Interview with Shang Yao-yuan | Multiple Global Photography Awards Platinum Winner
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Shang Yao-yuan
Shang Yao-yuan is a photographer from Taiwan. His discovery of photography started in his childhood when he discovered he could capture beautiful photos with a simple camera, which spiraled his journey into photography, solidifying his love for nature and the beauty around him.
1Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
Hi! I'm Shang Yao-yuan. When I was 16 years old, I started to own an expensive Nikon film SLR camera and a set of lenses because of my schoolwork needs. Then I discovered that I could take many beautiful photos via camera, which made me enjoy it and start discovering the nature of beauty around me.
2Where did you study photography?
Explore by reading books and hands-on experience by constantly taking pictures and joining photography clubs to learn.
3Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
When I was 16 years old, I discovered that through color and composition, I could make myself and my classmates very fond of photographs. My first work was "A Little Sapling."
4What equipment do you use?
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III & a Canon EOS 5DSR.
5What do you hope to achieve?
I hope that my work can be seen and moved by more people and that I can continue to win awards.
6What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
Your work can be very special and unique and should be seen by more people.
7What inspires your unique storytelling?
As an advertising and marketing planning practitioner, I know that the power of a photo is huge, and I strive to achieve breakthroughs in my work every time.
8What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Beautiful, simple, and impressive.
9Congratulations! As the winner of the Global Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
Thank you! I am sure of myself and want to participate every year. Through this competition, I can improve myself and develop a better and more international photographic eye.
10Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 Global Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
This is an international competition that confirms one's own level and a competition that photographers must not miss.
11How has winning an award developed your career?
It can give me a more international perspective, break through my current shooting style, and make me better.
12Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
Steve Mccurry and Mary Ellen Mark.
13What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
Light and shadow are complex. They can be seen with the eyes, but may not be captured by the camera. They must be experienced with heart and use skills to break through and solve them.
14What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
Observe more carefully, don’t rush to take a lot of photos randomly, look at the photography works of international masters, first conceive, and then take action to implement.
15What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Do more, experience more with your heart, use more thinking to make corrections, and develop your own style.
16How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
Often develop opportunities to interpret international award-winning works and participate in more competitions.
Shang Yao-yuan
Shang Yao-yuan is a photographer from Taiwan. His discovery of photography started in his childhood when he discovered he could capture beautiful photos with a simple camera, which spiraled his journey into photography, solidifying his love for nature and the beauty around him.
Read more about the interview with Jorge Kánovas | A Self-Taught Photographer from Spain here.