Photographer Chen Xu

—Are you photogenic?

—Generally...yes, hahaha!

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—It was an opportunity that I shot wedding pics for my cousin, and then a specific feeling hit my ideas, that is , I enjoyed that period when I capture those moments. One year later, I got my first business case, well, just cannot stop from then on.

—What are the most important components of a good photo in your opinion?

—Good story, light, composition, movement and emotion. Sometimes only one of these is necessary to make a good photograph but these are the 5 main things I look out for.

—Do you love traveling?

—Absolutely yes! I've been to several countries, such as Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, Hungary and so on. They are impressive experiences throughout my life. And I'll take my family out there in the future.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Different experiences and people that I would met during weddings.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—Marketing and those who haggles over price against me, cos I think what price, what goods.

—What will be the future of photography?

—No idea really, probably having 20 photographers at once or something! You know, the threshold of it has changed.

—What is special in the photography genre you specialise at?

—To me, being the direct witness of great emotions, and not only: I'm the one in charge to capture those moments, it's a big responsability, and a honour, too.

—How do you handle criticism?

—I usually accept critics that really motivates me, and I keep learning from photographers whose works I like. So , accurate critics help me a lot.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—More photographers in China will realize the importance of capturing real moments in the wedding instead of all flows.

—What should be the criteria for a customer to choose a photographer?

—Well, the right taste comes firstly. I always told people to watch my portfolio and the full works, if they really feel something when they are watching them, I must be the photographer they are looking for.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—The photographer must not become the protagonist and I'm only a registrar.

—What details that usually pass unnoticed can a photographer notice?

—A lot of moments and details.

—What influences the value of a photo? What are its elements?

—Again, good story, light, composition, movement and emotion.

—What person can be the symbol of the 21st century in your opinion?

—You mean wedding photographer? I'm trying to be that one! :D :D :D

—Who do you want to shoot?

—Every couple that have true love.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—I don't think so.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—I dreamed of being a partner of Lanny Mann.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—Maybe the death.......it's hard to say.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—When I saw my son for the first time when he was born.

—If you were a cartoon, book or movie character, who would you be and why?

—Birdman. I want to be fearless.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My parents encouraged me a lot. They support me whatever I want to do.

—How do you define success? How do you measure it?

—Success? Keeping going on something is a kind of success.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Yup~~~most people like me while a few don't.

—What is the biggest mistake you have ever made at work?

—Wow, I forgot to take my spare battery, but fortunately, I called my friend for help.

—When you're going to travel, what do you take with you and why?

—An iphone is enough.

—Is there anything that you wish you hadn't bought among the gadgets that you own? Why?

—Sure there is. As a beginner, I bought some cheap lens and then found them uesless.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Learn from world-famous masters, the real masters on wedding photography.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—Jeff Ascough and my colleagues.

—What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?

—That there is so much "hidden work": marketing, emails, equipment cares and upgrades, etc...a lot of time for that :)

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—Show more emotions to us.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—The fact my pics is valuable for every couples

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—I don't need any change from them. After all, they are more than sixty years old, as their son, I should try my best to make them happy.

—If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

—Maybe the same as right now.

—What about life on other planets?

—I'm an alien myself. hahahaha~~~

—Who are your heroes?

—No heros, only people I admire.

—Who do you have no respect for?

—It's a ridiculous question.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Stay with my family.

—What's the side of you that the public never sees?

—sinister and cunning， hahahaha!!

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—Next time, always!

—Do you believe in the traditional roles for men and women?

—No idea.

—Do you make friends easily?

—Yes, I like to make friends. In China, personal connections is quite important.

—Where would you like to live?

—New Zealand.

—What's the stupidest thing you've ever agreed to do?

—Smoking

—Is there life after marriage?

—There is not big change to my life after marrige.

—Do you have a favorite joke? Tell us.

—Cold jokes.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—I like dogs better than cats.

—Who or what do you hate?

—I hate sloping moon, he's a bad guy among Fuzhou wedding photographers.

—The best thing in life is:

—Again, stay with my family.

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—Argue with others.

—Is there anything around you that you would like to change?

—for example?

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—Personality.

—What would you like to change in the world?

—No. I don't have that power and idea to make it.

—Can you give a few tips for photographers who are just starting out?

—Get your foot on every wedding photography.

—If aliens come to the Earth and you are the first person they meet, what will you tell them?

—Take me away from the earth. :D

—If you are called to shoot a movie, what genre will it be?

—Action huh~~~

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—lead a better life.