How do you maintain and grow your passion for photography?

My ambition to capture the yet-to-be-taken best photos propels me forward. However, even before that ultimate moment arrives, the joy of portraying my own simple story through photography is equally significant. Moreover, the evolution of optical technology awakens philosophical creativity, bringing immense pleasure.

‘time line’

'zig'

‘windows’

‘He is gone’

Can you please describe in a few words your photographer philosophy?

Photography is like a bright window guiding us to a different world beyond reality. Observing the same scene repeatedly, it captures elements that appear different each time, revealing aspects of everyday life that often go unnoticed. It's when I can only express those moments through photos that I press the shutter. Additionally, even the fixed results of the photographs, when looked at, evoke a different feeling each time, reaffirming the ever-changing essence within my daily life.

Why are you so drawn by Architecture and Abstract Photography?

In mathematics, for instance, defining relations on a set and specifying three rules—reflexivity, symmetry, and transitivity—allows for the smooth partitioning of sets based on these rules and mathematical logic. In simple terms, with just a few rules, you can intricately divide space. This demonstrates the power of mathematical and abstract thinking. Mathematics encompasses numerous outcomes of geometry and abstract reasoning. I continue to explore whether such ideas can also exist in photography.

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

While pursuing technical perfection is certainly ideal, I find the atmosphere, inner stories, and ideas within the artwork more enchanting and intriguing.

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

Not everyone can step away from their own life to talk about their artwork. I am deeply immersed in finding my own stories in the landscapes I live in, walk through, and encounter countless times. It goes beyond being an observer to being a resident of life. If given the chance, I would like to reside in cities from various countries for an extended period, living life and exhibiting my own window.

‘wait’

‘passerby’

‘Morphi’

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

I often revisit familiar places, but most of the time, I randomly wander through every nook and cranny of Seoul and its metropolitan area in South Korea. I take buses or subways, getting off anywhere to capture moments. There have been many days when I walked all day, reaching the end of streets. I tend to avoid crowded popular shooting locations. Even when travelling, I prefer going without prior information whenever possible.

What gear do you use (camera, lenses, bag)?

I primarily use the Olympus E-M1 Mark III camera with Olympus Pro lenses. For my bag, I opt for something lightweight and affordable, not particularly specific about the brand or type.

What software do you use to process your images?

I use Lightroom and Photoshop for photo editing.

Can you tell us something more about your work flow?
I seek subjects from the close proximity of my life, sometimes venturing into unfamiliar cities or wandering aimlessly. Interestingly, most of the photos I choose are taken near where I live. My primary workflow involves bridges, walking and exploring extensively – it feels like 99% of my photo work revolves around strolling. For me, walking all day is a significant source of motivation and joy.

What is your most important advice to a beginner in Architecture and Abstract Photography and how do you get started?

In the field, no matter how trivial, don't underestimate what you feel – make sure to record it. These moments accumulate to become your unique story. Exercise good control over the serendipity of photography. Preserve the reality of your photos and use them as ingredients for your storytelling. Just the fact that they are recorded will have a significant impact decades later.

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

I am a Christian, and I aspire to live daily within the embrace of God. I find solace in photographs captured while strolling through small parks amidst the suffocating city, and these images resonate deeply with me.

“Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” (Matthew 6:26-27, KJV)

‘rest’

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

Everyone who views my photos serves as a mentor to me. Whether it's someone unfamiliar with photography, a professional photographer, a child, or experts from various fields, I am always ready to listen and receive feedback on my photos. I've been influenced by their opinions, while also putting in considerable effort to maintain my unique style, unaffected by external opinions.

We almost reach the end of this interview and I would kindly ask you to share with us your future plans or photographic projects you would like to be involved in.

Looking at the lifespan of reinforced concrete and the completion years of buildings in Korea, many structures are expected to be demolished and undergo reconstruction in the near future. When a building is demolished, the exposed cross-section of another building on the opposite side becomes visible at a certain height in our line of sight. Let's call this phenomenon "gap." This gap is revealed only when a building is demolished and disappears from view once the demolished building is reconstructed. I aim to capture these gaps. The uniqueness of these gaps, evidence of a space that once uniquely existed, captivates my attention. I strive to capture such conceptual ideas through my own perspective in photographs.

‘mask’

'2 windows’

‘windows’

‘roofs’

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

The curation system stimulates creativity for both the photographer and the viewer. Moreover, this platform is the ultimate space where talented and exceptional photographers from around the world can encounter each other. In an era flooded with countless photos, I express my immense gratitude for the well-preserved galleries here that encapsulate the essence of well-discerned photography.

Thank you for your fine answers, HAN Dong Hee.