Meet O Zhang

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful O Zhang a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

O, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

During my four years of study in London (2000–2004), I was the only Chinese student in my two art schools. Most of my peers were British or European. At first, the experience was isolating—no one spoke my language or fully understood me. But after a few months, I stopped trying to fit in. Only then did I truly find my path.

Standing out was inevitable. When you’re the only one who looks different, people will treat you differently. I reminded myself that while I couldn’t control first impressions, I could shape how people perceived me over time. That was within my power. So, I poured myself into my studies—weekdays and weekends, working relentlessly, staying late at school until 11 p.m. to catch the last train home. Excellence became my way of taking control. I realized I didn’t need to look like everyone else to succeed; I just needed to be the best version of myself.

As Oscar Wilde said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” Once I stopped trying to blend in, I was free to focus on what truly mattered—becoming extraordinary on my own terms. That lesson has stayed with me ever since.

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

I’m O Zhang, a headshot and portrait photographer serving the tri-state New York area. I’ve been a professional photographer in NYC for 20 years, and in that time, I’ve photographed thousands of people. What I’ve learned is that everyone has an inner light—and my job is to capture it.
When I founded Shine by O Portraits in 2017, I knew exactly who I wanted to work with: entrepreneurs and business professionals. Everyday people, not glamorous models. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping camera-shy clients put their best face forward—because let’s be honest, being in front of a camera is hard—haha! I love the transformation that happens when someone goes from hesitant to confident.
I often say I photograph with my ears because listening is just as important as seeing. By truly understanding my clients and their needs, I help them discover their own confidence. The moment they let their guard down, their most genuine, friendly smiles emerge—and to me, that’s the most beautiful thing in the world. Once they believe in themselves, they trust my camera, and that’s when the magic happens. I capture that moment of authenticity and show the world its true shine.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Firstly, you need to know your camera inside and out. Understanding the technical aspects of photography—how your camera works, lighting techniques, composition, and post-production—is fundamental. Mastering these elements allows you to focus on creativity rather than troubleshooting settings in the moment.

Secondly, strong people skills are essential. Building trust with clients in a single session—whether it’s 30 minutes or 8 hours—isn’t easy, but it’s crucial. Photography isn’t just about capturing an image; it’s about making people feel comfortable, confident, and seen. The ability to connect quickly is just as important as knowing how to use a camera.

Thirdly, you need to know how to run a business. Success in photography goes beyond taking great pictures—it involves scaling, negotiating deals, and self-promotion. These skills don’t come naturally to most creatives—including me—and I’m still working hard to improve them.

For those just starting out, don’t underestimate the power of networking—I wish someone had told me this earlier. I earned a master’s degree from one of the world’s most prestigious art schools, yet we were never taught how to build connections. Early in my career, I met some influential people—English and Scottish aristocrats who owned grand castles—but I didn’t maintain those relationships. When I moved to New York, I realized how crucial it is to cultivate and sustain connections.

My “training” began at art gallery openings, where I learned to make small talk with strangers, craft compelling elevator pitches, and build relationships with interesting people. These skills took years to develop. Looking back, I wish I had understood sooner that networking isn’t just helpful—it’s one of the most critical factors in building a successful career.

How would you describe your ideal client?

My ideal clients are professionals in the legal, financial, real estate, and technology sectors. I specialize in CEO portraits and corporate headshots. I’m often hired for executive portraits because I can create customized photo plans tailored to their needs—often on tight schedules. Many executives are busy and require high-quality results quickly, and that’s where I shine: delivering top-tier photos without compromising efficiency.

Additionally, many of these professionals are camera-shy, but I have a unique ability to put them at ease, helping them feel comfortable and confident in front of the lens. I believe this is where I create the most value.

I also work with thought leaders—book authors, public speakers, and podcasters—who understand the power of a strong visual presence. I help them craft compelling visual stories that elevate their personal brand and amplify their impact.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

O Zhang @ Shine by O Portraits

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