Justin

Jing Liang, once an architect, chose to resign to seek new directions and inspirations in life. His story reminds me of transformation, discovery, and a profound respect for nature. In Sentosa, Singapore, a chance encounter with a pelican ignited his deep curiosity about birds and a keen interest in photographing them. From then on, Jing Liang embarked on his photography journey, traversing parks and natural sights with a compact camera, in pursuit of those fluttering beings.

As his thirst for photographic skills and knowledge about birds grew, Jing Liang continually upgraded his equipment, striving for a higher artistic realm. Especially during the pandemic, he devoted more time and energy to photographing birds, willing to squat for 6-8 hours a day, braving the sun and long waits, all for capturing the spectacular moment of an eagle catching fish from the water. This dedication to the art of photography not only earned his works recognition but also carved a niche for him in the bird photography community. Several of his bird photographs taken at the Singapore Botanic Gardens were selected for the upcoming 2024 photography exhibition at the Gardens.

Jing Liang's photographic works not only document the beauty and ecology of birds but also reflect his contemplation of life and reverence for nature. Through photography, he learned about the habits of birds and integrated this knowledge and hobby into his life.

For Jing Liang, photography is more than a hobby; it's an attitude and philosophy towards life. He believes that a true hobby doesn't necessarily require unwavering dedication, as changes in life that lead to pauses in hobbies are also part of growth. He dreams of returning to nature to photograph birds one day, to spend months on a single bird, and to create an educational documentary, sharing the stories of birds with the world through his lens.

Jing Liang's journey reminds us that finding what we truly love and fully immersing ourselves in the process is the essence of life.