Eva Wang
1. Congratulations on winning in the European Photography Awards! Can you share a little about yourself, what inspired you to pursue photography, and how has your journey evolved since your first shot?
I thought about pursuing photography when I was in high school because I really liked it, but I wasn't brave enough, as art was not usually a good Chinese student pursued. Then, after years of studying and working, I suddenly realised that the job I was doing wasn't my passion and I started to think about photography again. Then I decided to study it.
I got into the Royal College of Art for a Graduate Diploma and then Glasgow School of Art for my Master's. Since then, I've been trying to apply for open calls or awards, wishing to become an independent professional photographer but it hasn't really been successful. I have to work to make a living, but I've still been trying to create work when I'm free, whether it will be recognised or not. It's a way for me to express my emotions.
2. Can you share the story or inspiration behind your award-winning piece? How does winning this award make you feel about your journey in photography?
The inspiration came from a poem:
You’re like a black hole, irresistible to me.
I’m absorbed, dominated.
Lost my free will.
Ripped apart.
Spaghettification.
Lost in space/time. I no longer belong to myself, but you.
Dark, dangerous and alluring.
Suck me in,
Hold me down.
Winning this award is really a huge recognition and encouragement for me to continue my journey in photography, which definitely gives me more confidence and motivation.
3. How do you decide which photo to submit for a competition?
I usually choose the latest one if applicable as it's usually the most relevant to my current life.
4. What first made you pick up a camera?
I got my first digital camera from an aunt, and I had never learnt photography or other art forms before. I was in high school then, when I was literally doing nothing but studying and it could be really suffocating sometimes.
I just started using the camera naturally and it became an emotional outlet for me. I just took photos whenever I felt like it without thinking much, really, but somehow it brought me power and warmth. I felt I was alive. That’s what made me pursue digital photography later in my life.
5. What’s your favorite type of photography, and why do you love it?
I like conceptual photography because I see photography as a way of expression and I always want to know what the photographs tell.
6. What’s your go-to camera setup, and why does it work best for your projects? What’s your favorite feature?
Besides a camera, I also use a tripod and the camera's Bluetooth function. I often do trial shots and use myself as a model, so a tripod allows me to adjust the props or my position easily. The Bluetooth function is my favourite feature because I can use it to connect my camera to my phone, which helps a lot when I use myself as a model.
7. If someone looked at your work, what’s the one thing you’d want them to feel?
I'd want them to feel the vulnerability of one trapped in an attraction to someone, losing his/her own dominance over himself/herself.
8. What was the most challenging part of capturing your winning shot?
I used slime and it took a long time for me to spread it around the model's head. The problem was that the slime wouldn't stay in shape as time went by although I used tape underneath to support it. It still melted down and I had to re-shape it repeatedly in order to make it the way I wanted. In the end, the model almost couldn't stand still on the floor, so it was rushing for me to take the shots.
9. Is there a specific place or subject that inspires you the most?
Most of my work is surrounded by one subject, relationship.
10. Who or what has been your biggest influence in photography?
I won't say there's one biggest influence because my work is usually influenced by different artworks, films, or books, etc.
11. What message would you share to inspire photographers to participate in photography awards, and what advice would you give to help them excel in the competition?
Create work for yourself. And your work needs a chance to be seen.
12. What’s one piece of advice for someone just starting in photography?
Take photos as you feel like it.
13. What role do editing and post-processing play in your creative workflow?
It's a routine at the end. I won't say it's necessary for my work, but it makes it look better.
14. How do you see technology, like AI, influencing the future of photography and your own approach?
I don't really pay attention to this because it doesn't influence my own approach, as photography is my way of expression and I want it to come completely from myself. The process of physically working on it is also a part of the story behind the final work.
15. If you could photograph anything or anyone in the world, what would it be?
There isn't a certain object for me because it depends on what I want to express.
