BoQuan Chen
1. Congratulations on winning in the New York Photography Awards! Can you share a little about yourself, what inspired you to pursue photography, and how has your journey evolved since your first shot?
I am from Taiwan, and photography originally began as a way to document my travels. I didn’t start taking photos with the goal of becoming a photographer; I simply wanted to preserve what I saw and felt in each moment. As I continued photographing, I became more attentive to the emotions and rhythm within an image, and gradually developed my own way of seeing.
2. Can you share the story or inspiration behind your award-winning piece? How does winning this award make you feel about your journey in photography?
This award-winning photograph was taken during my first trip to Tokyo. Tokyo Tower was one of the landmarks I had most looked forward to seeing in person. At the time, I was simply standing between the trees, waiting for a moment when the composition felt balanced. Being recognized for such a natural moment feels very warm and meaningful to me, and it reminds me to continue trusting my own perspective.
3. How do you decide which photo to submit for a competition?
I chose a photograph that, even after some time has passed, can still bring me back to the moment it was taken. It may not be the most technically complex image, but emotionally, it feels complete to me.
4. What first made you pick up a camera?
Travel! I wanted to bring the scenery back with me, rather than letting it exist only in memory.
5. What’s your favorite type of photography, and why do you love it?
I enjoy travel and landscape photography the most. They allow me to slow down and observe a place as it truly is.
6. What’s your go-to camera setup, and why does it work best for your projects? What’s your favorite feature?
I prefer simple and natural camera settings, avoiding excessive intervention in the image. What matters most to me is whether the colors and light are close to what I saw with my own eyes.
7. If someone looked at your work, what’s the one thing you’d want them to feel?
I hope viewers can feel a quiet moment, rather than just seeing a tourist destination.
8. What was the most challenging part of capturing your winning shot?
Waiting. Waiting for the light, composition, and environment to naturally come into balance.
9. Is there a specific place or subject that inspires you the most?
I am especially drawn to natural elements within cities, such as the relationship between trees, the sky, and architecture.
10. Who or what has been your biggest influence in photography?
Travel itself. Every time I visit an unfamiliar place, it changes the way I see the world.
11. What message would you share to inspire photographers to participate in photography awards, and what advice would you give to help them excel in the competition?
I would encourage photographers to submit work that genuinely matters to them, instead of chasing technical perfection or popular styles.
12. What’s one piece of advice for someone just starting in photography?
Take more photos, look more closely, and give yourself time to grow.
13. What role do editing and post-processing play in your creative workflow?
Post-processing is a supporting tool, not the main focus. I hope it helps the image return to the feeling of the moment, rather than altering it.
14. How do you see technology, like AI, influencing the future of photography and your own approach?
I see technology as a tool. What truly matters is still the photographer’s observation and choices.
15. If you could photograph anything or anyone in the world, what would it be?
I would choose to photograph a quiet moment, undisturbed by anyone. Those moments feel the most genuine to me.
