Shan Shi, a New York based fashion and fine art photographer, is the founder of 13 studios, has collaborated with various designers and brands and been part of exhibitions. Holding an MFA degree from SCAD, Shan's photography reflects her passion for the craft and her commitment to creating meaningful visual narratives. She humbly appreciates the opportunities to share her work and looks forward to continuing her creative journey.

What inspired you to become a photographer?
My interest in photography stems from my father. Since I was a child, my dad used cameras and DV to document my growth. When I was 14, I got my hands on a Casio camera, but my real introduction to photography happened in my senior year of high school. At that time, I was contemplating my choice of college major, and I happened to hear that photography was a university major. So, I proposed to my parents that I wanted to study photography. In my senior year, my father found a photographer to teach me photography, and I successfully entered university to study it. At that time, I was also studying dance. Fortunately, many of my dance class friends became models, so I started photographing my friends. Because my city didn't have a strong fashion atmosphere, I decided to go to the United States for grad school. I smoothly became a photographer and got to do the work I wanted to do.

How would you describe your photography style?
I don't have a specific style. I enjoy photographing everything related to fashion or commercial work. I've always considered myself a student, constantly learning and experimenting with various styles. I believe my style is humble yet daring, always seeking to push boundaries.

Having shot editorials, portraits, headshots and even products, what is your favorite to capture?
Editorials are definitely my favorite. For me, every editorial shoot is an opportunity to try out new styles. I really enjoy collaborating with different artists, makeup artists, stylists, designers, and more to create surprising and delightful works. As for portraits and products, I consider myself a professional photographer and enjoy the work. I'm a workaholic, LOL.

What is your creative approach to working with different clients and projects?
I do a lot of research, and it's essential for me to understand the client's style and requirements before a shoot. For independent designers, I often ask for their design mood board to grasp their design philosophy. I incorporate my own ideas while respecting their primary style. If a client has a specific concept that I believe may not work for them, I'm direct in explaining why and offer my own suggestions.

I also look for numerous examples. I firmly believe that no matter the idea, I'm definitely not the first person to think of it. I examine various artworks, as I think all ideas have occurred in history at some point.

Tell us about 13studios and why you started it.
Studios is a photography studio I established, catering to various types of clients, primarily brands and designers, and offering studio rental services. I've harbored the dream of having my own studio since I was 19. After moving to New York, I worked in a gallery for eight months, but due to its mismanagement, I resigned. At the time, I was considering entering a business school, but it suddenly dawned on me that I had always wanted to have my own studio. I realized that owning my own business was more appealing than attending business school. My family was incredibly supportive, and on the very day the idea struck me, I began scouting locations. Within three days, I found my current studio in Dumbo, and within a month, my studio was up and running. Everything happened remarkably quickly.

What is your favorite thing about working in the creative industry?
What I love most is the people with whom I work with. I enjoy collaborating with artists who are both interesting and professional because I feel like I'm learning with every project. Working with fascinating individuals brings joy to my life, and I find great pleasure in it. Interestingly, I've discovered that I also enjoy the feeling of being pushed creatively. I put pressure on myself to become more creative, but I've found that external pressure from others is even more effective for me.

How have you infused your upbringing and home culture into the vision of your work?
I was a somewhat rebellious child, but luckily, my family provided me with endless tolerance and love. In junior high, I moved to a city more than 1,300 miles away from home, where I encountered similar yet different languages and cultures. At the age of 22, I came to the United States for study, immersing myself in a completely different culture. I believe these experiences shaped my personality. I'm always open to trying new things and styles, but deep down, I also carry the traditional conservatism of my Chinese heritage, which also reflects in my work.

What inspires you the most?
I believe it's this world itself that inspires me. When I lack inspiration, I go out alone and observe everything around me. It's during these moments of exploration that everything can spark inspiration for me.

How has your photography style evolved in past years?
From my introduction to photography from 2014 to 2018, my focus primarily revolved around portrait photography, with a touch of fashion elements. After I arrived in the United States, I began experimenting with fine art photography. Simultaneously, I delved into capturing fashion imagery. Between 2018 and early 2022, my work was distinctly separated into fine art and fashion. Recently, I've been exploring the intersection of fine art and fashion in my photography.

What photographers or creatives inspire your work?
For my black and white photography, I draw inspiration from artists like Francesca Woodman, Cindy Sherman, and Anne Noggle. In the context of my project "A Meaningless Project," the works of Rene Magritte serve as a source of inspiration. When it comes to fashion photography, I look up to Tim Walker, John Galliano, and Miriam Marlene Waldner. My professor, Michael James O'Brien, has also been a significant influence. Additionally, I find inspiration in the work of my talented friend, Joel Dubroc, whom I believe has immense potential. There are countless talented artists out there, and I could go on forever, as I find inspiration from all artists and magazines alike.

How did studying at SCAD prepare you for the real creative world?
I'm truly grateful to SCAD. I wasn't always a good student, but when I entered SCAD, everything was what I genuinely wanted to learn. Since I went to SCAD, I've been consistently creating. In my second year, I had the privilege of photographing every collection and all the website photos for a student e-commerce brand, which led to a recommendation to work as a photographer in the fashion department. From then on, I began collaborating with many fashion students at SCAD, shooting their editorials and lookbooks. After graduating, I secured some jobs thanks to the experience I gained from shooting designer brands at SCAD.

What is your favorite project you’ve ever worked on?
Every projects and my next project.

Who is someone you would love to collaborate with creatively?
In an ideal world, John Galliano and Quentin Tarantino.

Where would you like to see yourself in five years?
My aspiration is to establish a comprehensive production team and expand my studio. I aim to specialize in creating brand videos and photographs, offering a full suite of creative services to clients.

Social Media.
Instagram: @shanshi13321

CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Photographer: Shan Shi
Models: Shan Shi, Chase Harris and Austin Cai
Fashion Stylist: Shan Shi
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Renata Salazar, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine