Meet Heaven(zhiman) Zhang

We were lucky to catch up with Heaven(zhiman) Zhang recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Heaven(zhiman), thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.

I believe everyone experiences creative blocks, and it’s not something to be afraid of. I think it’s just our body and mind telling us we need rest. During these times, I like to do things like meeting friends, connecting with nature, or visiting my favorite museum. Even simply hanging out in the park or at a coffee shop can help. I believe inspiration comes from life—it may not always be obvious, but all you need to do is pay attention to what’s around you.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Heaven, and I’m a freelance photographer. I consider myself fortunate to have discovered my passion at an early age. For me, photography is more than just a profession—it’s a way to express my emotions and connect with others. While I love fashion photography, many of the shoots I create for personal projects focus on themes of self-love and empowerment, especially for women. I hope my work resonates with others, showing them that they’re not alone in experiencing struggles like depression or difficult times.

The most exciting part of photography, for me, is the feeling of creating an entire world through my lens. It’s an opportunity to transform my ideas and emotions into something tangible, bringing what’s in my mind to life through my photos.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I believe that in any industry, the most important quality is humility. To succeed and grow in our careers, it’s not just about our skills and knowledge—it’s about being a good person. Even when we think we’re doing well, we should always maintain a humble heart and a willingness to learn from others. Respecting people and valuing their opinions is key. When you focus on developing strong character and treating others with kindness, opportunities will naturally come your way. Skills and knowledge can be gained over time, but a good attitude and humility open more doors than you might realize.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

was truly surprised to discover that my parents would be my greatest supporters as I pursued my dreams. Growing up in an Asian culture, I never imagined they would unconditionally back my artistic aspirations, especially since they might not fully understand my work. Yet, they have always believed in my abilities, and for that, I am deeply grateful. This journey has made me realize that, above all, my family is my strongest source of support.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://heavenzhang.com
• Instagram: heavenzjpg

Image Credits

Gift1&2：
Talent: Savina (@scoutmodelagency)
HMUA: Kristina
Assistant: Alana

emotion：
Model: Ava Alexandra
Assistant: Alana Colville , Yohei Hirano
MUA: Emily Frew

struggle：Model：Alex
Assistant: Alana Colville

stilllife：Created and shoot by Me
Stylist: Laurie Boginsky
Assistant: Yohei Hirano