Human interest photography is not for everyone. It has various challenges that must be dealt with right then and there. Dewan Irawan has his own way of overcoming those challenges. Read on to learn his expertise in the human interest photography genre.

Why do you think human interest photography offers strong and impactful messages?

Human interest photography is based on the reality of life. As we all know, life is complex, confusing, surprising. It can make us feel happy, sad, angry, tired, confused, but that is life and that is what makes life beautiful. Human interest photography’s aim is to capture life and good human interest photography can deliver that message, that feeling that the object is feeling, not only showing what they are doing. 

How did you start focusing on human interest photography?

It all started in 2010. At that time, an agent came to me and said that he was interested in buying some of my works. He also asked me whether I could take some more pictures that have more feelings. I considered his request as a challenge. Then, I was determined to create a photography concept that could capture the object’s feelings and make the people who see my works feel empathy toward the photograph and the object.

With this concept, I am now known as an expert in human interest photography. My skills and experience are valued all over Indonesia as well as other Southeast Asian countries and Japan.

What do you consider unique in your photography style or technique?

I always try to take human interest photographs in the most natural environment. The natural lighting that is unpredictable and uncontrollable is sometimes a challenge for me when taking photographs. However, I use it to dramatize the picture, hoping it would add feelings to the photographs and make the people who see it connect better with my works.

It is also rare for me to direct my objects. I don’t ask them to pose or make any gestures when I take pictures of them. I prefer they act normally, do things how they usually do every day.

In the photo above taken in Yogyakarta, the man does actually go to work very early in the morning. This view shows a perfect combination between the sunrise moment and the thick fog, creating a beautiful silhouette of the man. The bicycle with the two large containers attached to it also adds a dramatic sense to the picture.

I took this photo in Kathmandu, Nepal, around the Boudhanath Temple, one of the most crowded areas in the city. Among the many people visiting the area, I saw this woman sitting in the crowd. But I didn’t see her just sitting, I also saw her persistent and patient, waiting for customers to buy her products.

The Festival of Lights, or Tihar, is one of the biggest celebrations in Nepal, spanning five days. In this picture, a little girl is lighting candles in preparation for the festival. It may not seem obvious at first but her face shows a little bit of a smile, displaying her enthusiasm and eagerness to participate in the festival.

Has there been anything so impactful to you professionally?

I would say no.

I’m one of those people who just go with the flow. One thing to note, though: I explore. I didn’t just take human interest photography as my expertise. I tried different genres of photography, I took pictures of different objects in different settings, I used different techniques of taking a picture, I participated in photography communities and workshops. 

How does Sony support you in your professional endeavors?

Sony camera and lens lineups fully support my professional needs. One of my champion Sony products is Alpha 7R V. Its dedicated AI processing unit works so well in subject recognition, allowing for remarkable still image resolution. It also has a faster, more precise AF system as well as real-time recognition AF for humans; both are very useful for human interest photography.