Herman Bunawan: The Artistic Journey of a Food Enterpreneur

Herman Bunawan, a self-made entrepreneur in the food sector, has long been fascinated with photography. Herman, known for his love of landscapes and ability to tell tales via photography, discusses how his travels and personal experiences have moulded his distinct approach to image capture. In this talk, we discuss his passion for photography, the places that inspire him, the problems he faces as a hobbyist, and his take on the craft.

Could you tell us a little something about yourself? How did you first get interested in photography?

I'm a food sector businessman that spends my days focussing on marketing, production, and finance. My interest in photography grew out of my career and significant travel. Initially, I wanted to capture the locations I visited, but it eventually turned into a love. That's when I realised I wanted to capture more than just moments with my camera.

Speaking of travel, do you have a dream destination that you would like to photograph? Why that particular location?

Patagonia is clearly at the top of my list. The spectacular scenery and unspoiled wildlife make this a destination where every corner tells a different story. For me, photography is inextricably linked to nature, and the untouched beauty of Patagonia would be a fantastic experience to record via the lens.

What about your previous travels? Do you have a favourite photo from one of your visits with Mahacaraka, a photography tour group that you joined?

Mexico and Cuba are my favourite destinations. The warm-hearted residents, together with the vibrant cultural scene, truly distinguish the region. As a photographer, I am drawn to the historical charm and vibrant colours of such cities. I enjoyed photographing street scenes there; the people and places exude a sense of enthusiasm and warmth.

Do you have any photographers who have influenced your work or fuelled your development?

Yes, the late Andi Wijaya's lectures served as the foundation for my photography—his early instruction affected how I approached both technique and perspective. Aside from that, I also learn a lot from discussing ideas with other photographers on tours, which helps me improve my own talents.

You've mentioned a strong preference for particular genres. What is your favourite photography genre, and what brought you to it?

I am particularly drawn to landscape photography. Because travel is such an important part of my life, I enjoy capturing the beauty of the world around me—whether it's quiet mountains, wide deserts, or distinctive horizons. The need to capture the grandeur of nature keeps me interested in landscape photography.

What or who influences your photographic process? Do you have a consistent source of creative motivation?

Inspiration can come from anywhere, including photographers, nature, and art, as well as regular life situations. After reading books on street photography, I was particularly drawn to the works of Henri Cartier-Bresson. His ability to weave stories through candid photographs of daily events amazes me. Aside from that, I get inspiration from traveling—each new location provides a fresh canvas for me to work with.

As a hobbyist photographer, what challenges do you frequently meet, and how do you overcome them?

Age has been a physical problem for me, especially when working with big equipment. I've learnt to be picky about the equipment I bring while travelling or embarking on a photography adventure. Choosing lightweight but efficient gear has helped me manage this. It's all about being realistic while still achieving the effects I want.

Gear selection is obviously crucial to you. What lens would you use if you could only shoot with one?

I've recently become pretty comfortable with a 35mm lens. I enjoy its size and how well it resembles the human eye's range of view. It forces me to be creative within constraints while also allows me to capture vistas and street scenes efficiently.

What recommendations would you provide to someone who is just getting started with hobbyist photography?

Mastering your equipment is key. Cameras today have so many technological functions, and knowing how to use them properly may radically improve the quality of your images. The more comfortable you are with your equipment, the more you can concentrate on composition and storytelling via your photographs.

Are you more spontaneous when shooting, or do you plan out every detail ahead of time?

I am more of a planner. I prefer to observe and process everything before capturing an image. Understanding and preparing for the scene—whether it's lighting or composition—gives me the creative freedom I require. That's when I feel like I'm capturing the most accurate version of what I see.

Do you feel that each photograph you take has a narrative or purpose behind it? How do you communicate this through your work?

Absolutely. Every photograph I take contains a message or feeling that I wish to express. I want anyone who looks at my images to have a sense of the atmosphere of the location or time. That is critical to me—photography is about creating feelings and sharing a journey with people through images.

In an image-rich environment, do you have a responsibility to portray a true or sensitive narrative through your photography?

Yes. I take great care to respect the people or events that I capture, particularly during cultural or ceremonial occasions. It's vital to me that I don't break the environment or make people uncomfortable. I want my presence—and my camera—to be a good aspect of the scene, not an intrusion.

Have there been times when a snapshot didn't turn out as you had hoped? How do you deal with this, and how has it affected your development?

Definitely. In this digital age, it is far easier to correct mistakes than it was when we worked with film. Each missed shot is an opportunity to learn something new. Receiving input from peers and mentors has greatly aided my improvement. I've learnt that failure isn't the inverse of success; it's just part of the process.

Finally, as a dedicated photographer, how do you plan to include storytelling into your future work?

I try to incorporate stories or messages into each photograph I take, but it's not always simple. Frequently, I find myself limited to a single photograph, and it might be difficult to represent everything I want in just one shot. In the future, I intend to focus more on projects that allow me to tell greater stories through a series of photographs. I'm also seeking for a mentor who can help me create more meaningful photo tales.

As our chat concludes, it becomes evident that Herman Bunawan's photographic journey extends beyond the technical components of the trade. His work is about recording memories, cultures, and personal experiences with passion and a compelling story. Throughout his business career, he discovered a second passion in photography, which allows him to blend his love of nature, travel, and human tales, making an indelible impression on anybody who sees his work.