Meet Xinyu Liu of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Xinyu Liu

Xinyu, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Before I began my photography journey, I was actually in the restaurant business, running a small eatery. By chance, I was introduced to photography, and I started taking random photos on the streets, capturing candid moments of strangers. The positive feedback I received from them was incredibly encourage me. This support motivated me to explore portrait photography. After careful consideration, I decided to leave the restaurant business to fully commit myself to photography. To support myself and have a more flexible schedule, I chose to work as an Uber driver. This job not only provides me with an income but also allows me to explore every corner of Los Angeles to finding new inspiration and unique scenes for my photography.Recently, my work has gained recognition from several magazines. In addition to being featured in the December cover of Marika Media Magazine, my photos have also been selected by Vigour and Blush, a 6xmedia publication. This has been a rewarding journey, and I’m looking forward to reaching even more people through my photography.

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?
The road hasn’t exactly been smooth; I’ve definitely faced some challenges along the way. One of the toughest parts was to switch from running a restaurant to diving into photography which is such a different creative field. I didn’t have any formal training, so I had to learn everything on my own from figuring out lighting and to getting comfortable with my camera settings. I had spend a lot of time to watched a ton of tutorials and practiced whenever I could, but there were plenty of moments where I felt stuck and frustrated.Building up a client base was another big challenge. Being new to the industry, I had to start from scratch to build a portfolio and earn people’s trust. I had to work hard to keep growing my reputation. Working as an Uber driver helped me stay afloat financially, but balancing that with my passion for photography was tiring at times.Even with these challenges, every bit of progress and positive feedback has made it all worth it. These experiences have taught me resilience and adaptability, and I’ve come to appreciate every opportunity that comes my way.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a photographer specializing in cinematic and moody portraits. My style is heavily influenced by storytelling; each photo I take aims to capture more than just a moment—it tells a story, often with a touch of nostalgia and emotion. I find inspiration from various sources, including classic films, anime, and everyday life in Los Angeles. I love creating images that feel both intimate and dramatic, which is something that sets my work apart.One of the things I’m most proud of is having my work featured on the cover of Marika Media Magazine’s December issue, as well as being published in Vigour and Blush by 6xmedia. These features have been huge milestones for me, especially considering that I’ve only been in photography for a short time. I think my ability to connect with subjects and create an emotional impact through my images is what really sets me apart from others in the industry.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
One of the most helpful resources for me has been the New York Institute of Photography textbook. It provides a solid foundation in photography principles and techniques, which has been invaluable for my growth. I’ve also subscribed to Vogue and have been reading other photography books to keep myself inspired and informed about trends in fashion and portrait photography.YouTube is another essential part of my learning process. I frequently watch videos on color grading and photography techniques. Channels dedicated to these topics have allowed me to improve my skills and experiment with new styles.In addition, Lightroom and Photoshop are my go-to apps for editing. They help me bring my vision to life, especially when I want to achieve a cinematic look. Editing is a significant part of my workflow, and these tools are crucial for creating the final aesthetic I aim for.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xy_edward0414?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==