Francis Wong

Francis Wong @franciationphotography

My story started as a young child with the wildest dreams.

I wasn’t someone who wanted to stand out. As a kid, I was very shy and quiet. People would often think that I like to keep things to myself.

I fell in love with architecture at an early age. The skyscrapers of Hong Kong are breathtaking along Victoria Harbour. I pictured those skyscrapers as clothes; they are these gigantic dresses standing in front of the harbour.

I took mental notes of the shapes and colors, then I would try to recreate them on paper.

Chinese pop culture, beauty and music shared the biggest parts of my youth. Chinese celebrity photos were a big inspiration of “what I thought beauty should be”.

As I got older, I learned that we all define beauty in our own ways. Beauty can be found in human, nature, architecture and many other art forms all around me.

Q. What makes you choose this profession?

Photography was not the first medium I chose to express myself when I first got into art.

I was an art student throughout high school and college. I took many art classes including life and figure drawing, fashion design, illustration, rendering and product design.

I envisioned becoming a fashion designer or a graphic designer as a career when I was young. As time passed, I chose a completely different career path and got into business management (but art has always been the most important part of my life). Although I stopped spending time to draw and to paint, I was able to utilize those artistic visions for visual merchandising and marketing materials.

After about 20 years of managing businesses, I finally took the leap of faith to do something I love in 2020. I decided to “give it a go” with photography as my profession.

As I got older, I learned that we all define beauty in our own ways. Beauty can be found in human, nature, architecture and many other art forms all around me.

Q. How did you get started in photography? Do you remember your first shot? What was it?

When I landed my first job, which was at a restaurant, I also purchased my first film camera.

I was working part time and going to college at the time. I took this heavy camera with me everywhere I went – school, work, gatherings, the park. I started taking photos of distinctive objects. I looked for unique shapes and angles to create various compositions. During those years, photography became a “daily documentary” of my life. I can still remember the excitement when I collected the developed prints from a local shop each time.

My first photographic image was most likely an object, but I can’t recall exactly which object. No doubt, it would have been something that has a unique shape or beautiful color to catch my attention.

Q. What artists inspire your work?

There are several artists who inspire and motivate me. In the photography world, Peter Lindbergh, Mario Testino, Annie Leibovitz and Helmut Newton are truly the masters of all. Their works connect with their audiences through storytelling. Alexander McQueen and Jason Wu pair their imagination with fashion design shows, and they helped me see that art can be in many forms. There is no limit when we focus on creativity.

After about 20 years of managing businesses, I finally took the leap of faith to do something I love in 2020. I decided to “give it a go” with photography as my profession.

Q. How do you plan a new shoot?

I start planning the shoot by focusing on the model: “I am here to capture the stories you want to tell your audiences.” That is what I tell each person prior to our session. First and foremost, they need to think about what their stories are. Then we discuss hair, makeup and wardrobe.

Then some broad topics, like whether it’s a themed shoot or not.

Are we doing this on-location or inside a studio?

I discuss every little detail with my model as we brainstorm together. Most of the time we get each other more excited and motivated.

Q. What equipment do you use?

Besides my cameras, which is Sony (bodies and lenses), I also use reflectors, lens filters, my light meter, an iPad (when I am on the go) and an iMac (when I am at home).

In the photography world, Peter Lindbergh, Mario Testino, Annie Leibovitz and Helmut Newton are truly the masters of all. Their works connect with their audiences through storytelling. Alexander McQueen and Jason Wu pair their imagination with fashion design shows, and they helped me see that art can be in many forms.

Q. Do you spend a lot of time editing your work?

It depends on several factors. One of the main factors would be the skin quality of the model.

Another reason it takes a little more time per photo is if there are multiple people in the frame or whether I need to adjust the exposure of the photo.

I would not try to make someone look completely different or paste someone into space. My photos are focused on the person, period. Creating a story for the person does not mean I have to edit them onto a scene or add any special effects to the photos. I admire what other people’s creativity, but I try to keep my images clear of any unnecessary noise.

Q. Among your works, which one is your favorite? Why?

I have so many favorites to be honest. I love my architectural compositions as well as many editorial shots.

With editorial sessions, each is unique because each person brought their own vibe and energy to the set. Their stories made the imagery stronger and connected.

With architectural shots, I get to create those angles, symmetry, lighting features and compositions that I love.

If I must choose one, it must be this façade I took of a music school many years ago in Pasadena, California. It’s this honeycomb-shaped façade that wraps around the whole building that intrigues me. The design and texture of the building tells its story with such strength and beauty. I was happy that I was able to capture such an image before the building was torn down.

“I am here to capture the stories you want to tell your audiences.” That is what I tell each person prior to our session.

Q. Do you have any problem on the way of your profession? How did you solve it?

Every day is a new day. I continue to learn and excel with each shot I take – with each person I work with. There is always going to be ups and downs in any profession. I would not call that a “problem” necessarily, because I must put myself into the unknown and try new things. That is the only way to grow and better myself and my art. Reaching the destination is great, but the journey on the way is what we should enjoy (from successes and mistakes along the way).

Q. What are your career goals?

Goals must be realistic and flexible. In other words, the better question is “What are my directions and systems I have in place?” I have created my business path and direction so that I can continue to grow, creatively.

This direction motivates me to be productive and to stay focused. I aim to open in different markets and various locations and eventually have my own media production company.

Creating a story for the person does not mean I have to edit them onto a scene or add any special effects to the photos. I admire what other people’s creativity, but I try to keep my images clear of any unnecessary noise.

Q. What are your upcoming projects/trips?

I will be heading out to Los Angeles to shoot with several super talented artists this month. I can hardly wait to create with each of them. You will just have to wait and see what we come up with.

Q. What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer?

“Choose to do what you love” and “Don’t give up on your dreams”.

If you love to dance, dance. If you love to sing, sing. If you love to photograph, then grab a camera and start taking photos of anything and everything around you. Focus on creativity and you will find how rewarding that can be when you achieve your vision. Don’t let your passion become a “job”!

Reaching the destination is great, but the journey on the way is what we should enjoy (from successes and mistakes along the way).

Q. What are your other passions?

I love traveling. I enjoy learning as much history and culture about every place I visit. As an art student for many years, I could get so overwhelmed with eagerness to see new places and things. I wanted to cry when I saw the architecture in France, Italy and England. I could not explain the joy I had as I stepped foot onto the plaza of The Louvre or when I walked through the crowds at piazza San Pietro. I thought I’d died and gone to architectural heaven.

I also love fashion. Fashion helps with current trends, but fashion is also about being true to your own style and taste. Something like, “How can I put my own spin on a current trend?”

Since I did not become a fashion designer, I admire the amazing work of other creators. For example, I collect fashion dolls with Jason Wu’s designs for Integrity Toys.

Q. Anything else you would like to share?

ART is subjective. I would never say my art is better than others.

We have our own visions. I often use this as my example: 10 people go to Disney concert hall in downtown Los Angeles on a field trip. Each person is required to take a photo of the same architectural design. The outcomes should be quite different from each person’s point of view.

I have met many wonderful people throughout my journey. Childhood friends from Hong Kong, classmates from San Francisco, best friends in Los Angeles, and now creative individuals here in Salt Lake City. Some of those creative people have played a small part in my growth, while others have supported and encouraged me in a tremendous way to become who I am today.

“Choose to do what you love” and “Don’t give up on your dreams”.
If you love to dance, dance. If you love to sing, sing. If you love to photograph, then grab a camera and start taking photos of anything and everything around you. Focus on creativity and you will find how rewarding that can be when you achieve your vision. Don’t let your passion become a “job”!

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