Robert Lie

ROBERT LIE

STREET CATEGORY WINNER

Robert Lie is a highly acclaimed Indonesia-based, award-winning travel and street photographer known for his work with Leica cameras. With over 400 international awards—including top honors from the Siena Awards, IPA, Chromatic, ND Awards, TPOTY and Refocus Awards Discovery of The Year 2024. He is a prominent figure in the global photography scene, often serving as a juror and speaker. He specializes in travel, street, portrait, and fine art photography, often highlighting cultural, architectural and human interest. His works can be found in National Geographic Travel & Asian Geographic magazine, Forbes, etc. His first solo exhibition was held by Leica Indonesia and his latest solo exhibition was held in Leica Malaysia 2025.

My photo called The Butcher. When I was in that traditional market, I saw a butcher stall with unique scene for me. A pig face that hanging on the stall. That really make me want to go near the stall and waiting moment for good shot.

I approach decisive moments by remaining prepared. Always be prepared and always imagine what will happened there when I saw a place that interest me. My game is a waiting game. I can wait for hours for great moments. Something I got lucky when suddenly decisive moments appears me suddenly.

I always blending and friendly to anyone. So sometimes people not aware about my existence in a moments that make me easy to shot any moments I expected.

Patience is one of my strength in street photography. This is what I can do, patience is one of the easiest way for simple photographer like me.

I think I have to be fast learner and change very fast to adapt a fast changing situation. Patience is my way but I need to change my mind fast. Change faster to new situation. Photographer must have a dynamic mind. Sometimes if you think you don’t have to shot. Don’t shot the picture

Framing a chaos has different meaning for photographer. For me when I am taking picture, my eyes will help me found a great composition in chaos. Especially if you used to make an imaginary composition on your mind, it automatically shaping the frame you want in chaos situation. By learning and by doing, always be prepared and exercise shooting in every situation.

It is a great achievement for me, as my basic photography is travel photography, winning a street category in amazing photo contest is giving me a great feeling. It is also make me want to deepen my skill in street photography. I am a simple photographer, I think I don’t have a great eyes like any great street photographer that we always admired. My advice for young photographer is never bored and never get tired. Always believe in what genre photography you like and be original.