This is going to be a rather lengthy bio because I feel its important to let you know some things about me. If you are in a rush please jump to the conclusion paragraph directly. I was born on February 22nd. It’s an interesting date because some cool people were born on the same day as well. To name a few, Frederic Chopin, George Washington, Dr. J (!), and Jenna Haze… But really the coolest are Robert Wadlow (tallest man in history. 8′11″) and Steve Crocodile Hunter Irwin (My personal hero!). On my 27th birthday I wrote up this bio.
Made in Taiwan, assembled in Canada, and reprogrammed in the UK, I was recently selected by Magenta Foundation as one of the most exciting emerging photographers in the US, UK, and Canada. My journey in photography hasn’t been the most straightforward one, but like most stories in my life, my positive attitude carries me through. I spent five tough years going to one of the top business schools in Canada, only to find out I didn’t want to do anything but photography when I graduated. For the next two years I somehow survived the traumatic experience of being a lousy assistant working for some of the greatest photographers today. As if that wasn’t enough of irresponsibility (or deterrence?), I went on to study for my master degree in documentary photography at the London College of Communication. When I finished I realized, while I am not cut out to be a hardcore photojournalist, I am good with telling stories in a beautiful and lyrical visual language. Most importantly, I realized I can bring something very unique to the table in the photography world.
“You photograph what you are”. I can’t agree with that statement more. Being brought up with both Eastern and Western influences, I’ve learned to always look at things from infused perspectives and aesthetics. I am attracted to energy, forms, light, and raw emotions. In my photographs I mix these elements with my life experiences to communicate what I see in this fascinating world.
Other than these philosophical things, hmm, Vancouver is my home base right now, but I travel quite a bit. I like old school 90s hip-hop. I haven’t changed my hairstyle for at least 5 years now. I play basketball because I love competing as a team. People say I am a very positive and easy-going guy. I try to maintain that without stepping into the being clueless territory. I also try to be funny but fail more often than I like.
Thanks for taking the time to read this quite irrelevant bio. My girlfriend Annie thinks this is a very unprofessional one. So, in case you are still reading and wondering, yes, photography is all I do. I am very professional when it comes to photography. I hope the portfolios can speak for themselves. When the phone stops ringing I will know it’s time to update this bio. Please prove Annie wrong.
Hubert