Sue Park
TIFA 2024 Interview with Sue Park
1st Place winner in Nature, Professional, “Passage of Time”
Q: What drew you to the specific genre of photography you specialize in? Was it a personal experience, a mentor, or something else that sparked your interest?
I believe God created this world and all the beauties that are found in this world. Even when I am in silence, I feel that I can hear the voice of God who has created everything. Nature changes in every moment, and I want to capture these split moments and allow them to live forever through my photographs. Through my photography, I am able to share my experiences with the rest of the world. My wish is for my audience to feel the same kind of peace and tranquility when seeing my photos.
Q: How do you approach a new photography project? Can you walk us through your creative process from concept to execution?
My photography focuses on my own personal interests, which can change and evolve over time. Once I have chosen my topic of interest, I begin searching for a good spot to take my photos. This is why I like to travel a lot.
I usually get inspiration for my projects from my everyday life. Since I am the director at my art gallery, I am able to frequently view new artworks, which then inspires my photography. Some of my favorite artists are artists that enjoy expressing their own experiences with Sacred or Divine.
Q: Your winning project stood out to the jury for its unique perspective. How do you ensure your work maintains originality and authenticity in a competitive field?
When working on my projects, I try to find unique locations that not many people may have visited before. In my project, “Passes of Time,” I found the perfect location in front of the ocean in Korea and spent 60 minutes capturing the movements of the water. I try to incorporate my own style that is hard to replicate. Of course, this is not always easy.
Q: As a photographer, how do you balance technical expertise with artistic vision? Do you lean more heavily on one, or do they work hand in hand for you?
I believe artistic vision is more important than technique. However, technical expertise should not be overlooked. I believe photographers should work to continuously develop both their artistic visions as well as their technical knowledge of cameras and the art of photography.
Q: What role does post-processing play in your work? Do you consider it an extension of your creativity, or do you aim to keep your images as natural as possible?
I like to keep my images as natural as possible. As I’ve mentioned before, I aim to show the beauty of nature itself. I conduct a minimal amount of post processing work, which can include levelling or removing dust. I am a photographer who insists on more natural shots.
Q: How do you stay inspired and motivated in an ever-evolving industry? Are there any specific resources—books, films, or other art forms—that FUEL YOUR creativity?
I am lucky to be able to get many of my ideas from my own everyday life. Living in such a busy city as LA, there are many visuals and sounds that I get inspired by. For example, every day I am able to see advertising signs on the street, the movement of people and cars, and the sound of music from different parts of the city. This world is full of ideas.
Q: Winning TIFA is a significant accomplishment. How do you plan to leverage this recognition to further your career or make a greater impact in the photography world?
I have had the pleasure of winning several international competitions, and it is an honor to add TIFA to my list of awards. I hope that my photography gains a wider audience in Japan as well as the rest of Asia. I would also like the opportunity to be able to participate in my exhibitions in Japan.
Q: How do you approach connecting with your subjects, especially in projects that require a deep level of trust and intimacy, such as portraits or documentary work?
My photography mostly focuses on the landscapes of nature. I wish for more people to be able to appreciate the beauty of the natural world through my photos. When I take my photos, I think about the photo being a permanent keepsake of the moment that can never happen again.
Q: In what ways do you believe photography can influence societal change? Have you worked on projects that aim to raise awareness or advocate for a cause?
Photography has a big influence on our society since images can show the true reality of a situation. One example of societal change that photography influences are environmental issues. People may be able to get a better understanding of the urgency of our environmental issues that are taking place in today’s world after seeing photos such as the Amazon burning or animals in the ocean that are having their spaces invaded by trash. I have participated in a project aimed at saving the LA River, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to participate in this project again this year.
Q: What advice would you give to photographers about finding their unique voice in a crowded industry? How can they stay true to their vision while appealing to a broader audience?
I would recommend taking every opportunity to show their work to an audience, such as participating in different exhibitions. Although this may not be easy, the hard work will pay off since they will be able to show their work to an audience.
