By: Anne Schulze

Taiwanese photographer Shu Ting Chuang has achieved remarkable recognition at the American Photographic Artists National New York Show, becoming the sole Taiwanese female photographer featured in the exhibition.

Her work was showcased in two sections: the main exhibition and the highly competitive “Board Choices Show.” In the main show, her black-and-white street photography piece, “Companion,” garnered significant attention. Through precise use of light and shadow, this photograph delicately captures the subject’s expression and interaction with the surrounding environment, demonstrating Chuang’s keen eye for composition and her masterful use of light, lines, and geometric elements.

“Chaos,” selected for the “Board Choices Show,” is a visually striking fine art street photograph. Chuang skillfully employs reflections in glass to create a scene that is both chaotic and ordered. Careful color coordination adds a rich visual layer to the work.

Chuang’s unique perspective and exceptional technical skills allowed her photographs to stand out among numerous submissions, showcasing the talent of Taiwanese photographers and bringing recognition to the Taiwanese photography community. Her work has earned both the 

admiration of judges and praise from viewers.

Q&A with Shu Ting Chuang

Q: Your two exhibited works, “Companion” and “Chaos,” showcase distinct aspects of your photography. Could you elaborate on the creative concepts and stories behind them?

Shu Ting Chuang 

(S): While stylistically different, both “Companion” and “Chaos” reflect my passion for photography and my exploration of the relationship between individuals and their surroundings.

Q: Your control over light, figures, and lines in “Companion” is particularly refined. Could you share your composition and lighting techniques for this photograph?

S: In “Companion,” I aimed to capture the connection and distance between people in urban life. The pedestrian and the bird, though unaware of each other and unable to communicate, appear to share an invisible companionship. It’s as if the freely flying bird is guiding the traveler carrying a bicycle on their chosen path. I used a low angle and high-contrast black and white to create a sense of light and hope. I hope this photo prompts viewers to reflect on interpersonal relationships in urban environments. When you feel lonely while working hard each day, look around; perhaps you’ll find a companion to move forward with.

Q: “Chaos” has a very strong visual impact. How did you create this sense of “order within chaos” using reflections in glass?

S: I’m often drawn to the ubiquitous glass in the city. Glass allows you to see both what’s in front of you and, through reflection, what’s behind you. I feel like I present a calm exterior while having many thoughts swirling within. 

Glass reflection is like simultaneously revealing both the calm appearance and the inner turmoil. When shooting “Chaos,” I used reflections in glass to create visual layers. By adjusting the camera angle and focus, I superimposed the reflection onto the actual scene, creating a sense of interwoven reality and illusion.

I also used a unified color palette and balanced composition to emphasize the sense of order within the image.

Artist Bio:

Shu Ting Chuang is a talented photographer from Taiwan. Her work encompasses portraiture, still life, and fine art photography, and has received numerous awards in international photography competitions. Chuang’s work transcends the surface of the image, delving into the essence of photography and the human psyche.

Her distinctive style is characterized by a serene and tranquil palette, creating a peaceful and profound atmosphere. Through her lens, Chuang not only captures images but also imbues each piece with a unique narrative. Her works don’t offer definitive answers but instead provide ample room for the viewer’s interpretation, allowing each individual to find their own emotional connection.

Chuang’s creative inspiration stems from her keen observation and deep reflection on life. She skillfully uses light, composition, and color to transform ordinary everyday scenes into poetic images. Her work not only showcases her photographic skill but also conveys her profound insights into life, nature, and humanity.

Published by Elle G.