Meet Xiaopeng Zhan

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

Hi Xiaopeng, what role has risk played in your life or career?
To me, risk represents an opportunity to push boundaries and challenge myself. As a young photographer, I’m constantly exploring the unknown and finding ways to innovate. Taking risks has played a significant role in my career, whether it was the transition from being a student to a full-time freelancer or founding my own company, Yummy Production. While these decisions came with uncertainty, I believe that taking these leaps has allowed me to pursue unique creative opportunities and develop a distinct artistic voice.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is all about storytelling through a unique fusion of photography, 3D modeling, and AI. I’m passionate about creating images that invite people into a world that feels both real and surreal—bringing the unseen to life and pushing beyond the limits of traditional photography. What sets my work apart is my focus on blending technology with visual narratives, using 3D and AI to build immersive scenes that often serve as backdrops for my photos. This approach allows me to develop visuals that are bold and distinctive, mixing real and virtual elements to create something entirely new.

Getting to where I am today has definitely been a journey. It wasn’t easy, especially as I transitioned from studying to freelancing full-time and eventually founding my own company, Yummy Production. One of the biggest challenges was establishing myself in New York’s highly competitive creative industry, where there’s a constant need to stand out. But I kept pushing through by refining my style and seeking projects that resonated with me. I also learned to embrace failure as part of the creative process—each setback taught me something new and helped me evolve.

One lesson that’s stuck with me is the importance of being adaptable. The world of photography and media is changing quickly, with new technology and trends emerging constantly. Staying open to these changes has allowed me to bring something fresh to each project and continually develop my own voice as an artist.

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.
If a friend were visiting New York, I’d take them to experience the city’s diverse charm. We’d start with breakfast at Russ & Daughters, then stroll through Central Park, visit MoMA or the Met in the afternoon, and have classic pastrami sandwiches at Katz’s Delicatessen for dinner. The next few days, we’d explore Brooklyn’s art districts, discover hidden cafes, and end the nights with skyline views at rooftop bars like Westlight. On the last day, we’d browse unique boutiques in SoHo—capturing the full essence of New York’s art, culture, and food!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely! I’d love to give a huge shoutout to my professors and mentors at the School of Visual Arts (SVA). Their guidance helped me lay the foundation not only in photography but also in building a mindset to pursue bold ideas. They taught me to think critically and refine my artistic vision, which has been invaluable in a field that constantly evolves.

I also owe a lot to my family and friends, who encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and move to New York. That support made a massive difference as I navigated the challenges of freelancing and eventually launched Yummy Production. And finally, a shoutout to the creative community in New York itself—meeting people here, from other photographers to art directors, has inspired me and pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. The collaborations and shared insights have played a huge part in my journey so far.

Website: xiaopengzhan.com

Instagram: sa1go

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xiaopeng-zhan-5b81a31aa/