Return of the Genius Photographer - Chapter 94
The process of dropping out was quick.
After receiving my parents’ permission, my status as a high school student was surprisingly revoked after just a couple of meetings with my homeroom teacher and the principal.
I didn’t have any lingering attachments to school, but I didn’t expect the dropout process to be this easy.
Of course, I had to explain in detail what I planned to do next during the meetings…
But anyway, it was time to start anew.
After leaving school, I dove headfirst into preparing for my departure.
“The schedule is pretty straightforward.”
Once I completed the dropout process and went to meet Photographer Kang San, he began explaining our overseas itinerary.
“First, we’ll head to Ankara, Turkey. Then we’ll go to photograph the salt lake.”
Kang San, who always seemed to carry a world map, unfolded it grandly and pointed to the locations as he spoke.
“After the Turkey trip, we’ll head to eastern Sicily in Italy to shoot Mount Etna.”
“And then to France?”
“That’s right. Arles will be our last stop.”
I couldn’t help but admire the itinerary Kang San laid out.
We’d be visiting three countries: Turkey, Italy, and France. Traveling to all these places before heading to the Arles International Photography Festival was unexpected.
I wondered how many diverse and interesting photographs I could capture during this journey.
Just thinking about it made my heart race.
“Oh, and we might stop at a few other places along the way, so it’s best to pack properly.”
As I nodded thoughtfully, Kang San seemed to recall something and asked, “By the way, do you have any overseas experience?”
“Ah… I went to Australia with Photographer Jung Woong last time.”
“Hmm, Australia… Where in Australia?”
“Queensland. We traveled along the eastern coast.”
“Well, then you haven’t had any difficult experiences yet.”
Kang San rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought.
It seemed that given the nature of our itinerary, he had a few concerns.
Difficult experiences…
In my previous life, I had frequently ventured into remote places where few dared to go.
Deep in the Amazon jungle, inhabited by indigenous people who were still less civilized.
An uninhabited island that could only be accessed twice a year due to treacherous waters.
The Sahara Desert, where sandstorms raged.
I had traveled to countless corners of the world just to take pictures.
If I listed all those places as experiences, it would easily fill dozens of A4 pages.
That was my past, but…
I felt regretful that I couldn’t explain it to him.
“Well, you’re young, so it’ll be fine.”
Fortunately, after briefly considering my situation, Kang San quickly changed the topic.
“Anyway, that’s about it for the itinerary. I’m not one to plan things in detail, so just keep in mind that things might change when we get there…”
Then he waved his hand as if he was done talking.
“Actually, if you have more questions, just ask Jung Woong. He’ll give you more detailed explanations than I can.”
“Sure.”
Having wrapped up my meeting with Kang San, I headed over to Jung Woong’s studio.
***
‘It’s going to be a tight schedule.’
Back in my workspace, I organized all the information I’d gotten from Kang San.
Since he had shared only a little, I didn’t have much to write down.
Though it sounded simple, it was no small feat to visit three countries in just a month.
With the focus on photography, it was clear we’d be busy traveling the whole time, and as Kang San mentioned, it could be quite challenging.
Plus, considering that we’d be photographing Mount Etna, an active volcano, there were dangers involved.
However, when I thought about the potential photographs I could take and the upcoming exhibition in Arles, I was certain that this would be a significant stepping stone in my growth.
‘Then, I guess I should start with shopping.’
Once I finished organizing everything, I turned on my internet and began shopping.
Shopping is always the first step in preparing for a trip.
With a tight schedule and a lengthy travel period ahead of me, I needed to gather my supplies thoroughly, as Kang San had advised.
Last time, during the shoot in Australia with Jung Woong, most of the preparations were handled by him, so I didn’t need to get much ready.
This time, though, I planned to take care of everything myself.
I couldn’t just rely on Kang San for an entire month.
‘And I’m thinking of buying all new equipment while I’m at it.’
Currently, my gear consisted of a camera I bought with Young-ho, a cheap tripod, a standard lens, and a basic lighting setup.
All were budget-friendly items I had purchased during a time when I didn’t have much money.
While they had served me well for my shoots, I had always desired better equipment.
Lately, I had been too busy to even consider upgrading my gear, and now that I finally had the means, it was time to act.
‘First, let’s look for lenses.’
The first thing I searched for was a lens.
The lens is the eye of the camera and the connection between the photographer and the subject.
It embodies the photographer’s perspective of the world.
It goes without saying that lenses are as crucial as cameras.
With a wide variety of types and specifications depending on their use, diving deeper into the subject can lead to an endless exploration.
Some experts might not focus much on lenses, but…
Understanding the different uses and techniques for various lenses allows for capturing new angles and perspectives in photography. There is a significant difference between knowing and not knowing.
“Since I already have a standard lens, maybe I should look at other types first…”
To elaborate a bit more on lenses:
The human field of vision, when viewed with one eye, is approximately 90 degrees. Depending on the type of camera lens, you can see wider or narrower than this angle.
The field of view changes based on the focal length; shorter focal lengths provide a wider view, while longer focal lengths offer a narrower perspective.
Although there are variations between camera models, generally, a focal length of around 45mm to 50mm closely resembles the human field of vision, which is called a standard lens.
A focal length below 35mm is classified as a wide-angle lens, while anything above 85mm is considered a telephoto lens.
The lens I currently have is a standard prime lens.
Among lenses, it’s lightweight and provides excellent image quality, making it the most versatile choice for capturing portraits or still life, though its lack of a zoom function can sometimes be a drawback.
However, good lenses usually cost upwards of two million won, which was beyond my means back then.
Now that I have a decent amount of money, though…
I added the lenses I needed to my shopping cart.
Of course, I didn’t worry about the price.
In addition to that, I also chose a large backpack for travel, a versatile vest, several power banks, and memory cards.
I included a backup DSLR camera just in case, a compact camera for convenience, and a carbon fiber tripod suitable for use on volcanoes, among other items.
I selected everything I needed for the trip and checked out with a single payment.
The total cost for the equipment alone came to thirty million won.
One of the best things about having financial stability is the ability to invest generously in gear.
‘I might need three suitcases for all this…’
And that was before I even selected the miscellaneous items, so I wondered how much stuff I would end up with.
While I was engrossed in shopping, the door to the studio opened cautiously.
“Are you all set?” Photographer Jung Woong asked as he stepped inside.
“Hello.”
“I just came to check in.”
As I got up to greet him, he hurriedly gestured for me to sit down.
Looking at the monitor screen, his expression shifted to one of surprise. “Did you buy all this?”
“Yes. I bought everything I wanted while I was at it.”
“You’re preparing like you’re leaving for good.”
Then Jung Woong wore a slightly wistful expression.
“If you need anything, I could lend you all my equipment.”
“That’s alright. I need to get used to my own gear now.”
“I see…”
Nodding to my response, he added, “It’s a pity. If I didn’t have so much work piled up, I would have joined you.”
Traveling with Kang San and Jung Woong on a photography trip would’ve been pretty amazing, wouldn’t it?
“Let’s go together next time, if the opportunity arises,” I replied with a small smile.
I wouldn’t turn down a chance to travel with such talented photographers.
“Ahem, anyway, your trip with Kang San will be a huge help.”
“I think so too.”
“But you can only learn if you’re adequately prepared. Kang San isn’t the most approachable person, so make sure you don’t miss any small details and learn as much as you can.”
It seemed that Jung Woong had come to share this piece of advice with me.
He had shifted from our earlier lighthearted conversation to a more serious tone as he offered his counsel.
Looking back, our relationship had started in a unique way, but it genuinely felt like we had become mentor and student over time.
Is this what it means to become ingrained in someone’s life?
“I won’t forget. Thank you.”
I bowed my head in gratitude to Photographer Jung Woong, who sincerely wished me well.
Opportunities only come to those who are prepared.
I knew that old saying well.
*****
Time passed by so quickly.
The preparation period was a whirlwind of activity.
I adjusted the schedules of my pending tasks, packed only the essential items, and shipped the rest to the designated accommodation.
After bidding farewell to my parents, Young-ho, and Photographer Jung Woong, I arrived at the airport.
While waiting for my flight, I spent time in the lounge watching TV.
—Breaking news.
—This entertainment industry scandal, revealed by an anonymous tip, is causing a huge uproar…
—Following the anonymous report, numerous other tips have flooded in, revealing that the primary targets were rookie idols and actors who were sexually assaulted during drinking parties…
—The mastermind of this incident has been identified as PD Jung from G Broadcasting Company, who was in charge of a recently successful model audition program…
The anchor’s serious tone conveyed the gravity of the news.
The report detailed the disgusting behavior of inviting rookie idols and actors to drinking parties for harassment.
But PD Jung from G Broadcasting Company?
Could they be referring to PD Jung Yoon-cheol?
‘No way… Is the anonymous tip coming from Kim Jin-goo?’
The news showed a clear image of PD Jung with only his eyes obscured.
Recalling Kim Jin-goo’s wild behavior at the bar, I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was the one behind the report.
In any case, I didn’t doubt that this person’s career would come to an end because of it.
‘Those people are still like that.’
Pathetic. I couldn’t understand why they lived this way.
As I turned my head away from the troubling news, Kang San approached me just in time.
“Have you been waiting long?”
“No, it feels quick since I’ve been watching TV.”
He glanced at the TV and grimaced, clicking his tongue in disapproval. “Tch, they’re still like that.”
“Yes?”
Then he urged me to hurry as if he wasn’t interested. “Let’s get going.”
“Okay, understood.”
He turned without looking back and headed toward the gate for our flight, and I followed closely behind.
And so, the journey began.