Meet Kayee Kiu | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kayee Kiu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kayee, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born in China and moved to Hong Kong when I was four. Growing up, I often felt like an outsider and never truly felt a sense of belonging in Hong Kong. My journey took a new turn when I moved to the Los Angeles to pursue my college studies. I lived in LA and NY for almost 9 years.

Los Angeles, with its rich tapestry of nationalities and cultures, became my second home. The diverse environment broadened my perspectives and allowed me to meet numerous creative individuals during my time in school. These experiences have significantly shaped my creative process and have been instrumental in defining who I am today.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Growing up, I always sought ways to express myself. Coming from a traditional Chinese family, we rarely talked about or expressed love or emotions. My parents never knew how to show their love for me, resulting in a distant relationship until they passed away.

My search for self-expression led me to photography. As a visual person fascinated by human connections, emotions, and self-presentation, I found portraiture to be one of my biggest passions. I integrate this love into my fashion photography, striving for a documentary and authentic approach, even when working with models.

Connecting with my subjects is essential to my work, but it can be challenging during fashion shoots due to the often crowded and less intimate environment. Despite these struggles, I remain dedicated to my creative process. The overwhelming influx of images on social media has both positive and negative effects on my work. While it provides inspiration, it can also lead to overthinking what others might like, rather than focusing on my own vision.

I believe it’s crucial to stay true to your passion and create work that you love, rather than what you think others will appreciate. This commitment has shaped my unique style and continues to drive my creative journey.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love taking road trips in the U.S. Recently, I embarked on a short getaway to Idyllwild, a charming forest town just two to three hours from LA. I rented a cozy cabin nestled in the mountains and spent two peaceful nights there. Despite being a city girl, I find immense joy in retreating to the woods every now and then. It’s a wonderful way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle, connect with nature, and enjoy some much-needed tranquility. If you’re looking for a rejuvenating escape, I highly recommend a road trip to the woods.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I first discovered photography in a college class that met once a week. It was my initial formal introduction to the art of taking photos. My photography professor played a crucial role in my development, encouraging me to continue my studies in the U.S. and instilling in me the confidence to believe in myself. My work is also influenced by many photographers I admire, including Wolfgang Tillmans, Edward Weston, Irving Penn, David Armstrong, and Harley Weir.

Website: https://kiukayee.com

Instagram: kiukayee

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayee-kiu-7a139367/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064945656015