Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheng Gong.
Hi Cheng, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a full-time photographer based in New York City, and my journey in photography spans over 15 years. My passion for photography ignited during my college years at Donghua University in Shanghai, where I majored in Environmental Art of Design. Despite having only two photography classes, I found myself deeply immersed in the art form.
My professional journey took shape when I became the assistant of commercial photographer Michael Zhao in Shanghai. Working with him for three years, I honed my technical skills in still-life and celebrity portraits. However, my initial pursuit of photography faced skepticism from my mom, who deemed it an unstable career.
To meet my mom’s wishes, I pursued a major in project management at Northeastern University in Boston. Undeterred, I transformed my living room into a makeshift photo studio and started taking photos for friends and classmates, earning a modest income. My passion persisted, and after conversations with my mom, I convinced her of my dedication to photography. She supported my decision, helping me secure admission to the School of Visual Arts for an MFA degree in Photography, video, and related media.
During my studies at SVA, I merged my commercial background with fine art influences. Under the guidance of my mentor, Shimon Attie, I explored Western oil painting techniques, leading to the creation of my series, “The Banquet” and “The Ten Precepts of Buddhism.”
Post-graduation, I established Seven Plus Studio, a photography studio in NYC specializing in product, portrait, and event photography. While the photography industry is dynamic and sometimes unpredictable, the opportunities in NYC have fueled my determination. Balancing commercial work with personal projects, I continue to explore my passion for Chinese food photography, blending raw ingredients with oil painting-style backgrounds.
As a commercial photographer, I find fulfillment in both making a living and pursuing my artistic endeavors. My journey is an ongoing balance between the commercial and the creative, a harmony of livelihood and artistry.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As I mentioned earlier, my family wasn’t on board with my dream of becoming a photographer for quite a while. They were concerned about the stability of making a living in this field. However, I persisted with my passion for over ten years, and that dedication eventually won them over.
Dealing with the cultural gap between Chinese and Western cultures has been another significant challenge for me. Being Chinese, conveying my ideas and concepts to Western audiences can be tough. When I started photographing Chinese food, for instance, my classmates couldn’t grasp why I chose that subject. There were hidden Chinese stories behind my photos that they weren’t aware of. So, when I created the “Ten Precepts of Buddhism” series, I put a lot of thought into how it would be perceived by both Eastern and Western audiences.
The language barrier adds another layer of complexity. Expressing my concepts and connecting with the art community becomes more intricate when English proficiency is limited. In much of my commercial work, I collaborate with Chinese clients, and there are limited opportunities for me to use English. Even for my art projects, explaining the hidden Chinese stories behind my photos in English poses challenges. This can be a hindrance in networking and limits exposure.
Speaking about being a full-time photographer, while there are numerous opportunities and, on the whole, I manage to make a living; the stability factor is a bit unpredictable. There are times when I find myself working continuously for one or two weeks, but there are also periods where I have no assignments for a couple of weeks. It’s not uncommon for clients to inquire about my availability for the next day, and cancellations happen quite frequently as well. The nature of the job can be quite dynamic and variable.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my commercial work, I specialize in capturing compelling portraits and product images tailored for companies’ social media, websites, and advertisements. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with prestigious magazines such as Vogue, W Magazine, and Elle, among others, elevating my experience and exposure in the industry.
On a more personal and artistic front, my primary focus centers around Chinese cuisine, serving as a canvas to illustrate not only cultural nuances but also my individual struggles within that context.
One of my proudest accomplishments is the “Ten Precepts of Buddhism,” a project that consumed a year of dedicated effort. Through this series, I aim to unveil the true essence of Chinese culture to Western audiences, offering insights into Eastern cultures. I had the privilege of showcasing this work in a solo exhibition at an art organization’s gallery. During an Artist Talk session, I engaged with audiences of all ages who not only showed interest in my work but also exhibited a genuine curiosity about Chinese culture. While there are hidden stories in my pieces that might be challenging for Western viewers to discern initially, providing explanations enhances their understanding.
In my creative process, I venture into the realm of oil painting-style photography, utilizing Chinese elements to convey my interpretation of Chinese culture and highlight the disparities between the two cultures. My approach doesn’t strictly adhere to traditional photography methods; instead, I incorporate commercial photography techniques to bring a unique perspective to my artistic endeavors.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m keen on continuing what I’ve been doing and taking my business to the next level by bringing on some assistants. After years of navigating the photography landscape on my own, I’ve hit a bit of a bottleneck. Most of my clients come to me through word of mouth, which, while great, feels like a somewhat limited resource. The nature of commercial photography demands a lot of energy, and it’s quite labor-intensive. I often find myself drained after a full day’s photo shoot, and there are instances where I have to push through several consecutive days of work. That’s where having a team comes in – someone to handle marketing and client communications, as well as assistants to share the load during photoshoots. It’s not just about lightening my workload; it’s about expanding the business.
Commercial photography is a livelihood, a means to achieve my client’s goals, and now it’s about taking that next step. Hiring a team will not only allow me to cater to a broader clientele but also afford me the time to focus on what inspired me to start taking pictures in the first place – creating more of my own art. It’s a return to my initial intention, a way to inject a bit of balance into my work. It’s about making a living while also finding moments of relaxation and creativity amidst the hustle.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chenggongphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photocheng/
- Other: Commercial: https://www.7plus.studio/
