We have the pleasure of delving into the creative world of Lifu Hu, a talented photographer based in New York City. With a background in Electronic Engineering and a Master's degree in Digital Photography from the School of Visual Arts, Lifu's journey is a testament to following one's artistic calling.

Specializing in conceptual, still life, and documentary photography, Lifu's work speaks volumes through visually compelling narratives that capture the essence of her subjects with precision and creativity.

Join us as we explore her artistic vision and unique ability to craft stories through her lens, inviting viewers to experience the world from a fresh and inspiring perspective.

Lifu Hu. Image courtesy of the artist.

SAH: How has your journey from studying Electronic Engineering to pursuing a photography career shaped your artistic perspective?                                                                                      

LH: My four years studying electronic engineering during undergrad are a deeply painful memory for me. I didn't have a passion for that field, and each day, the complexities of the coursework slowly drained me. I had few friends at that time, and my parents didn't understand me. However, the pain of that low point granted me a lot of inspiration. Thankfully, things took a turn for the better later on—I had the opportunity to study in New York and officially began my journey into artistic creation. That period in college led me down many winding paths and didn't necessarily yield tangible results, but I'm still grateful for that experience. It bestowed upon me immense spiritual wealth.

Lifu Hu. First Love. 2023. Archival pigment print. 22*15 inches.

SAH: Your work encompasses conceptual, still life, and documentary photography. How do you navigate between these different ?             

 LH: For me, regardless of the photography style, its essence lies in conveying my emotions and feelings through the lens. In conceptual photography, I express the emotions I want to convey by designing the models' poses and creating the scenes myself.

The same goes for still-life photography; I enjoy anthropomorphizing objects and giving them different attributes. Documentary photography is no different; besides simply recording moments, I like to use a "peeping" perspective to present a more authentic and lively image.

SAH: Could you share a significant moment or experience that solidified your decision to pursue photography professionally? 

 LH: When I was a freshman in college, I got my first camera. Shortly after, I met a photography teacher who taught me how to explore my emotions and express myself through the lens. I grapple with defining myself and understanding the relationship between myself, the lens, and the subject, and I still strive to find the most genuine way of expressing myself through my lens.

Lifu Hu. First Love. 2023. Archival pigment print. 22*15 inches.

SAH: With a background in both technical expertise and artistic vision, how do you find a balance between precision and creativity in your photography?                                                     

LH: I don't feel the need to find a balance between these two aspects. My undergraduate background in Electronic Information Engineering has provided me with a lot of creative inspiration, but it hasn't limited my way of thinking or creativity. On the contrary, at times, my background in science has helped me better plan my shoots and organize my work more systematically.

SAH: How does your cultural heritage influence the stories you choose to tell through your photography?

LH: I feel that my upbringing has greatly contributed to my creativity. Both the country I grew up in and the family I was born into have given me a unique way of thinking. The joy, pain, and reflections they brought me are all referenced in my projects "Relationship," "Grandma," and "The Lost City."