Meet Wandi (Lexie) Zhang | Fashion photographer
We had the good fortune of connecting with Wandi (Lexie) Zhang and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Wandi (Lexie), we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
To me, taking risks is essential in both art and life. As a fashion photographer, every creative decision comes with uncertainty — from choosing an unconventional concept to working with new collaborators. But it’s in those uncertain spaces that the most meaningful and striking work emerges.
Moving to New York was one of the biggest risks I’ve taken. I left behind a familiar environment and network to pursue opportunities in a highly competitive industry. I didn’t know what would happen, but I trusted my vision and instincts. That leap led me to work with international magazines and amazing artists — opportunities I wouldn’t have had if I played it safe.
In my creative process, I try not to chase trends or rely on what’s “safe.” I often draw from niche inspirations — like ancient scripts or subversive cultural themes — and translate them into visual narratives. Sometimes that means people won’t “get it” right away, but I’d rather take that risk than dilute the story I want to tell.
Risk is a compass. If something feels slightly scary or unfamiliar, that usually means I’m growing.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is rooted in storytelling—I use fashion photography as a language to explore identity, rebellion, memory, and emotion. What sets my work apart is the blend of conceptual depth with visual intensity. I’m drawn to themes that are slightly uncomfortable, poetic, or surreal, and I often integrate historical or cultural references—like ancient scripts, mythology, or subversive aesthetics—to create images that feel both haunting and alive.
One of the things I’m most proud of is being able to maintain my creative voice while working in a fast-paced, often trend-driven industry. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with amazing stylists, models, and magazines, and every shoot is a chance to go deeper—to not just make something beautiful, but something that makes people feel.
Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. I moved to New York on my own, with no guarantees. I was constantly navigating rejection, language barriers, financial stress, and cultural adaptation. There were moments I questioned everything. But I kept shooting, kept experimenting, kept showing up. I learned to be patient with myself, to trust my instincts even when things didn’t seem to “make sense,” and to create for myself first—before thinking about validation.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that consistency matters more than confidence. You don’t have to feel certain—you just have to keep going.
What I want the world to know about me and my work is that I’m not here to follow the rules. I want to build a visual archive of emotion, rebellion, and human vulnerability—especially through a lens that centers marginalized voices, gender fluidity, and cultural fusion. My story is still unfolding, but I hope my images can be a mirror for others who are still searching for where they belong.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit, I wouldn’t waste time showing them the tourist version of New York. I’d take them straight into Brooklyn’s underground—where the real energy lives. To me, there’s nothing more exciting than stepping into a dark room filled with pounding techno, fog in the air, and bodies moving like they’re part of one giant heartbeat.
We’d start with something slow—maybe a drink at a lowkey bar in Ridgewood or Bushwick, just enough to warm up. Then, we’d head to Rash or Paragon. Those places feel like portals. Rash especially—there’s this unapologetic queerness and rawness that I love. You walk in and instantly feel the freedom to be whoever you are, or whoever you want to be for the night.
If we’re going harder, I’d take them to Basement in Queens. It’s intense—in the best way. No distractions, no dress code, no pretense. Just pure sound and movement. And if the energy is still flowing, we might wander into Elsewhere or HOLO after. Elsewhere always has something unexpected—whether it’s a rooftop set or a weird experimental room tucked behind the main stage. HOLO is more intimate, but it gets wild in the best way.
What I want to show them isn’t just a party—it’s a feeling. The kind of night that unfolds slowly and suddenly, where you lose track of time and forget about your phone. The kind where you end up sitting on a Brooklyn sidewalk at 6am, eating dollar pizza, laughing about something that made total sense in the club but now sounds completely insane.
That’s the version of New York I love the most—where music, strangers, and the night itself become your best memory.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The person I want to give my biggest shoutout to is my mom. She’s not from the art world, but she’s always given me unwavering support and the freedom to explore my creative path. Even when she didn’t fully understand the themes or concepts in my photography, she never questioned my passion—instead, she encouraged me to take bold risks and trust myself.
I also want to thank every stylist, makeup artist, model, and editor I’ve ever worked with. In every shoot, the energy of each person subtly shapes the final result. We grow through each other. Sometimes, a model’s glance, a tiny styling detail, or just a few words of encouragement from an editor can reignite my passion when I feel burned out.
There’s also a book that had a lasting impact on me: Gone with the Wind. It taught me how powerful resilience and emotional complexity can be in the midst of chaos. Scarlett’s stubbornness, pride, and refusal to give up helped shape my own understanding of femininity. Her character inspires me to capture that duality—strength and softness—in the women I photograph.
So I truly believe: behind every version of “me,” there are countless “thems” who made it possible.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexiepage49/
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