Check Out Xiaohan Lu’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Xiaohan Lu

Hi Xiaohan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I studied mass communication at Purdue University for my undergraduate degree. In my junior year, I took an elective photography course. That class was the first time I seriously explored photography. The teacher loved Magnum Photos and documentary photography, sharing works by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Martin Parr, and Vivian Maier, which sparked my passion for photography. After graduating, I worked at an advertising company in Shanghai, where I was introduced to fashion and commercial photography. At that time I began to explore creating my own photo work. After a year, I quit my job and went to the School of Visual Arts in New York to study digital photography. Since graduating in 2021, I have been working in photography-related jobs in New York.

I mainly shoot fashion and commercial photography. I often collaborate with many independent designer brands in New York and LA, and my work has been featured in the media and on fashion magazines multiple times. I believe the reason I love photography is that it’s a great way to express myself. Through my work, I can let viewers see things from my perspective and experience my sense of aesthetics, which greatly inspires my imagination and creativity.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I first started shooting, it was really challenging because I had to build a team by myself. For example, in fashion photography, completing a shoot isn’t simple. I had to come up with a theme, choose locations, set up lighting, and develop creative ideas. I also needed to actively contact models, makeup artists, and stylists. In the beginning, my lack of experience led to many mistakes. For instance, during an outdoor winter shoot, lighting issues caused our 8-hour shoot to extend indefinitely. Since I could only book the model for 8 hours, she had to leave, and I couldn’t complete my vision. There were many similar situations. However, I believe every shoot is a learning experience that helps me think more comprehensively and prepare better for future projects.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a fashion photographer, I am known for my vibrant use of color. My inspiration often comes from my personal experiences, insights from books, and reflections on current social phenomena. For example, my series “The Crowd” is based on the book “The Crowd” which highlights how an individual has distinct personality traits when isolated, but these traits are often submerged when they join a group, as their thoughts get replaced by the collective mindset. This concept sparked my creative inspiration. In the shoot, I used mirrors and intertwined ties to reflect my thoughts on this idea.

Another series, “Premium Mediocre,” explores how young people excessively use social media, often showcasing luxury items and extravagant objects that don’t fit their identity, in a bid to gain online attention. I’m thrilled that this series has received much recognition; it was chosen as the Juror’s Choice for the 2023 Atlanta Photography Group, selected as an official visual for the Italy Trieste 2024 Urban Photo Awards, and is set to be exhibited at the Brussels section of the Louvre in Paris this month.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In the next 5-10 years, the fashion industry is likely to see several big changes. First, sustainability will be more important. Many brands will focus on eco-friendly materials and ethical production to reduce their impact on the environment. Second, technology will play a big role. Virtual reality and augmented reality will allow customers to try on clothes online, making shopping more interactive.

Additionally, fast fashion may decline as consumers become more aware of its negative effects. Instead, there will be a rise in second-hand shopping and clothing rentals. Personalization will also grow, with brands using data to offer customized products that fit individual styles and sizes.

Finally, diversity and inclusion will continue to be essential. More brands will feature models of different sizes, ethnicities, and backgrounds, reflecting a wider range of beauty. Overall, the fashion industry will become more innovative, responsible, and inclusive, creating a better future for everyone.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: grace.lux