Siyeong Chang dives into his imagination
Few capture intimacy and raw emotion quite like Siyeong Chang. Known for a delicate balance between the commercial and the artistic, Chang's work feels both spontaneous and meticulously planned, each image telling a story shaped by personal introspection and imagination. Siyeong Chang shares insights on the rhythm of the shoots, the role of imagination, and the vision of creating a team of collaborators like the Avengers of the photography world.
Your photography often conveys a deep sense of emotion and intimacy. How do you connect with your subjects to capture such powerful expressions?
I give the model enough time and clearly state the subject and purpose of taking the picture. Then start working on it when your subject's rhythm is at its calmest.
How important is it for photographers to develop a distinct style, and how did you find yours?
Each person has his or her own personality. Rather than trying to create a unique style, I tried to get to know myself better and the process was expressed as the result of my photography.
Can you tell us about some of the major influences on your visual style? How have these influences shaped your work? Many of your images have a cinematic quality. Do you draw inspiration from films or other visual media?
I tend to watch exhibitions and movies, but imagination is what influences photography the most. In other words, I get the most inspiration from reading.
How do you find inspiration for your shoots? Are there specific themes or narratives you find yourself returning to? How much planning goes into each image, and how much is spontaneous?
The shooting planning takes about a month. Once a clear topic is set, the details fluctuate fluidly depending on the situation on the site. The improvisation part does not always occur, but it is the most necessary factor.
How do you balance the commercial and artistic aspects of photography, especially when working with fashion brands or magazines? Are there any personal projects you're currently working on that you can share with us? How do they differ from your commissioned work?
Balancing the commercial and artistic aspects seems very difficult. I try to balance it with one photo requested by the client and one photo suggested by the artist. The biggest difference between individual projects and commissioned works is that time is free. I think enough time is the most important factor in producing a better outcome.
With the rise of digital platforms like Instagram, how do you think the role of a photographer has evolved? Do you feel social media has impacted your artistic direction? How do you stay true to your artistic vision in an industry that's constantly evolving with trends and technology?
The rise of digital platforms has become a medium for promoting works simply and at a low cost. Examining the works of other artists also has a big impact on artistic direction. However, there are not only positive aspects. As the digital market has grown, the lifespan of works has been shortened a lot, and the tendency to be consumed like instant food has grown. However, since the merits are also great, I think we should wait and see the vision in the future.
Collaboration seems to be a significant part of your work. How do you choose the people you work with, and what do you look for in a creative partner? What would be your dream collaboration?
Being able to work with someone is the most enjoyable and happy thing. Rather than choosing a partner, I feel like I collaborate with artists I meet and interact with frequently in the commissioned commercial space. It is my dream to form a team that is united with goals like Marvel's Avengers.
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