Do you sometimes visit strangers in their homes? Yan Yufeng also occasionally visits strangers in their homes, but he does so for a different reason – he takes a camera with him 🙂 You’ve seen his photos on the website and in PNPPL magazine before, and now you can read a little interview with him, while you can also check out his newer photos. Enjoy it!
Could we start with some background information about you? Where you grow up, where you based, how did you get interested in photography?
My name is Yan Yufeng. I was born and raised in Sichuan, China. I later studied and lived in Italy for eight years, and now I have returned to live in Shanghai, China. Based on my experience of studying art, I somehow ended up in the direction of photography (I first studied printmaking).
Did you always know photography was your ultimate go-to outlet of expression?
I feel that at this stage, I am best at using this method to output some ideas and concepts. Of course, I will not limit myself to this. I also paint occasionally, and I also want to try some video works in the future.
What is the best thing to being a photographer?
You can make friends this way, you can also have fun making work that you can remember. I also love to work with other talented people in fashion.
Many of your photos are taken in apartments. What do you prefer, you go out or they come to you?
I will always choose to shoot in the boy’s own home, so that it is private and safe.
For being such strong and often intimate images, how is the relationship with your subjects built?
This is a metaphysical question. This is a mutual attraction, everything will fall into place. Of course, all communication is also very important. The more specific the communication in the early stage, the smoother the shooting will be.
Looking at your Instagram, the word honesty comes to my mind. Do you agree with that? If so, how conscious is this effort?
In fact, my Instagram has a lot of commercial work, which is not just my own creation. But in terms of my own creation, I need to have complete control. I rely heavily on intuition when shooting. I will not press the shutter at a moment that I am not satisfied with. This may be why you feel honest.
The best advice I’ve been given in the past about photography is to try to convey an impression with the photo. What advice would you give to others, what do you think makes a good photo?
Think about your uniqueness and how the viewers see you in this photo. My concept of good photos is that they are timeless and durable, and can be recalled.
You work with analogue technic, what do you think about this technique coming into vogue again these days?
I think it’s a laziness in post-production technology. btw I use digital cameras most of the time for commercial work. In fact, people don’t quite understand the difference.
Which is your favourite film and why do you like it?
I always use Kodak Portra 400 120mm, because it is delicate and the dark parts are full of details.
What do you do when you got time for yourself?
I am a freelancer. I have too much free time. When I am not working, I meet with friends, practice dancing at home, and absorb all new information.
If you could tell your younger self one piece of advice what would it be?
You can be more confident.
Please finish the sentences:
Deeply in love with… with myself
The best way to sleep is… in my own bed
My dream is… to live a little more freely
Photographed by: Yan Yufeng @yanyufon / yanyufon.com / twitter.com/yanyufon
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