I like a style of photography that is poetic and real and familiar, that gives the impression like you’ve chanced upon a private moment. It’s very voyeuristic, I know, but it also gives a sense of intimacy. When I look at some of the work of local Brisbane photographer, Chih-Han Hsu that’s the kind of feeling I get. So, we decided to catch up for a tête-à-tête.
Did you study photography?
I’m self taught apart from [my] highschool photo club. I’ve always loved art and worked in the creative industry (3d character artist, graphic design). After my studio went down late last year I picked up a camera as a fast way of creating images; I’m obsessed with observing (people in particular) and I find photography the most portable and accessible way to capture it.
So do you hold down another 9-5 job, alongside the photography?
Nope, I don’t have a full time photo job just now. A lot of the picts I take are just fun, personal projects with friends really, but I’ve build up enough decent stuff for people to show interest and I’m getting some more shoots now. Apart from what you see on my site I shoot socials on weekends at times, and I actually started shooting socials before I did fashion work.
Looking at your site, your body of work is mostly fashion editorials. Are you interested in fashion in a sartorial sense, or only when you’re behind the camera?
I love fashion in the way that it can transform and convey a person, as well as it’s nature of artistic expression. I’m not totally controlled by fashion but I appreciate it along with the people associated with it. I’m inspired by fashion but more so who/what I’m shooting.
Who are the people you associate with? I recognise local stylist Abi Fincham.
I didn’t really mean people who i work with, but just friends… just normal people with beautiful characters, faces and heart. That’s all I really need to get inspired… I browse a shit load to keep my eye attached to pretty girls and wonderful art anyway. Stylist wise I do work with Rachelle Sinclair quite a bit and will continue to do so. She has a good performance arts background and allows me to have more theatrical elements in my shoots, plus I stress direction and performance from models… I think we’re both on a similar wave length. Jade Ferguson I’m also working on some projects with her too.
There’s a sort of dream-like, ethereal quality to your work. Would you consider yourself a romantic?
I’m not sure i’m a romantic. Maybe, but I do love dreams and a surreal magic twist on reality. And I prefer a degree of honesty to my work. It must be honest, to me at least.
Do you think you can sustain yourself creatively in Brisbane?
I have a collection of friend keeping me inspire locally and outside of brisbane, however I’m definately thinking of moving early next year to broaden my mind and (my) work. Photography is quite new to me, I’ve only taken it seriously for about a year and only starting to get some notice; travelling should be a good idea. As to where, i’m not sure yet.
