Exclusive interview with Edward Xue

Dear Edward, Congratulations, you are the Photographer of the year 2021 and the owner of the £1500 cash prize. Your winner photo is the cover of this month edition. We were very impressed about your picture and the story what is behind. Harrison said your picture is like “made for cover” and Esteban described your photo like a “soul capturer”. We would like to know more about your story.

Firstly, can you tell me couple of things about you?

I’m originally from China, moved to Dubai (UAE) six years ago because of a job opportunity. Photography is always my passion and hobby, and now it becomes more like my part-time job. I have been a photographer more than six years. I’m more into portrait photography, to capture the beauty of the human body and emotions. I am a person who love fashion, design, travelling hanging out with friends and cooking.

Please describe the winner picture.

I went on cycling one day with two friends and during the trip I captured this picture. The title of the picture is “Road of the life”. I tried to do some fresh and clean concept. This picture has two sides. Past – Future, Death – Life, Sadness – Happiness, Misery – New hope. The drawn bicycle on the road means the past, death, sadness, misery, loneliness, sickness(virus). The rider in the distance means the future, life, happiness, health, hope. This is kind of the road of life. We all struggle sometimes in our life. It is part of the life. We have to accept it, but there is a new day, new opportunity, new hope for a better, happier life. The rider is us, who try to reach the goal, the happiness, the better future.

What does photography mean to you?

Witness of existence, memory of life. The best part is, you can save all the memories you like and to cherish them when you want. Photography is an art, it is how you interpret your thoughts, your passion and your ideas.

How would you describe your style?

I do not think I have a fixed style, but I do male fashion editorial photograph more, sometimes I do landscapes also. Well, to be honest, I never think about what kind of style my photography belongs to, as I can tell, it is more about the

feeling.

What was your first ever picture that you took?

I think it was about my parents, after I got my first camera as a gift from my father. It was a very meaningful moment in my life.

Can you tell us about your achievements?

My artworks got appreciate and affirmation by few online magazines, got published. I have been working with international professional models and have couple of successful projects under my name.

Why did you choose this contest?

I saw it by chances, then I thought I should give a try, plus I ride bicycle every week, so it is somehow related.

What or who inspires you?

Lots of different creative person and photographers could bring you new ideas. I always come up with different ideas when

I see people on social media.

Many photographers and fashion designers inspire me and seeing all those shared opinions and good feedbacks through social media keep me inspired all the time. Photography is my passion and wholeheartedly embracing it. I love what I am doing and I keep on discovering new things.

What is the hardest thing about photography?

For most of the people, I guess it is the same, cannot afford the ideal camera or lens. I started photography using a digital camera. I begged my Dad for my first DSLR as my birthday gift. In earlier part, I could not afford the ideal camera or lens (I think that is the biggest challenges for most of the people who love photography) However, that is not the real issue! Finding your own way of expressing your works with your present camera is what matters.

Talent or practice?

Half, half. Talent makes you different and attractive, practice makes the improvements.

Do you have a project what would like to share?

Yes, I do. I would like to share two pictures. The first one is a scene in an Italian city called Naples. It was a great sunny day and I went for a walk. I liked the clock tower on the square. It is very symmetrical. It is a very interesting scene. I can describe this like the duality, so lonely and busy at the same time. When I see this picture always heavy thoughts come in my mind.

The second picture is very similar to the previous one. This picture was taken in Italy, the island called Procida. It was a cloudy day, very chill. I made this picture when I was passing by. I had a couple of words with this old man after the picture. He was very kind and wise. When I see this picture, I feel the cruelty of the time. He used to be a child, but now he is an old man sitting there alone.

What is the best advice you received?

Keep doing what you like.

I would like to congratulate again and hopefully you will capture more success and pictures in the future.