10 Questions With BRYAN QUEK
(Nov 14th 2020)
Welcome to “10 Questions With”, a weekly segment on APP's website showcasing aviation spotters & enthusiasts based in Singapore. The concept and motivation behind this project is to bring the community together, and to shine a light on all the different spotters here on our sunny island, raising awareness of our hobby in Singapore and to provide a chance for all spotters to be seen both locally & internationally.
This week's Spotter Feature shines a spotlight on 23 year old Bryan Quek, a Singaporean spotter we have had the pleasure to know over the years. Bryan features his aviation photos mainly on Instagram & Jet Photos, so do check out his profile as well!
1: A quick self intro, name, where are you from, and what do you do?
Hi everyone, I’m Bryan, 22 years old, born right here on this tiny island I call home! I’ve just completed my compulsory 2 year National Service recently, and I’m currently pursuing a career in the aviation industry, of course when the pandemic ends.
2: What sparked your interest in aviation?
I remember I was at home watching the live coverage of the first A380 delivery to Singapore Airlines back in 2007. The engineering feat behind the A380 sparked my interest in learning about how planes are able to fly despite its size, which got me to watch more aviation documentaries. Slowly but surely, I started planespotting with a compact camera and grew my passion for the hobby I enjoy today!
3: Your current camera setup?
I’m currently using a 4 year old Canon 70D, alongside the amazing Sigma 150-600 & Canon
24-105 lens!
4: Your favorite Airline and aircraft is?
My favourite airline definitely has to be our flag carrier Singapore Airlines, seeing how they’ve
become the world’s best airline (personally) since the spilt from MSA makes me proud to be a
Singaporean! As for my favourite aircraft, it has to be the A380, and I don’t think I need to
explain myself further because Qns #2!
5: NAME Your favorite spotting location in the world ?
I haven’t been to that many countries personally, but I would say Amsterdam Schiphol because
of its spotter friendly airport and the spectacular weather one gets to spot in!
6: Window, Middle or Aisle Seat?
It has to be the window seat, if not you ain’t a legitimate aviator!
7: Looking back, any tips or advice you would give your younger self?
I would say starting my planespotting hobby proper earlier because of how much I’ve missed
(e.g. A340s, MD-11s), the good old moments of aviation!
8: Of all your images, which is your favorite photo and tell us why this is your star shot?
The reason why I selected the photo I chose as my fave photo is purely because of how
unforgettable that day was! Arrivals that evening was treated to a beautiful “winter” lighting,
something we don’t enjoy often here in Singapore. Partnered along with a delayed Qatar
A350XWB, it’s not difficult to see why I chose this particular image!
9 :Any interesting stories or memories from your aviation experiences?
I would say it’s my first spotting session outside Singapore! It was a cold day in May 2018 when I was transiting in Narita on my way to Osaka, the excitement and little boy in me kept myself warm constantly moving up and down the viewing deck of Terminal 1 for 3hrs. I got some good photos from that day, with some new airlines I’ve hoped to catch on that trip, just a pity I didn’t bring along my longer lens with me, otherwise departure shots would have been possible!
10: If there is one thing that sets you apart from the next spotter, what would it be?
I would say it‘s the fact that I’m never afraid of being alone. I enjoy the peacefulness and being left out gets me out of all the drama in the community, but truth be told, it’s good to chat with people of similar interests, as well as enjoy spotting together!
That's all for this week's edition of our Spotter Feature. Do check out Bryan's profile on his various platforms!