In the spring of 2019, LORRIC unveiled a brand image and film intro that captures the breathtaking dive of a sperm whale off the coast of Hualien, instilling a deep appreciation and reverence for the beauty of nature. Originally planned to be computer-animated, LORRIC's founder decided to shift gears, opting for real footage captured by a Taiwanese photographer to represent the brand. This quest led LORRIC to Jin Lei, Taiwan's premier underwater cetacean photographer, whose stunning work showcases the majestic world of whales. This collaboration sparked a unique dialogue between Jin Lei and LORRIC's founder, exploring the trials, tribulations, and profound meaning behind capturing the essence of whales and dolphins.
Jin Lei, a passionate advocate for free ecological photography and environmental education, embarked on his photographic journey in college, focusing on nature, wildlife, and environmental themes. Drawn to the sea's allure, he settled in Hualien on the East Coast, where he encountered the enigmatic world of cetaceans. Over 20 years, Jin Lei has dedicated himself to oceanic ecological photography, transitioning from surface imagery to exploring underwater realms around the globe, including Taiwan's waters. His work aims to connect more people with the vast blue oceans that surround us, sharing their beauty and importance through his lens.
▍Exhibitions:
• 2019 National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall "Fish Dresses: Passion for Western Art" special exhibition
• 2019 National Museum of Natural Science "Splendors of Whales" special exhibition
• 2019 DIGI WAVE 2019 "Soccer Kick in the Ocean: Technology × Ocean"
• 2019 Canon Oceanic Whale and Dolphin Photography Exhibition
• 2021 SKM PHOTO Shin Kong Mitsukoshi International Photography Exhibition "Jet Sounds Between Latitudes"
• 2021 Tittot Glass Art "Whales and Tomorrow" special exhibition
▍Awards:
• 2017 53rd Wildlife Photographer of the Year – People’s Choice Award
• 2017 Px3 Prix de la Photographie Paris – Gold Award
• 2020 International Photography Awards – Nature-Underwater – Honorable Mention
▍Works:
• 2008 "Mountain Whale Chronicles" Photographer
• 2010 "Dolphin Circles" Documentary Director
• 2011 "The Writer and the Sea" Photographer
• 2013 "Taiwan's Common 21 Species of Cetaceans" Photographer
• 2019 Co-photographer for "Black Current Island Voyage"
In a warm afternoon in early winter 2018, LORRIC invited Jin Lei to the secluded and culturally rich Xin Fu Town Market in Dadaocheng for an intimate conversation about the art and ecology of whale and dolphin photography. This meeting was not just an exchange of admiration for Jin Lei's work but also a shared vision between LORRIC and him for the brand, its products, and their collective aspiration to make a positive impact on Taiwan's industry and environment.
After graduating from the Institute of Life Science at National Taiwan Normal University, Jin Lei began his journey at the Kuroshio Ocean Education Foundation, initially working as an interpreter. His passion for the ocean led him to receive a documentary filming grant from the Forestry Bureau. This opportunity propelled him into underwater photography of whales and dolphins, solidifying his resolve to pursue a career in ecological photography. Despite initial doubts, Jin Lei embraced this path, transitioning from surface to underwater photography, and ventured abroad to hone his skills.
The quest to capture these magnificent creatures is fraught with challenges. Spending long hours at sea, the search for whales and dolphins is just the beginning. Once found, various factors such as weather, environmental conditions, and the animals' wariness greatly affect the shoot's success. Often, a whole day at sea might yield less than 30 minutes of actual underwater photography.
The sperm whale footage used in LORRIC's brand video was the result of a seven-year wait, captured in 2014. Sperm whales, not native to Taiwan, are most often sighted in summer, with an average of 10 to 15 appearances a year. Jin Lei would spend his summers in Hualien, ready to set out to sea upon sighting reports. However, reaching the location often took hours, with success heavily reliant on the captain's experience and luck. In contrast, capturing the spinning dolphins in 2015 required an entire summer at sea, with only three successful shots.
During one expedition in Tonga, a curious humpback whale approached Jin Lei, its tail making contact with his leg as a greeting. Initially feeling only a numb sensation, Jin Lei later found out from a doctor that he needed to be hospitalized for a week. Interacting with creatures of such massive scale underscores the need for thorough physical and mental preparation.
LORRIC sees its brand philosophy reflected in Jin Lei's relentless dedication: to challenge and surpass precision in products, to leap towards the future of the industry, and to seek perfect partners sharing common values. Like Jin Lei, LORRIC embraces these shared values, striving silently in their respective fields with the hope of illuminating Taiwan's potential.