Seventeen & Seeing Differently: Mia Lin’s Unique Perspective on Photography

Hey! I'm Mia Lin, a 17-year-old college student based in the Bay Area. I lived and was educated in Taiwan for 11 years. I love dancing (I was part of my high school dance team), black-and-white photography, coding, and watching iconic films. My dad has been a big influence on me; he used to take pictures of my siblings and me with his Nikon D90 when we were kids. Watching him sparked my interest in photography, and as I grew older, I became even more inspired by him.

I didn’t formally study photography but learned from my dad and YouTube tutorials. More importantly, I’ve spent a lot of time looking at the work of talented photographers, analyzing their techniques, and learning from their amazing creations.

It was probably one of my family or friends. My dad used to carry his camera everywhere, and sometimes I got the chance to try taking pictures with his Nikon.

I mostly use my iPhone and my dad’s Nikon D90, which has now been passed down to me.

In photography, I want to develop a strong sense of beauty—something that doesn’t necessarily follow conventional rules but resonates visually. I also hope to travel more and experience new places to enhance my perspective and achieve this goal.

My dad's compliments mean the most to me. He has been my mentor in photography, and hearing positive feedback from him feels more meaningful than any other recognition.

I’m deeply drawn to black-and-white photography. Despite its name, it’s more than just black and white; it’s also about the subtle grays that create balance and beauty. In my opinion, this simplicity often surpasses colorful imagery, offering a unique way to tell stories.

Before entering the New York Photography Awards, I wasn’t sure where I stood as a photographer. Competing with talented photographers in this contest helped me learn and gain perspective on my work. Winning has been an incredible opportunity to see how my skills measure up and to grow as a photographer.

Yes, my background involves moving frequently, which has given me many “homes” and a multicultural perspective. My entries included a Santa Barbara photo and a Chimei Museum in Taiwan photo. Each picture represents a different part of my story, reflecting the diverse experiences that have shaped me.

I applied for the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep volunteer program this summer but was rejected. The program involves photographing babies who pass away shortly after birth. While that rejection was disappointing, winning this award has renewed my confidence and motivated me to pursue more opportunities. It’s given me the strength to keep chasing my goals.

Ting Lan Lin, my dad.

"Enjoy the moment." It reminds me of the scene from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, where sometimes beauty is best captured by your eyes, not the camera. Your eyes are the lens, and the memories you make are the pictures you’ll carry with you forever.

Find what you love and start from there. Experiment, learn from others, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Photography is about practice and perspective.

Stay curious and open to learning. Success comes from being true to your passion and finding joy in the process.

I stay motivated by being curious and looking for inspiration in everyday life. Whether it’s observing other photographers’ work or learning new techniques, staying open to growth keeps me motivated.

Thank you for this opportunity! Photography has been an incredible journey for me, and I hope to keep exploring, growing, and sharing stories through my lens.