Photographer Daniel Cheong Interview

By Nicole Brewer

A couple weeks ago I had the distinct pleasure of attending a Nikon photography summit here in Muscat, Oman.  It was great to see so many people that are passionate about both travel, photography and writing in one fabulous venue.  It was a great opportunity to learn new photography techniques, about new Nikon brand cameras that were launching, as well as having the chance to network with amazing people that have trotted all over the globe.

I was thrilled to chat with world re-known photographer Daniel Cheong who is currently based in Dubai. Cheong has freelanced for publications such as Time Out Dubai and has had his work featured in national campaigns. Additionally, he offers photography workshops globally.  As I stated in the past, I grew up as a child loving architecture and design, a trait that I have in common with Daniel. He is a true inspiration and definition of a globetrotter who is inspiring others to do what they love and love what they do. Check out the below interview with Mr. Cheong.  Enjoy and happy globe-trotting.

 

Can you please tell the globetrotters of the I Luv 2 Globe Trot travel community a little bit about yourself (where are you from, what do you do, where are you currently based)?

I was born in Mauritius, I am from Chinese descent, French by nationality. I work as a Project Manager for Microsoft, and I am currently based in Dubai.

 

Mr. Daniel Cheong.
Mr. Daniel Cheong.

How many countries have you traveled to while trotting the globe as a photographer?

So far 23 countries.

 

Self-portrait shot of Cheong (photograph rights exclusive to Daniel Cheong photography).
Self-portrait shot of Cheong (photograph rights exclusive to Daniel Cheong photography).

What sort of messages do you try to convey with your photography images?

I like to show the beauty of every place I visit, in a way that looks slightly surreal.

 

What was your favorite location across the globe to photograph in and why?

As a lover of architecture and urban landscapes, Hong Kong remains one of my top favorite city to shoot, the urban density is huge, almost frightening but fascinating.

 

Cheong's photography of Hong Kong (rights exclusive to Daniel Cheong Photography).
Cheong’s photography of Hong Kong (rights exclusive to Daniel Cheong Photography).

 

What are some of your favorite objects to photograph?

Cityscapes, landscapes, interior, architecture.

 

Singapore cityscape shot by Cheong (photograph rights exclusive to Daniel Cheong photography).
Singapore cityscape shot by Cheong (photograph rights exclusive to Daniel Cheong photography).

What are some of the challenges you have faced while being an expat photographer abroad?

Access to some locations, but this is also a challenge for local photographers. Also you have to know the local customs so that you will not offend anyone when taking photos in public places.

 

What equipment do you travel with on your shoots?

I carry my complete gear which can weight up to 10 kilos. I don’t like to leave some of my gear at home, I will always regret it after when I am abroad.

 

Can you please share with our readers what future projects you have in the works?

I am currently working on a Dubai photography book which will be released before Christmas this year.

Dubai cityscape shot by Cheong (photograph rights exclusive to Daniel Cheong Photography).
Dubai cityscape shot by Cheong (photograph rights exclusive to Daniel Cheong Photography).
  1. MJ says

    I am so fascinated by your blog. Great interview. His pictures are stunning.
    Will his Dubai book be available for purchase globally?
    Does he have other books?
    I love photography. I’m not very good at it but I love a great pic.
    Thanks for sharing your explorations.

    1. Globe trot says

      Thanks a ton! I’m glad you enjoyed it. His book should be available globally. Once I get more details on the places to purchase, I’ll post in the comments section!

  2. Reginia Cordell says

    I wish I would have known about this. I would have taken a quick flight over to attend. I really want to improve my knowledge of my camera. Now that I know that he’s based in Dubai, I will definitely look for him around.

    1. Globe trot says

      I learned about it at the last minute, but same here would love to take one of his courses some day. I trot back to the UAE is inevitable ;-).

  3. K. Elizabeth (YUMMommy) says

    His photos are gorgeous! I would definitely like to study photography at one point because I love photos of nature and architecture as well.

    1. Globe trot says

      Glad you like it. Yes, his images are Breathtaking!

  4. Camesha | Mama Motivator says

    His photos are amazing. I love that self portrait! Looks magical.

  5. Vashti (Veepeejay) says

    Wow! His photos are amazing. This was an amazing opportunity for. I love taking photos but I’m not photographer lol. Dubai is on my travel list.

    1. Globe trot says

      If you ever decide to trot to Dubai, come on over to Oman or I could meet you there. I’ll take any reason can to travel ;-).

  6. Adanna says

    This post is truly on time. I’m really into improving photography skills lately and I’m also a lover of architecture and cityscapes. His photography is truly mind blowing. Thanks for sharing!

  7. Jaye@Curvatude says

    his work is so awesome! I too am a lover of architecture and getting better at photography is a huge passion for me and i would love to one day be able to say that I have visited 1/2 the countries he has!

    1. Globe trot says

      You can trot the globe too! I’m glad he’s inspired you to do so :-).

  8. Kimberly Bolden says

    I recently got very interested in photography and will love to pursue it as a hobby. Thank you for sharing this interview with us. I also love the beautiful composition of city-scapes as well.

    1. Globe trot says

      You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!

  9. Christine @MomsNCharge says

    Wow, these photos are amazing!!! Thanks so much for sharing, definitely some of the best photos I think I’ve ever seen.

    1. Globe trot says

      You’re welcome. I was totally blown away by his work at the summit!

  10. Janeane Davis says

    I am à budding photographer and enjoyed this interview. The photos you shared were amazing.

    1. Globe trot says

      That’s awesome, glad you enjoyed it!

  11. Chanel | Cultural Xplorer says

    I love his work – particularly the skyline of Singapore. 😀 I would love to see some of his work from Dubai!

  12. Very interesting, that’s cool that he chose Hong Kong as his favorite city to photograph. I would have imagined someplace picturesque like the beaches of Thailand or Bali!

  13. nadeen says

    Oh these photos!! I love photography and hope to take a class one day. I know his Dubai book will be amazing!!

  14. Taiwanda says

    I enjoyed this interview! Those pictures are truly awesome! Oh, my gosh, the pictures of him in the stream, Dubai and Hong Kong…Hong Kong looks better in his picture than what it looked like when I was actually there!

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