We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Xinyuan Xu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Xinyuan, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Growing up, I was always taught to follow the rules and conform to expectations. With my dad as an electrical engineer and my mom as an accountant, my path seemed set in a predictable mold. It wasn’t until 2019 that everything changed—I moved to Syracuse to study photography. This decision was anything but conventional for me, but it turned out to be a revelation.
In college, I immersed myself in the world of fine art photography and quickly fell in love with art and fashion photography. I even ventured into cinematography, especially exploring cult films. This eclectic environment ignited a passion within me for visual aesthetics and gave me the clarity to pursue my unique style.
What truly made this journey extraordinary was the support and recognition from my friends, who encouraged me to embrace my individuality. It was their belief in my unique style that helped me appreciate the beauty of stepping outside the rules and forging my own path.
This experience has taught me the value of challenging norms and the joy of discovering my own creative voice.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a freelance photographer based in New York City, I find endless inspiration in the city’s vibrant energy. However, the challenge here is that resources can be limited, so it’s crucial to cultivate a strong personal style to distinguish yourself. Since moving to NYC in 2023, I’ve utilized social media, particularly Instagram, to promote my photography business.
Through the platform, I’ve had the opportunity to work on fashion shoots, magazine features, and short films, thanks to the support of appreciative friends and clients. My diverse experience as a photographer, photo assistant, lighting technician, and cinematographer allows me to approach projects from both dynamic and static perspectives.
My work is characterized by a fearless use of color and boldness, influenced by my love for surrealism and cult films. This distinctive approach helps me stand out and brings a unique edge to every project I undertake.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Dare to innovate, keep your faith, and stop regretting. As I navigate my own journey, I reflect on the detours and shortcuts I’ve taken. I’ve had many friends support me and faced my share of challenging moments, but I now see that everything was part of the process.
If you stop regretting and start believing in yourself, things will become easier. I’ve learned to appreciate the lessons from both my failures and successes. These experiences, whether positive or negative, are what truly contribute to success.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely, I’m always excited about potential collaborations! I’m particularly interested in partnering with creative individuals and teams who are passionate about pushing creative boundaries as I am, whether that’s in fashion, art, film, or any other innovative field. If you’re a designer, stylist, filmmaker, or any creative professional who shares a vision for exploring new ideas, I’d love to connect with you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://xxy.photos
- Instagram: @byxylia
Image Credits
Photographer: Xinyuan Xu
Model: Siqi Luo, Sofi Shuliak, abbottsue
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
