Today we’d like to introduce you to Ephney Tsai.
Ephney, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always loved photography since I was a child – my dad and grandfather were also big on photography, and I started off using their old cameras. Aside from photography, I was also always big in music. Everything I did, I had to have music playing in the background, and combining those two interests together was something that came naturally. In my free time, I liked to go to concerts, and I always found that I enjoyed them best when I was taking photos of the performer. A lot of people found it odd, as they would either enjoy the moment without looking at their phones/cameras, or they would record videos to re-watch. When asked why I took photos at these shows, my answer was simple: taking a photo captures a moment that will never happen again.
The emotions you’re feeling in that moment, the passion the performer is feeling on stage, and the connection between the audience and performer; all that’s happening in that very moment, is a once in a lifetime thing, and there’s nothing better than being able to keep it forever in the form of a photo. Obviously, just being a high school student with no platform, I didn’t have many ways to share these photos with others who loved the same artists as I did. so, during my junior year of high school, I started to email organizations and events, offering to take photos for them for free, in exchange for being able to build up my portfolio. Since then, I’ve worked with various media sites and currently, work with a Korean Entertainment media site based in Australia (although everything is done remotely).
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Definitely not. Much like many others, I went through a lot of financial difficulties. Starting off, I was borrowing a camera from my mom’s workplace to bring to events and shoot with. They didn’t use it much anymore, and they were considering selling it to me for a very cheap price, so things were going great! Unfortunately, the camera was stolen, which put me out of equipment. Around that same time, my mom was diagnosed with Stage II Breast Cancer and had to have surgery and undergo chemotherapy. Because medical costs were high and my mom was unable to work while being treated, I temporarily stopped pursuing photography to work full time in a coffee shop. Although some good did come out of this in that I love working with coffee and making drinks now, it was a big setback for me.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m a photographer that specializes in events and concerts! I’m a one-person team, and I think I’m most proud that I haven’t given up on my photography goals. I’m always striving for improvement, and always giving 110% in each project.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is being able to do what you love and make a living off of it. It’s finding happiness in everyday life, despite any hardships that you may be going through! I do believe it’s different for each person, though, so while I may think something counts as a success, others may not see it the same. Anything that makes me feel accomplished like I’ve had a weight lifted off my shoulders, counts for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: goo.gl/2yzsHG
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zxt.photos
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