Tung Li
1. Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
I am Tung Li, a photographer and artist from Taiwan, currently 29 years old. I have been involved in photography for nearly 8 years, primarily focusing on artistic creations centered around the human body. My journey into photography began when I needed an outlet to express my emotions during my student years. I started capturing random moments of my life using an old digital camera I found at home. Later on, my parents gifted me a DSLR camera when I entered university, and I began documenting campus activities and even significant social events happening in Taiwan at that time.
It was during my participation in Wonder Foto Day, an art carnival, that I realized photography had the potential to be much more than just capturing moments. I discovered the vast possibilities of artistic creation through photography, and from that point onward, I started exploring the realm of art photography.
2. Where did you study photography?
I have never received formal photography education. In fact, I majored in Civil Engineering during my university years, which is completely unrelated to the arts and culture industry. However, I have always had a strong interest in philosophy and psychology. It is because of this interest that I incorporated many concepts from these fields into my self-study of photography.
3. Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
The first photo I ever took in my life was a rainy scene captured from the school bus. It was the first time I clicked the shutter in the dimness of the bus, using the digital camera I had just received at home. However, when it comes to artistic creation, it was after completing my military service that I created my first artwork called "Silent" on a massive sandbar in Tainan. It served as an outlet for my pent-up emotions at the time.
That series of works also allowed me to successfully participate in Wonder Foto Day. The image featured a female friend of mine wearing a black dress walking in the vast desert. I wanted to convey the endless sense of loneliness that was prevailing in my heart at that time.
4. What equipment do you use?
Sony a7iii.
5. What do you hope to achieve?
I hope that one day I can be recognized for my artistic creations and share my thoughts and stories with more people around the world.
6. What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
Few years ago, a senior in the field of visual arts told me that my works cannot be defined. That, in fact, is my personal style. He also mentioned that the highest realm of creation is to produce unique works in a simple manner, ones that cannot be replicated. This has been the path I've been steadfastly pursuing in my own creative journey.
7. What inspires your unique storytelling?
Just like I mentioned earlier, I have a deep interest in philosophy and psychology, and the fields that fascinate me the most are existentialism and behavioral psychology. Therefore, I often read related works to enhance the depth of storytelling in my creations.
8. What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Simple.
Clear.
Gentle.
9. Congratulations! As the winner of the London Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
It is a great honor for me, considering that photography is not highly valued in Taiwan. To receive international recognition truly brings me great joy and will undoubtedly be one of the achievements in my life, like unlocking an achievement in a game.
10. Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2023 London Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
Initially, I had only planned to submit my "Form" series, but as the deadline approached, I had a change of heart. I realized that my series inspired by the pandemic would be a great fit for the "COVID-19" category, and to my surprise, it won the Platinum award.
11. How has winning an award developed your career?
Since receiving recognition internationally, my reputation within the country has also seen significant growth. I've noticed that some companies are more willing to trust in my photography abilities and provide me with more opportunities. However, it's interesting to see that some friends may hesitate to contact me out of fear that my prices are too high. I want to take this opportunity to assure everyone that it's not necessary to have such concerns. We can always negotiate and find a mutually satisfactory agreement that works for both sides.
12. Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
Ryan McGinley, Steven Gindler, Shinoyama Kishin.
13. What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
Don't overthink it. Just feel and capture the moments through your lens. Keep shooting and let your instincts guide you.
14. What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
Just be yourselves and be honest.
15. What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
I haven't reached success yet, so I don't have any secrets. Of course, perseverance is essential, and hard work is the foundation of success.
16. How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
Always keep an open mind to embrace new changes and constantly be aware if you are too attached to past habits. Of course, social media is also a great medium to explore new knowledge, but it's important to be cautious not to overuse it.
