Interview with You Shi

This week’s Interview with Yu, a very talented Photographer based in NYC.

You can find him on Instagram as: @yushi.95

Enjoy the amazing Interview ;)

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Yu and I’m a photographer based in New York City. I currently specialize in street, cityscape, and landscape photography and love spending my days exploring the city. What makes photography exciting for me is getting to capture images that make the viewer want to visit new places or places they know from a different perspective. 

How did you get into photography?

I got into photography during my graduation year 2015. My high school had a photography club. I didn’t join the photography club. I joined a coding club. I got inspired by the students who joined the photography club. They took very nice photos. I decided to use my phone to take photos and post on instagram. After I graduated, I got my first Nikon D7100 camera. My photography journey started in summer of 2015.

What role does composition play in your photos?

Composition is everything. It's like the silent guide that tells people where to look and what to feel. I’m always thinking about leading lines, framing, symmetry, reflections—those little details that subconsciously pull you into the image. Without strong composition, even the most beautiful scene can fall flat.

What do you think sets your work apart from others in the industry?

I think what makes my work different is the way I approach perspective. I’m constantly looking for angles that aren’t obvious—the kind of viewpoints that make people stop and think, “Wait, how did he even see that?”

What gear do you use?

Right now, my main gear lineup is the Sony A7IV and the Sony 7CR. For quick shots or when I'm traveling light, I’ll also shoot with my iPhone 15 Pro Max—because honestly, the camera on that phone is insane. And when I’m going for action shots or want something waterproof and durable, I’ll bring the GoPro.

How do you stay inspired and motivated to continue creating new and unique photographs?

I explore new locations, both near and far, seeking out unique cityscapes, and architecture that inspire me to pick up my camera and capture the world around me. And I collaborate with other creatives, such as models, stylists, and fellow photographers, to exchange ideas, share inspiration, and push each other to new heights creatively. I continuously seek out opportunities to learn and grow as a photographer, whether through online courses or studying the work of other photographers. This ongoing pursuit of knowledge fuels my creativity and keeps me motivated to improve.

What are some of the most important qualities for a great photographer to have, in your opinion?

The ability to think outside the box and see the world from unique perspectives allows photographers to create compelling and original images that stand out. Be patient, great photographers are willing to invest the time and effort required to capture the perfect shot, whether it means waiting for the right moment, experimenting with different techniques, or overcoming challenges in the field.

What is your editing software of choice and how much time do you spend editing?

Lightroom for me. It’s just the most intuitive and powerful tool for what I do. Depending on the complexity of the shot, editing can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour—especially if there’s a lot of fine-tuning involved. For videos and reels, I use CapCut. It’s fast, flexible, and surprisingly powerful for something that’s so easy to use. Most video edits take me about 30 minutes or so, depending on how crazy I get with transitions and cuts.

How did you find your signature photography/editing style?

Honestly, it was a lot of trial and error. In the beginning, I didn’t lock myself into any one genre, I explored everything. Street, landscape, portraits, even random abstract stuff. I wanted to figure out what felt the most me. Same thing with editing: I played around with tons of styles, color grades, techniques until something clicked. Over time, you start to notice the little patterns in what you’re drawn to, and that’s how your personal style starts to take shape.

Reels or photos? And why?

I love photos (so that is my official answer), but if you’re trying to grow your page right now, reels are where it’s at. The algorithm just favours video content more. I’d definitely tell anyone trying to build an audience to focus on reels, stay consistent, and stick to one visual style at first so people know what you’re about.

What does photography mean to you?

Photography, to me, is all about storytelling. It's the way I capture emotions, memories, and tiny little moments that would otherwise just slip away. When I shoot, I'm not just taking pictures. I'm trying to freeze time for a second. It’s also a way of connecting with people, even if we don’t speak the same language or come from the same place. A photo can cross all those barriers without even trying.

What are your thoughts on AI in photography?

Don’t rely on AI. It’s ok if you use an AI tool to remove little things on your photos. Just don’t use it to help you create photos. And add many things to the photo. I like to go out explore the world. That is photography to me. - In my opinion.

Any tips for beginners?

Understand the fundamental concepts of photography, such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and composition. Familiarize yourself with your camera's settings and functionalities.

Don't be afraid to get creative with your angles and perspectives. Try shooting from high above or down low, or experiment with different vantage points to capture unique and interesting compositions.

Be patient, great photographers are willing to invest the time and effort required to capture the perfect shot, whether it means waiting for the right moment, experimenting with different techniques, or overcoming challenges in the field.