Today we’d like to introduce you to Bobby Yu.
Hi Bobby, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I developed a passion for photography at a very young age and decided to pursue it as a career in high school, where I began creating photographic and documentary artworks. My early works received awards from local organizations and were featured by several media outlets in my hometown, Qingdao.
In 2021, I continued my artistic journey at UC San Diego, majoring in Visual Arts Media, and earned my degree this summer. Throughout my four years of study, I refined my creative approach and strengthened my technical skills in both photography and videography. My works have since been recognized in multiple international photography contests and film festivals.
After graduation, I founded my own media company, Bobby Yu Film & Photo, focusing on wedding documentaries and commercial media services. While working professionally, I remain committed to pursuing my artistic vision and continuing to create meaningful artworks.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has never been easy. I’ve always known that my chosen path isn’t the most practical or popular, and that building a career in art would come with uncertainty. Yet, I chose to follow my passion instead of chasing stability in something I had no interest in. I believe that a meaningful life comes from doing what truly inspires me. Over the years, this persistence has brought recognition from both the community and my clients, reaffirming my decision. I know challenges will always exist, but staying true to my passion remains the most important thing—and I will continue creating with the same love that started it all.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My works are focused on photography and documentary. I wish this coverage would focus on my documentary because my film BORN RACER won the Los Angeles Film Awards as the best short documentary category this summer; And very recently my film Oranges without Peels, Crabs without Shells get into the Quarter-Finalist of New York International Film Awards.
BORN RACER is a documentary purely driven by passion. It represents my attempt to merge my love for motorsports with my craft as a filmmaker. I met Daniel, the main subject of the film, in 2022, and we quickly became close friends. That same year, I made a go-kart documentary about him, but I wasn’t fully satisfied with the result. I told him, “Let me know when you race seriously next time—let’s make something greater.” Two years later, our friendship had grown even stronger, and we had the chance to film his race in Zhuzhou, China. This time, the story unfolded with a much more powerful dramatic arc. The bond between Daniel and me over the years made this film feel more organic, honest, and deeply personal.
Oranges Without Peels, Crabs Without Shells is a commissioned wedding documentary—not purely passion-driven, but still deeply creative. I took this project as an opportunity to experiment and bring a more documentary-style approach to wedding films. Instead of focusing solely on visual spectacle, I emphasized storytelling and emotional depth. My slogan, “Slow down, tell me your story,” reflects my artistic vision: to create wedding films that are intimate, reflective, and different from the conventional style.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk can be defined very differently by different people. For example, a highly introverted person might find ordering at a restaurant to be a big risk, while Alex Honnold might see free-soloing El Capitan as only a moderate one. I think many people would describe me as a risk-taker, though I personally see myself as relatively cautious. People often view me that way because I enjoy exploring things that are unfamiliar or outside most people’s comfort zones. For instance, I’m not a professional racer, but I have experience driving go-karts and race cars. While many consider racing a dangerous sport, I understand that the real risk is quite manageable—as long as I’m skilled and attentive enough to prevent danger early. In short, the more professional I become, the less risky it is. Another example is my love for traveling. I often travel alone to experience different cultures and meet new people. When I went to Brazil by myself, my family and friends were worried about safety, but I trusted my instincts and travel experience. In the end, I never felt unsafe during the entire trip. In short, I’m willing to take risks—but only those I understand and can manage. I believe in taking risks the smart way: confidently, but with preparation and awareness.
Pricing:
- Wedding Documentary, $3K-4.5K
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bobbyu26.com/documentary
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobbyufilm/
- Other: https://www.bobbyu26.com/wedding
