portraits of someone I do not know

No One Asked My Name

Cigarettes

portraits of someone I know

→Xinyu–What Are You Gonna Do In the Future?

→John–I Live In A hut.

→Haiyi–What are You Gonna Do In The future?

 

self-portraits

What I discovered as a Portrait Photographer

       Compared with still life photography, portrait photography requires me to observe the objects in a closer observation whether to the external or mental state. I seem to have a lot more responsibility in order to make a photo that both of us are satisfied. Each of my models has free will and unique , since I constantly adjust the angle and light through conversation and asking them questions. In the process of shooting, I often forget the prepared composition of photos, because every word they said could inspire my work. 

       I invited my friends to take portraits and printed out what they were trying to say to themselves and society based their backgrounds and identities. Also, I think this is the best part of being a portrait photographer, they are allowed to go inside people and exposure it through the lens. My friend John said that sometimes when he introduced himself as being from Africa, people would ask him things like  “ Did you live in a hut?”. It was the first time I had talked to him about our hometowns and races, usually these two topics were sensitive and hard to bring in a casual conversation. Therefore, I changed the original plan instead of focus on John’s eyes to express his feelings and stories. 

       Talking to strangers is a challenge to me. I couldn’t relax talking to strangers and taking photos for the past half month. But I also realized that it was a good chance to get a more comprehensive understanding of a stranger or my life. Although it was hard to get permission from strangers, it’s amazing that the experience of meeting someone you may never know is amazing.