Meet Ran Qian | Photographer

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

Hi Ran, how do you think about risk?
Risk has been a fundamental part of my journey as a photographer. Transitioning from filmmaking and media to photography meant starting from scratch, embracing new challenges and opportunities for growth. My proactive approach to risk-taking led me to seize opportunities that were uncertain but promising, like when I reached out to a French photographer I admired. This bold move not only allowed me to learn directly from an expert but also turned him into a mentor who guided me through various aspects of the profession. He taught me not just about photography itself, but also essential skills like client communication and pricing strategies. Embracing these risks has enriched my career and helped define my unique style and approach in the competitive field of photography.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Your artistic journey and the ethos behind your work are truly inspiring. Here’s a refined version of your statement:

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**Exploring My Artistic Journey**

My work is fundamentally narrative-driven. I focus on the ‘why’ behind events, using this question as the thematic backbone for my projects. This approach helps me build a body of work that portrays frequently misrepresented minorities in a more humane light.

I strive to capture human connections by getting to know my subjects deeply, engaging with their stories. This intimacy is crucial and it resonates throughout my work, providing a genuine, heartfelt perspective that sets my photography apart.

Reaching where I am today was not without its challenges, but one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of nurturing connections. Viewing everyone as friends and not just way of exploitation has made a significant difference. This approach has fostered a reciprocal relationship where we support each other’s growth. As my friends succeed, their success also facilitates my own. This sense of community and mutual support is central to my personal and professional philosophy.

I want the world to know that my art and brand are about more than just aesthetics; they’re about genuine human stories and fostering community. My journey teaches that authenticity and empathy are as important in building a career as they are in creating art.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Summer Highlights:

Day 1: Urban Climbing in Bushwick
– Kick off the week with a trip to the Metro Rock climbing gym in Bushwick. It’s the perfect spot to challenge yourselves with bouldering problems while bonding. The gym offers a variety of routes for all skill levels, making it a fun and engaging experience. After climbing, you can grab dinner at the Takahachi SA, a Japanese bakery. They do a great Onigiri and other hot food options.

Day 2: Day Trip to the Beach
– Take a break from the city with a day trip to one of Long Island’s beaches. Pack a picnic and go kite surfing.

Winter Highlights:

Day 3 to 5: Snowboarding Trip to Killington, Vermont
– As winter rolls in, take a road trip to Killington, Vermont. Rent a cozy Airbnb and prepare for two days of exhilarating snowboarding. Killington offers a range of slopes that cater to both beginners and advanced riders. After a full day on the slopes, enjoy some downtime by the fireplace, perhaps with some local craft beer or hot chocolate to warm up.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to highlight someone incredibly influential in my journey: Mathieu Rabary. Transitioning from filmmaking and media to photography was a leap into the unknown, requiring me to start from scratch and embrace a clash of new challenges. It was pure serendipity that led me to Mathieu, a photographer whose work I had admired on YouTube. Our paths crossed unexpectedly when a stranger on the street invited me to join a local photography group chat in Shanghai because he liked the camera I was carrying. To my surprise, I found Mathieu in that group.

Reaching out to Mathieu was a pivotal moment in my career. Not only did he not hesitate to invite me to go on set with him but also treated me like a friend and not someone to exploit for free. It allowed me the opportunity to learn from a seasoned expert, but it also turned him into a mentor who guided me through various crucial aspects of the profession. Mathieu taught me about the art and technicalities of photography, and his mentorship extended well beyond the camera. He coached me on essential skills such as how to communicate effectively with clients and how to strategically set pricing—skills that are indispensable in the competitive field of photography.

Website: https://ryanqian.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanqian_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanqian2001

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvkJruPzukLUTtM_kNVZUgg

Image Credits
1. Odin and Vale
2. Jae Kim
3. King Lin and Sam Zhang
4. Amber Williams
5. Justin Son and his dog Nino