The initial catalyst for my introduction to cameras was simply "liking" or rather "loving" them. When I was young, studying abroad exposed me to a foreign life, prompting me to pick up a camera to capture the people, scenery, and everyday moments around me. Gradually, it became an important tool for expressing my thoughts and emotions. Through years of learning and using, cameras have become an integral part of my life.

Today, the photography industry is becoming increasingly intertwined with people’s daily lives. This means that it's becoming easier for everyday people to access photography equipment and participate in photography activities. Significant changes such as shifts in social media, the increasing intelligence and portability of different photography devices, and the evolution in methods for distributing images have all contributed to these transformations. Additionally, the development of AI (Artificial Intelligence) is directly impacting today's photography industry.

Employment opportunities in the photography industry are quite diverse. Aside from becoming photographers or artistic creators, individuals can also pursue careers as photo editors, film and media planners, colorists, and post-production roles. Therefore, employment prospects in the photography industry are broad, making it relatively accessible for students from various backgrounds.

A good photography work or a good piece of art, in my opinion, is fundamentally one that prompts viewers to "reflect," with the key element being "empathy." It's about whether the viewer can empathize with the photograph, and whether the image allows them to connect with the photographer's perspective. Are we capturing images to satisfy our own desire to see the world, or are we using our work to change how others perceive the world? This is an important realm of consideration.

So, defining a good piece of work involves both technical and conceptual aspects of creation. These aspects determine the quality of the work. Beyond these, what surpasses them? I would say it's the "emotional impact." What does emotional impact mean? It's a kind of intuitive response to the world, matured through thoughts and comprehensive technical skills. This intuitive response directly influences the viewer and fosters empathy with the artwork. To me, this is what makes a photograph truly good.

There are two pieces of advice. I transitioned from an amateur photography enthusiast to a professional photographer. In this process, two points were crucial. When I was 20 years old and just starting out in photography, I showed my immature photos to a former neighbor, an artist. She told me, "If you truly love art, then you must persevere." This became a significant motto for me: "Persistence." Since that day until now, I have persisted for almost 30 years. Another piece of advice is "courage." In this growth process, one must have the courage to self-criticize. Do not fear setbacks, criticism, or suggestions from others. Always strive to break out of your comfort zone.