2022 Project Highlights
Photography for Art & Design
What better way to kick off the year than with a dose of art? This year, I started with Dorothy Circus Gallery’s exhibition opening event 'MILK', a group show that explores the timeless and cherished theme of maternity, exploring the essence of nourishment, unconditional love, and the care for children in diverse forms. Other exhibitions that I covered this year were 'Maruyama Junna - Who Am I', 'Levalet - Let's Get Lost', 'Luke Chueh, Tada Koiichiro, Clementine De Chabaneix, Silvia Idili Group Show' and 'BLIC - Joy of Spring'.
As part of my work, I usually capture the exhibition's setup before the guests arrive, preserving the art and the space, and then capture vibrant atmosphere of the opening night. Having collaborated with the gallery on numerous exhibitions over the years, I never cease to be amazed by the captivating art they showcase. If you're drawn to avant-garde and unusual art, this gallery is an unmissable destination!
Fleur Ward Interior Design Project in Whitechapel
Another exciting project that I had the chance to work on was photographing the talented interior designer Fleur Ward's latest project in Whitechapel. Fleur’s work is always a visual feast, and this new project was no exception. Having collaborated with her on several projects, I'm consistently impressed by her bold use of colour and her knack for creating vibrant, dynamic spaces. Each project is a fresh adventure, showcasing her unique ability to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary works of art.
Fashion Hong Kong - Sustainable Designer Showcase
I had the pleasure working with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council on the Fashion Hong Kong's Sustainable Designer Showcase. The event took place at The Mills Fabrica, a perfect venue for celebrating all things sustainable. It was an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge collections from Hong Kong designers that are driving positive change through sustainable designs and educating consumers to make conscious purchases.
My role was to capture the magic of the exhibition setup with photos and video, and document the excitement of the opening night. From the stunning displays to the buzz of the crowd, it was an amazing experience to highlight how fashion and sustainability can come together in style!
The Ministry of Culture of Taiwan - Cultural Events in the UK
As always, I document a wide variety of events organised by the Ministry of Culture of Taiwan. These events are dedicated to sharing and celebrating Taiwanese arts and culture within the UK, offering a window into the country’s rich and diverse cultural landscape.
My work involves capturing the energy and vibrancy of performances, the creativity and detail of art exhibitions, the storytelling and creative ingenuity of film festivals, the insightful dialogues of talks and panel discussions, and the enriching interactions of cultural exchanges. Each event provides a unique opportunity to showcase Taiwan's distinct heritage and creative expression, making it accessible and engaging to an international audience. Through my lens, I aim to tell the story of Taiwan's cultural richness and its dynamic presence in the global arts scene.
Below is a summary video of the projects that I have documented this year, with all photos and videos created by me.
Projects:
CharWei Tsai, Between the Atom and the Universe (talk), Tate Modern, London
Chin-Yin Chong, Artist in Residency, Delfina Foundation, London
Lee Ming Wei, Labyrinth (performance and talk), Tate Modern, London
London East Asia Film Festival 2022, Taiwan Night, London
Queer East Film Festival 2022 (film screenings and panel discussions), London
Taiwan Film Festival Edinburgh 2022 (film screenings and panel discussions), Edinburgh
Tehching Hsieh and Li Yuan-chia, Inside the Artist's Studio (exhibition), Whitechapel Gallery, London
Yen Chun Lin - Here, a nut falls twice (exhibition and performance), ICA, London
Corporate Event Photography
Governor Omar Fayad awarded Freedom of the City of London
I had the exciting opportunity to document the Governor of Hidalgo, Mexico, Omar Fayad, as he was awarded the Freedom of the City of London at the beautiful Guild Hall. The ceremony was full of history and tradition, with the governor receiving a certificate and joining the ranks of notable figures like Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela.
Fun fact: The Freedom of the City of London is a historic honour dating back to the Middle Ages! It originally granted the right to trade and certain privileges within the City, but today, it's a symbolic award recognising significant contributions to London or outstanding achievements. While it doesn't come with specific legal privileges anymore, the ceremony maintains a strong sense of tradition and honour.
Another organisation that has a long history that I have been working with is The Royal Society. Founded in 1660, it is the oldest scientific academy in continuous existence. This is the second year that I took photos of their summer science exhibition and soiree, along with other events such as the Prize Lecture by Professor Jacqueline Cole.
The Royal Society's motto, "Nullius in verba," means "Take nobody's word for it," reflecting its commitment to empirical evidence. Notably, Isaac Newton, a former president, had his groundbreaking work on gravity published through the Society. Today, it's also known for awarding prestigious medals and funding early-career researchers. Did you know, the Royal Society’s archives hold over 350 years of scientific history, including Benjamin Franklin's kite experiment papers!
Commercial Photography
Crystal Maze
I had the pleasure of collaborating with Little Lion Entertainment on a series of exciting themed shoots at the Crystal Maze Live Experience in London and Manchester. We the celebrations for Easter, Pride and Halloween to life, each event capturing the unique spirit and excitement of these occasions.
For Easter, we transformed the iconic maze into a whimsical wonderland full of festive decorations. During Pride, the maze was ablaze with rainbow colors and lively energy, reflecting the vibrant and inclusive spirit of the event. Halloween brought its own magic, with spooky decorations and eerie atmospheres turning the maze into a haunted adventure. Each project was a unique blend of creativity and fun, showcasing the versatility of the live experience and the vibrant energy of these special events.
Professional Portraits
Portraits, headshots, and personal branding photos are much more than just images; they're a snapshot of one's identity and a crucial tool for making a memorable first impression. Did you know that people form an impression of you in just a split second of seeing your face? This is why a great portrait is so powerful—it not only showcases your professionalism but also your unique personality, helping you stand out and connect instantly.
I've had the pleasure of collaborating with The Good Marketer team on several shoots, capturing their headshots and team photos. Studies show that having a professional headshot can make you seem more competent and trustworthy. It's no wonder that The Good Marketer, a marketing agency, prioritise great portraits. For them, these portraits aren't just about looking polished; they’re a strategic way to convey their brand's values and create a genuine connection with their audience.
Having done many corporate headshots, I'd say professional portraits aren't just for work—they're valuable for personal reasons, too. Why? Because a great portrait can capture who you are and express your personality in a way that words can't. Whether it's for social media, dating profiles, or just to share with friends and family, a professional portrait can help you present your best self. It’s a way to mark milestones, boost your confidence, and create a lasting image that represents you authentically. In a world where visual impressions are key, investing in a high-quality portrait isn’t just a luxury—it's a practical way to make a positive and lasting impression.
The two photos on the left are the portraits of the stunning Elena! She wanted a mixture of formal and casual shots, capturing both her professional and relaxed vibes. The result is a great showcase of her versatility and personality, a good example of how a portrait session can highlight different sides of a person, all while keeping it stylish and fun!
Special Occasions
I've had the pleasure of documenting a variety of unique celebrations, each with its own unforgettable atmosphere. From the proud day of Jonathan's graduation at the UCL (University College London), a milestone filled with joy and a sense of accomplishment, to Alexandra’s 1st birthday, where every giggle and first step was cherished, these are just a few examples of the special occasions I’ve captured. Each event was unique and filled with moments worth remembering, all preserved in a collection of heartfelt photographs.
With a professional photographer, you can be fully present in your special moments without any distractions, knowing that every precious memory will be preserved in high-quality images. From the laughter to the tears, a professional captures it all, letting you enjoy the occasion without any worries!
Chris and Jayme's Casual Engagement Shoot in East London Streets
This year wrapped up on a romantic note with a unique London engagement shoot - Jayme and Chris, a couple from the US, made the trip across the pond for a holiday, where they received this shoot as a lovely gift from their cousin. They wanted something different from the usual posed engagement photos, opting instead for candid, lifestyle-inspired shots that capture the essence of their love story.
Our journey took us through the eclectic streets of East London, where vibrant graffiti served as a colourful backdrop to their natural moments together. We wandered into a few of the city's charming spots, including Leadenhall Market, Brick Lane, and the legendary Ten Bells Pub, famously associated with Jack the Ripper. We ended the day at a cosy English pub, surrounded by festive decorations, where they toasted to their future. It was a perfect blend of historic charm and modern love, captured in every frame.🌹
