It has been 2 weeks since I last blogged. Sorry for the radio silence. I’ve been trying to adapt to the second round of Heighten Alert measures – rescheduling shoots, setting up new opportunities and picking up new skills. I hope you enjoyed the previous “10 Questions with” post with Christabel, Hair and Makeup Artist. The point of this series is to highlight the support system around a photographer. Most of the work you see here is a collective effort of a group of individuals.
In the second part of this series, I interview Joel Chua, one of the photo assistants that I work with regularly. Joel has been indispensable as my right hand man for shoots. I love the enthusiasm he brings on set and how open he is to learning. He’s also a good conversationalist, which is great for putting my subjects at ease before the shoot.
Joel Chua, Photo Assistant
1. How did you become a photographer’s assistant?
Fresh out of National Service, I didn't really know what I wanted to do except that I wanted to travel. Fast forward a few months, towards the end of my India trip, the question of what I was going to do when I returned was weighing heavy on my mind. I was studying music before but couldn't see myself doing that as a job.
Sitting at a cafe in Mumbai, I was having a mini existential crisis. So, I spoke to some friends from school and together, we figured out what I envisioned my career to be and came up with a plan to get where I wanted to go.
Throughout my trips, I really enjoyed meeting people, listening to their stories and photographing them. I figured that was something I really wanted to do in my career. But I did not have the education and training required to be a professional photographer. I needed a mentor. I was introduced to a website where I saw a listing looking for a photography assistant. I looked through the photographer's website and really liked his work. So, I sent in my application and started working as an assistant when I returned to Singapore.
2. What do you enjoy most about being a photographer’s assistant?
Working as an assistant, you really get to see different amazing photographers at work and they all have such different approaches to the craft. You work closely with them and you pick up little things while being on set and you incorporate the ones you like into your own practice. That's one of my favourite things about being a photography assistant.
3. How do you assist Matt during photoshoots?
As an assistant, I help Matt out with the setting up and tearing down of gear for the shoot. Anything from lights, gear and even preparing refreshments if needed. I provide Matt with an extra pair of eyes and hands, looking after the technical parts of the shoot so he can focus on interacting with the subject and taking the best shots. Other than that, I am simply present and ready to help in any way.
4. What’s one thing most people don’t know about photographer’s assistants?
I think one thing that people might not know about us is that we probably know where the best food is anywhere in Singapore because we've probably been everywhere for shoots.
Photos by Joel Chua
5. You’re a photographer too! Tell us about your photography journey so far! Especially your love for film photography.
Yes! I'm a photographer too. From when I can remember, I was always taking photos of people and things around me. I enjoyed the process of documenting the things I see and experience.
I've always been fascinated with the analogue. From record players to film cameras, I love them all. You can call me an old soul. So naturally, when I was younger, I pestered my parents to get me a film camera, but they never relented. It was only when I was in NS that I had a bit of pocket money and could afford my first film camera.
Photos by Joel Chua
6. Which are some of your proudest works?
Last year, when we could still travel, I embarked on a journey through Malaysia and Thailand, in an attempt to photograph artists in the region. I would visit them in their studios and we would talk about art, identity and their creative processes.
I’ve always wanted to do a project like this and I feel like that was a great first step in what would be a long term project.
You can check the full series out on my website: www.joel-chua.com
7. Who are your greatest influences?
I honestly can't list them all out, take a look at my bookshelf and you'll know. But if I had to choose, two photographers I simply adore are Mark Mahaney and Vasantha Yogananthan. Their works and how they approach photography really inspires me.
Photos by Joel Chua
8. What is your dream project?
I’ve always loved traveling. And whenever I travelled, I would take photos of the places I’ve been to and the people I’ve met. So my dream project is pretty much my dream trip as well.
I would take a train starting from Singapore and end in Europe, all the while documenting my travels and perhaps one day turning it into a photo book.
9. How does being a photographer yourself carries over to being a photography assistant?
Being a photographer/photography assistant helps because we can see things from the photographer's point of view and anticipate changes in positions and lighting and make them before the photographer even opens their mouth. However, we may get it wrong sometimes and we simply have to readjust and be more attentive. We are also more familiar with the lights and gear, especially if we use the same brand ourselves. We take great Behind-The-Scenes photos too!
10. How do you find your experience working with Matt on set?
I always enjoy my time on set with Matt. He brings such a positive energy to work and watching him interact with his subjects, making them laugh and getting them comfortable, the whole set just becomes a much more relaxing environment to work in. I always look forward to shoots where I get to work with him.
You can find more of Joel’s works at his website here or via his Instagram page @toot_a_loot. If you wish to hire us as a team, drop me a note at my contact page :)
