VISION: When did you start thinking this was something you could do professionally?

-I entered Art Center College of Design without knowing that it’s the best and the most well known art school worldwide. Once I was among the best and with a dedication to be the most innovative, I knew that’s what I would end up doing my entire life.

VISION: You work in both black & white and color, do you personally have a preference?

Copyright Huengman

-I don’t have a preference, but I have curiosities. I’d try to explore elements that are edgy, non-mainstream, and even unacceptable. I’m totally believed in breaking rules and turn mistakes into beauty.

VISION: Tell us about working as a fashion photographer in New York. What is the funniest thing you have experienced in your work and what is the worst thing to be a photographer in NY?

-Photography in NY is very international and highly competitive. On my way entering NYC with a truck loaded of belongings, a wise man told me that the minute you stop working on your art there are possibly over hundred artists trying twice as hard as you.

There’re lots of fun moments, but NY photographers are very serious about what they do and they have a very high standards. Happy moments are usually seeing the result after a hard working day.

NY is for photographers who specialize in a look/style. Photographers able to shoot all things and do well are rare to find in this city. It has its pros and cons. Go and develop your signature style, it’s NewYork City.

VISION: If you are not a photographer, what would you be in New York?

-I’d like to read…. then criticize. I love popular culture. So, I’ll be a pop-critic….. I might be good enough to write for Vision.

VISION: I have noticed that you made lots pictures like “people in motion”. Do you have a preference on people in motion? If yes, why? Is “people on rest” boring?

-Once I’m comfortable with a certain look, I’ll move on to the next. I guess ‘people in motion’ is a newer challenge to the old way of my picture taking.

Copyright Huengman

VISION: How do you find your models?

-It’s usually through modeling agencies. Lots of time magazines has a particular face in mind….. However, my series NeoNoir is all hungry NewYork actors…. The project leads me to conclude that models tend to be superficial while actors are full of substance.

VISION: What defines a good photograph? What is sexy in your point of view and what is not sexy?

-I don’t recommend anyone to define good/bad. What’s good technically might be bad conceptually, while technically bad could be brilliant in concept. There’s an on-going revolution in photography. The history will simply make it clear.

I’m not quite clear about sexy since I have never explored the subject fully. I’m afraid when given the opportunity I’ll be in big trouble.

VISION: What is your next project?

-I’ve just done NeoNoir, so I’m now just happily resting…. Since I’m planning to be in China for 2 years, I’d think China would be a possible subject matter…. subculture, musicians and artists are always excited me.

VISION: Imagine you are a sculpture, what will be the material you
prefer to make a portrait for yourself? (ex: wood, wax, metal)

-I’m totally unfamiliar and not too interested in the process of sculpture. However, metal sounds an interesting challenge …… As for self-portrait, I wouldn’t mind the idea of photocopying myself over the machine.
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