On preparing the Impression of
Huangshan I re-examined the preface of my publication of Autumn 1962.
Though 18 years have sine passed my aim is still the
same. I find it is necessary to re-iterate again to make part of this preface.
" More work, more mistakes; more mistakes,
more work " is my ever - observed motto in my work of photography.
It is general speaking : " No talent, no arts
. " But I am an ordinary man who has been practising photography for some
thirty years . I rely on no talent , but my own experience
to carry on my work.
On my first stage of photography, I care nothing
of arts, just snapping for fun;
and because of fun , I unconsciously love
photography , and definitely took it as my life career.
In 1941, I became a professional photographer
and paid special attention to portraiture, and it kept me long in further
study; though not very successful, yet with my bitter experience , I value
my products as the sweat - sodden farmer value his.
Later on , I began to ask myself of my own
style of photography , and soon realized that it is a sort of description
of reality. The highest attainment of art is , I presume , no more than
the trinity of reality , perfection, and beauty.
The absence of any of them would result in the imperfection of art. The
art of photographing is to achieve reality , and the art of arrangement
and finishing is to achieve perfection and beauty ; and to
the latter , I give no less effort than to the
former.
Besides, I have come to know that I should
have one obligation to undertake. I am a Chinese , and my work
should be done for the glory of our people. It is my unavoidable duty to
present our people's virtues and our sceneries to the whole world. The
publication of this book is intended partly to fulfil this aim, and partly
to induce public criticism on my works, which I will sincerely accept as
valuable advice for improving myself in photography.
I spend most of if not all of my time in my work
. I seldom talk and write.
Writing has become a very difficult task for
me . However , the time I am
extremely fortunate in getting a close and
knowledgeable friend , Mr. Tam
Wing Yet to compile this book for me . He
knows what I want and is fully
familiar with the various aspect of photographic
art . Mr. Spencer Yee has
kindly translated most of the pieces here
to make them bilingual . Also friends who visited Huangshan with me last
year , like Messrs. Tchan Fou-li , Kan
Hing Fook , Wu Ki Hou , Leo K.K.
Wong and Chan Chik and friends in Mainland China like Messre. Huang Cheung
and Chan Mou Chuen have graced this book by expressing their ideas and
ways of taking pictures of Huangshan and other relevant information . Their
contribution makes this book more complete . I take this opportunity to
express my heart - felt thanks.
Soman
Lo January 1980
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