-Hi, Anne-Marie! Can you tell us a little about how you first got into photography?
-Sure! I first picked up a camera when I moved to Taiwan to study for my master’s in cultural and creative industries. My first camera was a Nikon FA, a film camera that I found by chance in a second-hand shop in Taipei. I had no prior experience or research—it was just a lucky find! What started as a hobby quickly became a passion, and I began capturing moments around me, especially those quiet, contemplative scenes.
-That’s such a serendipitous start! How would you describe your early photography style with 35mm film?
-My 35mm film work focused a lot on atmosphere and emotion. I loved playing with light and shadow to create a sense of nostalgia and longing. My compositions often had a dreamy, soft focus that blurred the line between reality and memory. I’ve always been drawn to the subtle textures and details in everyday life—whether it’s a quiet street corner or a scene in nature. My style had a cinematic, almost painterly quality, and I think that’s stayed with me over time.
-How did you start sharing your work?
-Over time, my processed film collection grew, and I wanted a way to share my photos with friends. Instead of just printing them, I started making handmade postcards. It was a way to show my friends what I was experiencing in Taiwan through my eyes and lens—like giving them a small, personal gift. That idea of sending memories became a way for me to share my photography more meaningfully.
-Alongside your photography, you’ve had quite an interesting career path as well, right?
-Yes! While I was doing photography, I worked as a radio host. I also participated in photography exhibitions in Asia and Europe, so I’ve been lucky enough to balance both worlds. It was an exciting time, combining different forms of creative expression.
-In 2023, you made a big move to London. How did that impact your photography?
-Moving to London was a big change! After eight years in Taiwan, I decided to switch to digital photography. Honestly, film became a bit too expensive to continue in London, so I thought, “Why not see how my style adapts to digital?” While the core of my style—moody, intimate compositions—remained, I noticed that digital brought more clarity and vibrant color to my work. I started experimenting with new perspectives, using reflections and weather like rain and mist to add complexity. It’s been a fun process of evolution!
-That’s an exciting transformation! Beyond photography, I’ve heard you’re passionate about languages as well.
-Yes, absolutely. I speak fluent English, Chinese, and conversational Korean, and I’ve always loved learning languages. To me, photography and language have a lot in common—they’re both ways to understand people and their stories. Whether it’s capturing a moment through a camera lens or connecting through conversation, both help me explore different cultures and perspectives.
-It’s clear that storytelling is at the heart of everything you do. What’s next for you on this journey?
-I’m excited to continue exploring digital photography and rediscovering my love for making postcards. London is full of inspiration, and I’m curious to see where my photography will take me next. I’m just looking forward to growing and seeing what new stories I can tell.
