Should Photographers Chase a “Career‑Defining” Image?
Photographers often dream of creating one career‑defining image. But can we actually predict which photo will resonate with the world? This excerpt explores why chasing one perfect shot may limit your creativity—and what to focus on instead.
Why I Don’t Chase the “Perfect Shot” — And Why My Photography Is Better for It
Photography shapes how I move through the world. I chase neon signs, quiet streets, and small details—but I don’t chase perfection. Instead, I let photography enrich my life. From missed shots to unexpected discoveries, slowing down has taught me to enjoy the moment as much as the image.
There’s No “Right Lens” — Only the Lens That Fits Your Vision
Many photographers ask, “What’s the right lens to buy?” The truth is that no single focal length fits every situation. From landscapes to wildlife to sports, the best lens depends on your creative vision—not a universal rule.
The Overlooked Details That Make Every Neighborhood Worth Photographing
Discover why your own neighborhood might be the most underrated photo subject. Travel sharpens your eye for the everyday details—signs, colors, architecture—that make familiar places feel new again.
Art vs Audience: What Photography Can Learn from the Movie Business
Can great art exist without an audience? As photographers, we enjoy creative freedom—but does that mean ignoring what resonates? Here's why I still value audience interaction, even when chasing artistic truth.
Blockbusters, Art Films, and the Photography Parallel
Blockbusters vs art films. Postcard-perfect vs street photography. What makes a photo—or a story—truly resonate? It’s not always about likes. Sometimes, it’s about depth, emotion, and the audience that sees beyond the surface.
AI, Diners, and the Art of Nostalgia in Photography
Inspired by AI-generated diner scenes and Edward Hopper’s timeless paintings, I reflect on how nostalgia, digital art, and urban solitude shape my photographic vision—and why old diners might be my next muse.
Photograph It Before It’s Gone: Why Timing Matters in Urban and Landscape Photography
Urban landscapes don’t wait. From fading neon signs in Hong Kong to a demolished train station in Harrison, NJ, this post explores why photographers must act fast — because the scenes we love might vanish before we’re ready.
The Photographer’s Dilemma in the Age of Generative AI
Is AI replacing photographers—or redefining what art means? A personal reflection on urban landscape photography, creative effort, and the rise of photo-realistic images that blur the line between real and generated. Featuring thoughts on Hong Kong, snow shoots, and the value of being there in person.
Is Photography Still Truthful in the Age of AI?
I bought a Hong Kong photo calendar—only to realize the images were AI-generated. As a photographer who’s walked those streets, the disappointment hit hard. What does it mean to create something real in a world of perfect fakes?
Creating Depth: How Visual Connections Turn Photos into Stories
Ever wonder why some photos make you pause and look twice? It’s not just the subject—it’s the connection. Roads, cables, fences… these visual pathways lead your eye, tell a story, and create depth. I use this technique in many of my prints to evoke mood and movement. Explore the full collection and find the piece that speaks to you.
Using Foreground and Background to Isolate Your Subject
Great photos aren’t just about the subject—they’re about how you frame it. By using foreground and background, you can add depth, scale, and storytelling to your images. Here’s how I use this technique in my photography (and prints!).
How to Find the Right Audience for Your Photography on Instagram
Mixing photo genres on one Instagram account might feel creative, but it can quietly sabotage your reach. In this post, I break down how niche targeting, strategic engagement, and learning from others can help photographers grow their audience — and maybe even sell more prints along the way.
What Makes a Photo “Great”? And Who Gets to Decide?
If I post a photo I believe in and it doesn’t get the likes I expected, can I still call it great? In the age of algorithms and instant feedback, audience engagement can shape our craft—but it doesn’t define it. Vivian Maier’s story reminds us: greatness isn’t always recognized in real time.
Why Great Photos Alone Aren’t Enough on Instagram
Great photography deserves more than likes—it needs strategy. If you're posting stunning shots but struggling to grow, this guide breaks down how to build real engagement, attract your ideal audience, and turn your feed into a traffic engine for your print shop.
Gotham Stones: How Limits Sharpened My Eyes for Urban Beauty
Golden hour turns Manhattan’s stone giants into glowing monuments. In “Gotham Stones,” each frame reveals the quiet drama etched into the city’s architecture—where shadow meets light, and history meets modern rhythm.
Finding Inspiration Through a Photography Project: How Gotham Stones Was Born
After hitting a creative wall in my photography, one unexpected moment of sunlight at Brooklyn Bridge reignited my passion. That spark led to Gotham Stones—a personal project capturing Manhattan's stone architecture in soft, golden light.
How a Blizzard in Chicago Sparked My Photography Journey
❄️ In 2005, a snowy walk through Chicago changed everything. What started as a break from exam prep became the beginning of my photography journey.
📸 That blizzard, that borrowed camera, that quiet moment of clarity—it’s all woven into the prints I create today.
🖼 Explore the story and the photos it inspired at my print shop.
Connecting the Dots: From Data Science to Photography
Why Your Camera Isn’t Holding You Back — And What Really Is
Think you need the latest camera to take great photos? Think again. Fan Ho did it with film. I’ve got digital everything — and still struggle. The real upgrade is your skillset. Read why.