by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 16th of March 2026

For X-FlyingKN, also known as Ken, photography is more than just creating images. It is a dialogue between his inner world and the places he encounters. It is a way to find peace, meaning and connection through light, simplicity and a deeper awareness of the world around him. It reflects who he is and how he sees life: quietly and honestly.
Rather than documenting reality, Ken creates images that feel timeless and meaningful. He aims to express mood and beauty through a more poetic and emotional language. Join me as I interview Ken to find out more about the man behind the images.

‘Afloat’

Dear Ken, first, I would like to thank you for taking the time to answer this questionnaire. To begin with, could you please introduce yourself briefly and tell us more about yourself, your hobbies and any other projects you are involved in?

Firstly, I would like to thank Yvette for inviting me to this interview. My name is Ken Chen and I am based in Toronto, Canada. It is a great honour to be invited to be interviewed by 1x.com. Since joining the platform in May last year, I have received tremendous support and encouragement from the community. Seeing my work resonate with others is something I truly cherish, and I am deeply grateful for the inspiration and guidance shared by so many talented photographers.
I am a fine art, creative and travel photographer with a strong interest in expressive editing as part of my visual language. I work full-time as a Senior Cyber Security Consultant and have over twenty years of experience in the field. I currently work for a healthcare agency under the Ontario government. Photography provides a valuable counterbalance to my technical career, enabling me to slow down, reconnect with my emotions and observe the world in a more mindful and poetic manner.

‘The Edge of the Known’

‘Fragments of a Paris Dream - Solitude at the Louvre’

My photographic style is strongly influenced by minimalism and a Zen-like sense of calm. I am particularly drawn to black-and-white imagery and compositions that convey a sense of stillness, solitude and quiet strength. Through long-term personal projects, I aim to create meditative and timeless images where simplicity is a form of expression rather than a limitation.

‘Symphony of Spirals’

My interests extend far beyond photography. I am passionate about sports, particularly hockey and football, and I am a loyal supporter of both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Blue Jays. Music and travel are also an essential part of my life, constantly enriching my creativity and influencing the way I perceive light, space and human presence.
For me, photography is about more than just creating images. It is a dialogue between my inner world and the places I encounter; a way to find peace, meaning and connection through light and simplicity.

How and when did you start your photographic journey?

My journey began in a very simple and instinctive way. In the early 1990s, I started out with a small point-and-shoot camera, simply taking pictures out of curiosity and a fascination for capturing moments. Soon after, I bought my first camera: a second-hand Canon AE-1. At that time, I was driven by passion rather than knowledge. I photographed freely, without rules or technique, simply following my intuition.
In 1999, during a business trip to Hong Kong, I purchased my first digital camera, a Sony Cyber Shot DSC-F1, which I still have today. That moment changed everything. The freedom and immediacy of digital photography opened up a whole new world to me and my interest quickly evolved into something much deeper. Yet for many years, I was still 'shooting blindly', guided only by feeling and curiosity, without a solid technical foundation.
It was not until 2015–2019 that I began to study photography seriously and systematically through online resources. I started to learn about composition, light, exposure and post-processing in a more structured way. This period marked a real turning point for me. Photography slowly transformed from a casual hobby into a personal discipline and a form of self-expression.
Looking back, I see my journey as a long and natural evolution. It began with pure passion, developed through experimentation and eventually matured into a conscious artistic pursuit. The sense of freedom I felt in those early days still informs my work today, but now it is supported by intention, awareness and a deeper understanding of visual language.

‘Lost in Paris’

For many of us, photography is a hobby or a way of life. How would you describe your relationship with photography?

For me, photography is a source of balance. It's a way for me to slow down and reconnect with myself. While my work is highly technical and structured, photography gives me space to breathe and feel. It's not something I chase; it's something I return to. Through photography, I find calm, clarity and a deeper awareness of the world around me. Photography reflects who I am and how I see life: quietly and honestly.

‘Symphony of Curves’

Which experience has had the greatest influence on your journey in photography so far?

It was when I stopped shooting by instinct alone and started to learn photography in a more structured and conscious way. Studying composition, light, and visual language between 2015 and 2019 gave my passion a clear direction.

‘The Perseverance’

Joining 1x in May 2025 and becoming part of such a refined and supportive community had a profound influence on my growth. As in my professional work, I believe in continuous learning, particularly when it comes to adapting to today's rapidly evolving AI technologies, which have become an integral part of my career and creative journey.

You have your own unique style, yet your work is highly diverse. I see splendid architectural photography, landscapes, street photography, and creatively edited images, to name a few. Could you explain why this is?

My style is not defined by the subject, but by my perspective. No matter what I photograph, I am always looking for simplicity, balance and emotion.

‘River of Stillness’

I am more drawn to abstract expressionism than pure realism. In my work, I try to blend traditional Eastern aesthetics with a modern Western sense of style.

‘Symphony in Wood’

Different genres express different aspects of my personality. Architecture brings structure; landscapes, freedom; street photography, life; and creative editing, imagination. Together, they reflect my curiosity and how I experience the world.

Which is more important to you: the mood or story behind your images, or technical perfection?

For me, storytelling always comes first. First, I feel and shape the story; then, I find the right way to tell it. These two steps are equally important and support each other, but the story is the soul of the image. While technical quality gives an image clarity and strength, it is emotion and meaning that give it life. I would rather have a powerful story with minor imperfections than a technically perfect image that feels empty. Technique is a tool; storytelling is the purpose.

‘Fragments of a Paris Dream - Whispers Beneath the Rain’

What is your relationship with your subject matter beyond being an observer?
Do you prepare the locations where you intend to take photographs carefully?

I see myself more as a participant than just an observer. I try to immerse myself in a place's atmosphere and let it guide my response. For me, photography is about resonance rather than control.
I do prepare my locations, but not in a rigid way. PlanIT by Wenjie Qiao (1x.com account: "Wenjie Qiao") and Google Earth are my two favourite tools for planning locations, as they help me to understand the direction of the light, the terrain and the spatial relationships in advance.
At the same time, I always leave room for intuition. Preparation gives me direction, but it is openness to the moment that gives the image its soul.

Describe your overall photographic vision.

My vision is to create images that feel quiet, timeless and meaningful. Rather than documenting reality as it is, I aim to express mood, atmosphere and beauty through a more poetic and emotional language.
I am less interested in literal realism and more focused on conveying a sense of inner space and aesthetic feeling. By blending simplicity and abstraction with traditional Eastern aesthetics and a modern Western visual style, I create photographs that invite pause, reflection, and calm.

‘Fading 1994’

Could you tell us more about your creative process, from initial idea to finished product?

My workflow is simple and intuitive. It always starts with a feeling or an idea rather than equipment or settings. First, I imagine the mood I want to express, and then I look for a place and lighting that naturally support that emotion.
During the shoot, I try to keep things minimal and focused. I pay attention to composition, balance and atmosphere, but I avoid overcomplicating the process. I would rather capture a few meaningful frames than many random ones.

‘Weaving the Light’

In terms of post-processing, my workflow has remained simple and consistent: Topaz Photo AI and Photoshop. The key is to let each tool do what it does best, rather than using more tools. Topaz Photo AI handles image quality and limitations to build the technical foundation, while Photoshop completes the visual language through artistic decisions. One addresses the physical aspect, the other the aesthetic. They are not replacements for each other, but a perfect partnership with a clear division of labour.

‘Symphony in Light’

Where do you look for inspiration, and what inspires you most?

I find inspiration in quiet moments and simple scenes. I am often moved more by nature, architecture, and everyday light than by dramatic subjects. I am especially inspired by stillness, balance and the space between things. Sometimes, it's enough to see a shadow, a line, or a sense of emptiness to start an image forming in my mind. 1x.com is also an important source of inspiration for me. I constantly learn from the work of the many talented photographers there, and their creativity continues to motivate and challenge me.

Many people believe that gear is unimportant if you're passionate about photography.
Could you please tell us what equipment you use, such as your camera, lenses, lighting and tripod?

While I believe that passion and vision matter more than gear, having tools that feel right in your hands can make the creative process more enjoyable and fluid.
My main camera is the Sony A7CR — I like to call it the portable version of the A7RV. I use it alongside the Sony 16–35 mm GM II, 24–70 mm GM II and 70–200 mm GM II lenses, which give me both flexibility and outstanding image quality.
I am also fascinated by high-end equipment, particularly the Hasselblad X2D 100C and Hasselblad V-series prime lenses. There is something very special about their colour science, texture and the calm, deliberate shooting experience they offer.
For mobile photography, I am a big fan of Vivo and currently use the X90 Pro+ and X300 Pro. These allow me to be creative even when travelling light.
For aerial photography, I use the DJI Mini 3 Pro.

‘Alone In The Infinite’

In terms of support, I use a Really Right Stuff (RRS) tripod for stability and precision. I am also a big fan of Peak Design gear and often bring their portable tripod with me when I travel because of its convenience and smart design.

Which is your favourite photo? Please tell us the story behind it.

‘The Long Way Home’

This is one of my favourite photos. It was taken last year when I returned to my hometown near Sanfang Qixiang, where I was born and raised. Having lived abroad for many years, I have become someone who is always moving between places, carrying a quiet sense of distance and longing. Through post-processing, I chose the most minimal way to express that feeling. The lone figure, the simple architecture and the vast empty space all come together to reflect a gentle sense of departure and homesickness. These are not dramatic emotions, but calm and deep ones that stay with you.
For me, this image also represents the beauty of Eastern culture: restraint, simplicity and emotional depth hidden within silence. This feeling of leaving, remembering and belonging is something we all share in different ways, and it touches many people.

Who are your favourite photographers or mentors whose work has influenced you, and why?

I am deeply inspired by Sebastião Salgado. His work is powerful, emotional, and truly unmatched. The depth of humanity and the visual impact in his photographs have left a lasting impression on me.
I also greatly admire three masters of minimalism: Josef Hoflehner from Austria, Michael Kenna from the UK, and Arnaud Bathiard from France. Their ability to express emotion, balance, and atmosphere through simplicity has strongly shaped my visual language.

‘Still’

Ho Fan, Lang Jingshan and Daido Moriyama are also major influences from the East. Each of these photographers represents a different spirit of Eastern photography, blending tradition, emotion and personal vision in a timeless way.

‘Echo in the Lanes’

As we're coming to the end of this interview, could you tell us about any photography projects you'd like to be involved in?

In the future, I would like to focus more deeply on architectural photography, particularly Luminous Architecture. I am fascinated by the way in which light, structure and negative space can evoke a sense of calm and abstraction.
At the same time, I want to explore street photography further. This genre allows me to combine minimalism with human presence, merging quiet geometry with genuine emotion. These two areas will be the main focus of my continued development and refinement.

‘The Ascension of Silence’

Is there anything else you would like to add? What do you think about using 1X to showcase your work?

I truly see 1x as a very special platform – indeed the best. It is not only a place to showcase work, but also a space where photography is treated with respect and artistic integrity. The high standards and positive community spirit constantly push me to grow and refine my vision. I have also formed many wonderful friendships with incredibly talented photographers on 1x, and I truly value these connections.
I am sincerely grateful to Yvette for giving me this wonderful interview opportunity. It means a lot to me. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by so many talented photographers whose work continues to inspire and guide me.

‘The Whispering Alley’

Finally, I would like to thank my family for their constant support of my passion for photography, especially my wife, Helen. She supports all my creative ideas and very generously serves as my 'free model' in many of my photographs. I couldn't ask for a better partner in life or art.

‘Path to Faith’