Announcement

Never in my dreams as a little child did I ever think I would come to live, work and play in Hong Kong. Born in Canada to Chinese parents, I moved here in 1994 and worked as an architect for 4 years before pursuing my greater interest in photography and art. Having published my second book themed and titled 'The Asian Male', I'm set to continue and explore all things that make this Universe as diverse and interesting as it is.

My blog

Shooting Sean Li...

Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 10:26PM / Standard Entry

Today, I had the opportunity to photograph Sean Li, one of the main actors from the movie Permanent Residence. The first hour or so was me just shooting headshots of him, something I had in mind when I first met him in person. Then later on I moved onto shooting more fashion-sexy images. It all turned out fine, but my strobe kept on misbehaving during the set. Nevertheless, I was happy get some good shots in. I'll show some of the image here once I get around to editing and post production. Thanks Sean for allowing me to shoot you. Let's try to do more at another time. I really enjoyed the session today.

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"Commercial photography from a fine-art point of view"

Monday, Aug 31, 2009 11:19AM / Standard Entry

Last weekend I attended a free lecture at the Hasselblad Masters of Photography exhibition that was entitled "Commercial photography from a fine-art point of view". An extremely well-attended audience turned up, perhaps of about 150 or so. The speaker was a member of the HKIPP, a well respected association in Hong Kong known for it's scrutiny of members portfolios, but with a lenient requirement on educational background on the topic of photography. Commercial photography is it's primary aim in bringing members on board. The talk however was less than adequate and rather disappointing. The speaker pulled up images of Italian ceiling paintings and sculptures and spoke of the beauty thereof. Of course, these works would be considered art and then suddenly went into her showcase of commercial work, desperately trying to draw comparisons to her attention to detail of lighting. Her commercial work however, consisted of frozen fish adverts, jewelry and watches, and lighting fixtures and other knick-knacks. Simply because she photographed mostly with film (previously) in her images and that she didn't do photoshop doesn't make her work 'artistic'. Her only real concern was to make a image of a product, as to sell the product. Sure, I will agree that some commercial photography warrants being called artistic, but that was hardly the case from the presentation. Art must be conceived first from the idea that the work is a personal exploration of a feeling or concept that the individual needs to express. Emphasis on the 'personal'. This is where art is derived from. An art gallery is only a mediator to sell that which you have produced from your heart and soul.

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S8 Magazine - Art & Photography magazine soon to be available (in Hong Kong)

Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 12:36PM / Standard Entry

S8 Magazine's Volume Zero issue will soon be available in Hong Kong. This edition will be available for free at specific locations (which will be announced very soon). Please also join the Facebook Page, which I have set up here as well at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/S8-Magazine/37835005078?ref=ts

The magazine will be focused on art, photography and design at both the local international level. Size of publication is 300mm x 215mm, printed on fine woodfree matt paper. Designed in conjunction with Steffan Leyshon-Jones and with the support Open University of Hong Kong.

Many people were involved with the startup of this magazine and I hope that this will mark the beginning of something that will grow to be one of the best magazines in Asia.

Norm Yip
www.s8magazine.com

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In a Model Casting?

Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 12:22PM / Standard Entry

My advice to someone doing a casting....

norm says:
in the casting?

norm says:
you should smile and look at the person who is doing the casting

norm says:
shake hands firm (or of equal pressure) with the person

norm says:
listen and be enthusiastic

norm says:
ask one or two questions about the shoot....don't just nod ... make an effort if you want to stand out

norm says:
sometimes...the people doing the casting are looking for 'character' .. not JUST a face and body

norm says:
so be yourself but also be interested...

norm says:
if they don't choose you, just let it be and don't take it personally

.....

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The Asian Male - 2.AM Videoclip

Monday, Oct 6, 2008 11:34AM / Standard Entry

This is a video version of my Asian Male - 2.AM book. Just having fun with this...
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVkYtPjaunw

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Norm Yip

Stats

I am a photographer-artist living and working in Hong Kong. I vary between socially outgoing to hibernating at home with a book...
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I am a photographer-artist living and working in Hong Kong. I vary between socially outgoing to hibernating at home with a book. I challenge myself in many areas of life, namely creatively, intellectually, physically and spiritually. I believe that I am ambitious in whatever I do and try to encourage others to do what they are passionate about. My three main areas of artistic interest are people photography, graphite drawing, and finally painting. All three areas weave in and of my life at different times. I self-published a photography book in 2005 called 'The Asian Male - 1.AM' and just released the follow-up volume 2.AM under the same title. Other than this, I dabble in Tarot readings and enjoy quiet nights with my fur-ball cat 'BB'. My weakness are anyone that is stunningly good looking, whether male, female or somewhere in between (these days, it can be hard to tell), bitter chocolate, gelato, and a nice pair of legs.... I like reading non-fiction books mostly, especially ones that really make me think and question myself and life. Although I am generally quite moody by appearance, it's usually because I'm thinking WAY too much for my own good.
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Occupation: Photographer
Age: 46
Gender: Male
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