Chris Yan
- Abhishek Deb
- Mar 26
- 4 min read
Chris Yan | Street Photographer
SPG's 12th installment of the interview series is back with an Asian street photographer whose work and philosophy is about to impress you right away! Chinese street photographer Chris Yan, someone who believes that missing out some shots is part of the charm that comes with street photography. Here's a quick opportunity to gaze into the world of Chris Yan.
Chris what is more important to you, the people or the surroundings?
Chris Yan : People. People are what I focus on most when taking photos on the street. Sometimes I shoot in the same streets over and over again, in the same environment, because different people can tell different stories.
How would you define your style of street photography?
Chris Yan : My photography style is storytelling. I hope every photo I take tells a story.
Why and when did street photography become your THE thing? What exactly inspired you?
Chris Yan : I started taking photos around 2013. But street photography started four years ago. My hometown deeply inspires me and is the source of my interest, inspiration and love.
When you look deep within, did street photography change you?
Chris Yan : Of course. Before becoming a street photographer I had never observed the world from the perspective I do now.
Chris, is there any top list of tricks to succeed as a street photographer? Share some tips for people who are starting out on this genre . . .
Chris Yan : Tricks to succeed, I think the most important are curiosity and passion. This may be more important than skill. Be curious about what's going on around you, be passionate about life, and enjoy your time doing street photography.
Is there anything beyond that camera for a street photographer ?
Chris Yan : A pair of eyes that can detect beauty, interest, conflict, and coincidence.
Is street photography your primary source of bread & butter?
Chris Yan : No.
Any shot you missed and you must have taken?
Chris Yan : A lot of. But maybe missing out is part of the charm of street photography.
Which camera(s) do you use? And what about your lenses and other accessories?
Chris Yan : The cameras I use are Leica M-P (Typ 240) and Leica M11. The lens I use the most is the Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 Asph FLE.
Which other street photographers’ work inspires you the most?
Chris Yan : Harry Gruyaert, Alex Webb, Hiroji Kubota, Constantine Manos
Chris, pick your own Top-3 street shots for all of us!
Chris Yan : Here they are . .
What is your word of caution to amateur street photographers?
Chris Yan : Take more shots. Taking more shots can improve your sensitivity and improve your skills.
What NOT TO DO in street photography?
"If someone explicitly says they don't want to be photographed, respect that!" - Chris Yan
Will you call street photographers as travel photographers too?
Chris Yan : No.
What is your perspective on the relationship between Street Photography and Street documentary?
Chris Yan : Very similar but also different.
You are reading the SPG interview of Chris Yan - the street photographer
Do you follow any composition technique by the books?
Chris Yan : No, I just shoot what interests me and there is no technique in any book to follow.
Any project that you remember more than everything else?
Chris Yan : The project about the old alleys of Nanjing, because the weather is too hot, I walk through the alleys every day, as if the sun is less than one meter away from me.
Any location that you dream to cover next? Or any place that you would want to revisit?
Chris Yan : Yes: Mexico, India, Brazil.
Exciting nations I see Chris!
What makes you say “Wow!” when you see some other street photographers’ work? (and the reverse)
Chris Yan : I love the work of photographers of all styles and they often inspire me. Works of different styles, storytelling, composition, aesthetics... they all make me say wow!
That is Chris Yan for all of you as he opens up his lens for the world!
You can connect with Chris Yan on Instagram
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