Peter Wong: “Photography tells the story beyond the words” 09:00, 21/06/2022

After more than 40 years as a professional photographer, Peter Wong has made his own mark with beautiful photo shoots of world famous golf courses. He shares his love for this special job with VietnamGOLF&Leisure.

Can you introduce yourself and your passion for photography?

My name is Peter Wong and I reside in the United States, state of Minnesota. I have been involved with photography as a business since 1980. Photography has been a hobby since I was a child growing up in Malaysia, and it became my profession after graduating from university. As I got older, my art sense has developed and I do try my best to make all my images as artful as I can.

When did you start taking photos of golf courses?

I gave up my commercial studio in 1980 and decided that the great outdoors was a much better choice and more fun. At the same time I decided to pick up the game of golf. I photograph the courses early and late in the day taking advantage of the golden hours. I do get to play the courses that I photograph, mostly in the middle of the day. I do hit my golf balls into the woods which allow me to view the course from a different perspective. Thus my images are not always shot from the fairways or tees.

Which golf course in the world impresses you the most?

I have not played all the famous courses in every country, therefore I can only tell you of the ones I have photographed and played. To start with, a course in my hometown is designed by Tom Fazio named Spring Hill. Every tee box you get to, the views are just spectacular, then there is the Whistling Straits in the State of Wisconsin where the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup was played in recent years.

In your opinion, what is the most difficult thing about golf photography?

The most difficult thing about photographing a golf course is waiting for the best light, usually in the early morning or late evening. The days are long here in the northern hemisphere, sun rises by 5am and sets around 10pm, thus making it a long day. The second most difficult thing is the golfers getting in my way.

What made you choose the S-shaped country to organize your workshops?

I have workshops in Vietnam because of the people and the food. We usually start in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, then go south to Hue, Danang and Hoi An. I do enjoy Ho Chi Minh City but the temperature gets too hot for most of my student photographers. The images I have captured in Vietnam have won many awards in regional and national competitions.

What do you think of Vietnam golf courses when traveling here?

I wished that I was able to play when I was in Vietnam, but my purpose was the photography workshops and had to cater to my paying customers. I managed to look at two courses in Danang, BRG Da Nang Golf Resort by Greg Norman and also the Montgomerie Links Vietnam. They look great and I wished I had the time to play them.

Do you want to organize a golf exhibition in Vietnam?

Of course I would love to have an exhibition of my golf images in Vietnam, but the logistics are too complicated for me to do so. I would love to be hired to photograph courses in Vietnam, and then promote them through my website.

What is your plan in the near future regarding golf and photography?

I am currently teaching photography workshops and photographing golf courses here in the United States. Photography has been my life and it will be till I die.

Information

Full name: Peter Wong
Nationality: USA
Career: Photographer
Hobbies: Cooking and traveling
Famous quote: Be patient and wait for the right light.
Vietnam favourite food: Banh mi
Best golf memory: Shot 68 (4 under par) at a favourite course.
Strength: My images are always very colorful, full of bright and vivid color.
Weakness: Tend to lose my patience.
Idol: Ansel Adams, Edward Weston.

Awards

2021 Bloomington Center for the Arts: Best of Show, Getting Pampered
2021 Minnesota State Fair, Paddleboarder on Lake Superior
2020 Minnesota State Fair, Blue
2018 Hopkin Center for the Arts Member Juried show: Best of Show, Old Woman and knife
2018 Minnesota State Fair, “Lunch Counter”
2017 Minnesota State Fair, Tweed Museum Award: Diner
2016 Bloomington Center for the Arts: Excellence in 2D Prize: Monk in Angkor Wat, Cambodia.
2015 20th Annual Arts in Harmony Int’l Show. Brian Sjoquist/Val Bourassa Award: Contentment
2015 Burnsville Visual Arts Society Art Fete`. Award of Excellence: The Kid

Peter Wong’s Bio

Peter Wong and his work demonstrate a panorama of photographic talent spanning a diverse range of activities - from commercial, golf courses, fine-art and travel photography to teaching, lecturing and guiding photo workshops. Blending those experiences with new passions, Peter has in recent years entered the worlds of fine-art and travel photography, working as shooter, teacher and guide.. His work has appeared in local and regional competitions including the Minnesota State Fair, Academy of Golf Art Juried Show, Artistry at Bloomington Art Center, Hopkins Center for the Arts, Arts in Harmony International Show, Praxis Gallery, Golf Digest, Links Magazine and Golf magazine.