Young Creators Spotlight: Capturing elusive wildlife moments with Tan Lu San
Tan Lu San is a talented wildlife photographer with a burgeoning reputation. At just 24, he has already made a name in a field often dominated by more seasoned professionals. While his work covers various aspects of wildlife, his true passion lies in photographing birds.
Lu San's journey into photography began when he was 20 years old, drawing on his media design background from his Polytechnic diploma course. Realising the need for practical experience, he bought his first camera, the Sony Alpha 1, in October 2020. Starting with butterflies and flowers in parks, he quickly discovered a love for photography. The Alpha 1 provided him with the advanced features necessary to capture stunning wildlife shots. As he honed his skills, his focus gradually shifted towards bird photography.
I have had an interest in nature and exploration ever since I was young… I always wondered how they capture such incredible shots of wildlife.”
I have had an interest in nature and exploration ever since I was young… I always wondered how they capture such incredible shots of wildlife.”
From curiosity to craft
Lu San’s interest in birding was piqued by the diverse bird species he encountered in Singapore, both resident and migratory. Inspired by birds' vibrant colours and unique behaviours, he dedicated himself to mastering the art of bird photography, finding joy and fulfilment in capturing the beauty and intricacies of avian life.
The need for speed
The challenge of capturing these elusive avians required quick reflexes and intense concentration, skills at which Lu San excelled, thanks in part to his gaming hobby. Recognising the need for a camera that could match this speed and precision, he decided to try his hand at shooting with the lightning-fast Alpha 9 III. Taking notice of his immense passion for photography, Sony Singapore granted Lu San the opportunity to shoot with the latest addition to the Alpha 9 line-up.
The Alpha 9 III features the world's first full-frame image sensor with a global shutter system, revolutionising the capture of fast-moving subjects. This technology eliminates image distortion and preserves split-second moments in stunning detail, making it a game changer for bird photography. The camera's advanced capabilities allow Lu San to photograph birds in flight with exceptional clarity and precision.
The Alpha 9 III is without a doubt the best camera right now for capturing peak action.”
The Alpha 9 III is without a doubt the best camera right now for capturing peak action.”
The power of one frame
The Alpha 9 III's features, such as 120fps RAW shooting and AI autofocus, have been invaluable for Lu San in nailing critical moments. Additionally, the ultra-fast 1/80,000 second shutter speed helps prevent blown-out highlights when he's shooting creative backlit photos, ensuring every detail is captured perfectly.
Pre-Capture helped me capture the perfect shot…even before I pressed my shutter.”
Pre-Capture helped me capture the perfect shot…even before I pressed my shutter.”
Never miss a moment with Pre-Capture
One feature that has been a game-changer for Lu San’s photography is the Alpha 9 III’s Pre-Capture function. This function ensures that no key moment is missed, allowing him to capture moments just before the shutter is released. This feature has been invaluable for bird photography, where subjects can be unpredictable and fast-moving. There have been instances where the Pre-Capture function enabled him to capture peak action moments that would have otherwise been missed.
Our commitment to young creators
Lu San's journey from a media design student to a prominent wildlife photographer highlights the importance of passion, dedication, and the right gear.
Sony is committed to supporting young creators like Lu San by providing access to advanced technology and opportunities. We look forward to more creators who are enthusiastic about photography and will continue to support the next generation of talent. Lu San's story is just the beginning, with many more inspiring journeys anticipated in the world of photography.
