Interview with Su Guanxi | Art of Photography from Hobby to Passion

My name is Su Guanxi, and I am a passionate photographer based in China. My photography journey began as a casual interest in capturing the beauty around me, slowly becoming a serious pursuit. Over the years, I've developed a deep appreciation for storytelling through images, and I enjoy capturing life's simplicity and complexity through my lens.

I am largely self-taught, but I have continuously refined my skills through online courses, attending workshops, and studying the works of master photographers. My formal education in advertising also helped shape my understanding of visual communication, which naturally contributed to my growth as a photographer.

Yes, I remember it vividly. It was a candid photo of a sunset over a river in my hometown, Chengdu. I was struck by the contrast of light and shadow, and that moment sparked my fascination with capturing fleeting moments in time.

Currently, I shoot with a Hasselblad 500C/M, a Leica M10 Leica Monochrom, and a Rollei 35 Classic.

I aim to evoke emotions and inspire viewers through my work. Photography is my way of sharing stories, and I hope that my images can resonate with people on a deep, personal level. Additionally, I want to continue pushing the boundaries of my creativity and contributing to the global photographic community.

One of the most touching compliments I received was when someone told me that my photography makes them "see the world differently." This made me realize the power of photography to alter perceptions and influence how people connect with their surroundings.

My unique storytelling is inspired by life itself—the little moments, the fleeting emotions, and the hidden beauty in everyday scenes. I am constantly influenced by the interplay of light and shadow, as well as the people and environments that shape our experiences.

Introspective, atmospheric, and timeless.

This recognition is a tremendous honor and validation of my hard work and dedication to the craft. It also gives me the confidence to continue exploring new ideas and projects. For my team, it reflects the importance of collaboration, as they have supported me in countless ways throughout my journey.

The winning work is a series of black-and-white portraits that explore the relationship between identity and environment. I chose to enter this project because I felt it represented my growth as a photographer and captured a theme I’ve been passionate about for years—how surroundings shape who we are. Each portrait in the series reflects the duality of light and shadow within us all.

Winning this award has significantly elevated my profile within the photography community. It has opened up new opportunities for collaborations and exhibitions, and it has expanded my audience to a global level. It has also given me the chance to connect with peers and mentors who share the same passion for the art.

Sebastião Salgado for his humanistic approach to photography, Fan Ho for his mastery of light and composition, and Ansel Adams for his dedication to capturing nature’s grandeur.

The best advice I received was to “shoot with intention.” Every frame should tell a story, and every element in the image should have a purpose. This mindset has guided me in creating more meaningful and impactful work.

Stay curious, keep experimenting, and never be afraid to fail. Photography is a journey of constant learning, and it’s important to embrace both your successes and mistakes. Your unique perspective is your greatest asset—nurture it.

Persistence and passion. Success in photography, as with any art form, requires dedication and a love for the craft. Keep honing your skills, stay open to new experiences, and always look for the story in every frame.

I stay receptive by surrounding myself with other creatives and constantly seeking inspiration from different sources—whether through art, literature, or even conversations with others. Being open-minded and curious keeps my work evolving.

I would just like to extend my gratitude to the Global Photography Awards for this recognition. It’s moments like these that fuel my creative passion, and I’m excited to see where this journey will take me next.