Photo by Jayna Chan

I’ve been interviewed over at Retro Sunday, because I don’t want you guys to miss out, below is an extract of the interview.

A little introduction.
I’ve been doing photography for over 5 years and have been taking it quite seriously for the last 3. I’m a self taught photographer, I studied graphic design and have been working as an art director in online advertising for over 5 years, it was through work and friends that my love for photography was ignited. I specialise in fashion and portrait photography and I hope to shoot plenty of editorial work in the future as well as further develop my personal work. I started xssat in 2008 to combine my love of fashion and photography, being a digital native, blogging is the perfect fit. When I’m out style hunting I’m constantly scanning the streets, when I see someone that catches my eye, I simply tell them it’s for my blog and ask to take their pictures. It really is the ultimate compliment to someone and their fashion sense so I rarely get turned down.
You can find my photography work at: http://xiaohan.net/photography.htm

The moment you realised you wanted to be a photographer?
The moment I saw one of my friend’s photography work I knew I had to pick up a camera and start snapping.

Describe your style.
My photography style is feminine and honest, I strive to make my pictures intriguing, to convey emotions, feeling and stories.

What inspires you creatively? Any key influences?
Films, music and the places you see and the people you meet traveling the world.

Tools of the trade.
Canon 5D mk II and a big array of film cameras including: Olympus OM2, Seagull TRL and Holga.

Describe your creative work flow from concept to completion.
For my street fashion work, I try to set aside at least half a day every week to roam the streets of Sydney. Sometimes I see no one I find interesting, other days I find 5 or 6 and that’s a lot! For my fashion work, I dream up a concept, usually inspired by a designer’s collection, a recent film I’ve seen or perhaps just something that’s been brewing in my sub-conscious. I then find the suitable models, go location scouting and put together a team of stylist, hair and makeup artist. I’m always heavily involved in every step, from deciding the clothes, to the makeup and hair. The actual photo session only takes a few hours, a day max, but the preparation can take weeks with many headaches and cancellations involved.

Your dream project?
To shoot fashion editorials for magazines like ID, V and Dazed and Confused.

Any hobbies or passions outside of fashion and photography?
I love to work with my hands, I do a bit of crafty things when I get around to it, like sewing and making props for my shoots.

Can’t live without?
Good food.

Growing up I wanted to be a…..
Creative director at a design firm.

To read the whole interview, visit Retro Sundays!