How does nature speak in people's dreams?

The Aperture to Success

Cai Shi, a young self-taught Chinese photographer, became the top cameraman who contributed to UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program. [Courtesy of SELF Forum]

"What is success? How can we achieve success? I don't know, but I am always on the way," said Cai.

Earlier in 2001, Cai came to Beijing and served as a financial analyst for a publicly listed company. But later, he gave up this well-paid job and became determined to pursue his dream of being a photographer.

"The first time that I was impressed by the gorgeous landscapes happened while I was capturing some natural wonders along the seaside during a summer vacation. The camera I borrowed from my high school teacher yielded a lifelong lesson to me, and since then I have fallen in love with photography," explained Cai, "But it is not as easy as you might think."

Cai explained that the path to learning and perfecting photography takes many twists and turns. "I experienced tough times, but I survived and thrived. For me, photography is often seen as a hobby rather than a worthwhile career path. If I fell down once, I believed that I could pick myself up and move forward again."