Nanguang Deng

Deng Nan-guang (Chinese:鄧南光; December 5, 1907 – June 16, 1971), born Deng Teng-hui (鄧騰輝), was a Taiwanese photographer and a key figure in the early development of photography in Taiwan. From the Hakka community in Beipu, Hsinchu, he was born into the prominent Chiang (姜) family (also called XinChiang, 新姜). Deng is recognized as one of the pioneers of photography in Taiwan, and is often referred to as one of the "Three Musketeers of Photography," (攝影三劍客) alongside Zhang Tsai (張才) and Lee Ming-tiao (李鳴雕).

Life Photographer Zhang Zhao-tang (張照堂) described Deng Nan-guang's works as "full of romance and loneliness," with a simple yet impactful lens that directly touches the heart. Deng's photographic career is divided into three stages according to Zhang: the first being the pre-war scenes during his time in Japan, the second featuring images capturing the essence of Taiwan, and the least focusing on portraits and female character studies. Among these, his collection depicting the unique features of Taiwan stands out as particularly numerous.

Early years Born into the Chiang family in Beipu, Deng went to Japan for high school and university education at the age of 17. The influence of his uncle, Chiang Ruichang (姜瑞昌), who shared a passion for photography, likely contributed to Deng Nan-guang's love for the craft. While studying economics at Hosei University (法政大学), he joined a photography club, sparking his enduring interest in photography. His first camera was a Kodak Autographic Camera, He embraced Kimura's idea that the camera should become an extension of one's body, functioning as an integral part of oneself, and becoming an extension of one's own eyes or mind.

In addition, Deng Nanguang attempted several times to organize his photography group, but the requests were rejected by the Taiwan Garrison Command. Consequently, in 1953, he collaborated with friends to initiate an underground club named the "Free Exhibition Fellowship," (自由影展同人會) with regular meetings taken place in founding member's homes. The purpose was to break away from salon photography, promoting a simple and meaningful realistic style. Participants often brought lunchboxes, rode bicycles, and went to various suburban areas to take photos, earning them the nickname "Lunchbox Team." (便當隊)

In 1960, the Nanguang Photo Studio closed due to operational difficulties. Deng Nanguang went to work at the United States Naval Medical Research Unit 2 (NAMRU-2), responsible for medical photography. He self-published two books, "The Latest Camera Guide" and "Introduction to Photography."