Capturing Life in Shades of Grey

About me
I am Ye Myo Aung, the creative force behind Helix Photography. My passion is capturing the timeless beauty of the world through black-and-white photography. My work highlights the simplicity of everyday scenes, from serene landscapes and nature close-ups to striking architectural details and urban moments.

Born amidst the vibrant landscapes of Myanmar, my journey took a significant turn after high school graduation. Seeking new horizons, I moved to Singapore for further studies, and this beautiful island became my home for the next 20 years. However, life had more adventures in store for me. My career eventually led me to Belgium, where I am now settled and working full-time as a Project Manager in the automotive industry.

How it all started
My passion for photography began in childhood when my father gifted me a Canon film camera. This early introduction sparked a fascination that grew through my teenage years, experimenting with various point-and-shoot cameras. The late 2000s marked a pivotal moment as I acquired my first DSLR, the Canon EOS 400D. From that point on, my camera became a constant companion, capturing the world around me wherever I went.

In 2013, I welcomed a beautiful baby boy into my life, and without realizing it, my hands were suddenly full. My passion for photography took a backseat. I swapped my trusty DSLR for the convenience of smartphones and traded Lightroom for Snapseed.

After a long hiatus, in late 2018, I decided to pick up my photography journey right where I left off.

Time to choose the gear (again)
My gear needed to be lightweight, sleek, with interchangeable (small) lenses, and budget-friendly. This is where the Micro Four Thirds (M43) system fits all my needs. The retro design of the Olympus E-M10 Mark II struck me. The Olympus E-M10 Mark II with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 EZ was all I needed to jump-start my photography journey again.

A few years later, I am a proud owner of the Olympus E-M10 Mark II, Olympus OM-D OM-1, M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm, M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f1.8, M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f2.8 PRO, and M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm f4.0-5.6 II. Not forget to mention, I have the M.Zuiko 12-100mm F4 IS PRO on my wish list. In addition to my Olympus lens, I also have a collection of vintage Pentax lenses: the Pentax 28mm f/2.8, the Pentax 50mm f/1.7, and the Pentax telephoto lens 45-125mm f/4.

Well, what will be inside the frame?
Once a shutterbug, always a shutterbug. I used to capture almost everything I saw. Over the years, I have delved into various photography genres: events, weddings, toys, portraits, night scenes, macro shots, and the bustling streets and urban landscapes. You name it, I have probably tried it.

Among all these, street photography holds a special place in my heart. The thrill of capturing a fleeting moment, one that cannot be replicated, is unmatched. Unlike the countless identical shots of, for instance, the Louvre, the Statue of Liberty, or the Eiffel Tower, street photography is about seizing a unique, ephemeral instant. The rush and excitement of this genre are unparalleled. Sometimes, we have the luxury to wait for the perfect moment. Other times, we do not. This is the beauty of street photography. For me, the thrill comes when I capture the perfect shot.

Following closely is urban and architectural photography, then macro photography. Sometimes, I just want to slow down, take a leisurely stroll through nature or the city, and capture the small, often overlooked details around me.

The light streaming through a window onto a book, a passenger waiting for a train during rush hour, an airplane soaring in the sky, a historic building standing out against a cloudy backdrop, a snail moving slowly on a tiny leaf—these everyday scenes are fascinating and often go unnoticed. As a photographer, I believe that with the right moment and light, capturing these fleeting moments and freezing them in time is pure magic.

Construction of the frame
In my journey through the world of photography, I have discovered a few composition techniques that truly resonate with me. Leading lines, reflections, and framing are among my favorites. These methods not only guide the viewer’s eye but also add depth and intrigue to the image.

Another technique I adore is combining a still subject with motion blur. This juxtaposition often brings a dynamic quality to the photograph, making the still elements appear even more striking.

Recently, I have developed a deep appreciation for black and white photography. Unlike color images, black and white photos rely on just two colors, which demands a higher level of skill to make them compelling. The interplay of composition, light, shadow, contrast, and shades is crucial in creating a captivating black and white image. Not every photo can be transformed into a successful black and white piece; it requires careful consideration of these elements beforehand.

For me, the challenge and beauty of black and white photography lie in its simplicity and the need for precision. It is a medium that, when done right, can convey powerful emotions and timeless elegance. This is why I find myself increasingly drawn to creating black and white images.

Finishing off the frame
Adobe Lightroom’s mobile version has revolutionized the editing process, allowing me to work with RAW images without sacrificing quality or speed. Lightroom has become my go-to tool for post-processing, thanks to its powerful features. The ability to save personal presets and batch copy settings have streamlined my workflow, making photo editing more efficient and enjoyable.

Me with M43
I have been using the M43 system for a while now, and it has been a game-changer for me. The lightweight and compact design is perfect for my travel and street photography. Carrying my gear around is so much easier, and I do not feel weighed down, even after a long day of shooting.

One of the best parts is the cost efficiency. M43 lenses are generally more affordable, which means I can expand my collection without breaking the bank. Plus, there is a wide range of options available, so I can find the right lens for any situation.

Despite their smaller size, M43 cameras are packed with advanced features. I have been impressed with the high-resolution modes and in-body stabilization, which have really enhanced my photography. The icing on the cake is the Live ND feature on my OM-1, which I love because it allows me to capture stunning long-exposure effects without the hassle of physical ND filters. Overall, the M43 system offers a fantastic balance of portability, versatility, and cost efficiency, making it a great choice for anyone looking to up their photography game without the bulk and expense of full-frame systems.

It is a wrap
Photography has been a steadfast companion throughout my life’s journey from Myanmar to Singapore and now Belgium. It has given me the ability to see the world from different perspectives, both in vibrant colors and in shades of grey. I genuinely enjoy capturing the essence of everyday moments. Whether it is the bustling streets or intricate architectural details, each photograph tells a unique story.

Through Helix Photography, I aim to share these stories, one frame at a time, celebrating the beauty and simplicity of life in black and white.