On September 20th, the 27th edition of Sheying Wuji’s “Private Salon” successfully concluded in Hangzhou. This stop of the “Private Salon” tour in Hangzhou allowed the attendees to gain many insights and learn numerous techniques. We would like to thank Teacher Kousang for his selfless dedication (he revealed quite a few insider tips on-site!) ~
Of course, we can’t play favorites—those who couldn’t attend, don’t worry. The editor has compiled highlights from the Private Salon, and we hope you’ll enjoy them~
The venue for this Private Salon was the Lam Coffee at the Hangzhou Christian Youth Center, which has a slightly more upscale vibe.
Attendees received a Kousang postcard and a lens bag upon check-in (there were so many beautiful girls there—cute, artsy…)
Before the start of the Private Salon, the teacher reviewed the content he was going to present (and even took notes—showing how much he cared~)
Each attendee received a fruit and dessert (even Xiao Zhi didn’t get any~)
The Private Salon has begun, and the venue was packed with people~
The attendees listened very attentively, even forgetting their natural instinct to avoid the camera~
At first, the Q&A session was a bit reserved, but soon it became lively and hard to stop—haha~ Here’s a summary of the questions:
Netizen: Teacher Kousang, your works are so captivating that it’s hard to look away. How would you describe your style?
Kousang: I actually don’t aim to form a particularly fixed style. I prefer to use a gentle, serene photography language with a sense of storytelling and painting, without being confined by form. A friend once told me, you may spend a long time refining a piece of work, but others might only glance at it for three seconds. I’m happy if people can see something beyond the visual beauty in my works.
Netizen: Teacher, what photography equipment did you use to take these works?
Kousang: I don’t really study equipment much. I’ve always believed in using what feels comfortable, so for the past few years, I’ve stuck with the EOS 5DII. My first digital camera was bought after winning an award in college, and later I used the “5D Mark II.” It’s really been with me for many years.
Netizen: Teacher Kousang, why did you move from Beijing to Hangzhou? Is it because Hangzhou’s misty atmosphere matches the style of your works?
Kousang: Haha, I’d say it’s more about the southern vegetation matching the style I like. The trees in the north are mostly coniferous, while in Hangzhou they’re mostly broadleaf, which better suits what I want to shoot.
Netizen: Teacher Kousang, you’ve collaborated with Zhang Xinyuan several times. Public opinion on Zhang Xinyuan is mixed, and netizens have even given her the nickname “Goddess Mother.” What’s your take on Zhang Xinyuan?
Kousang: She has her own ideas about imagery and a relatively good aesthetic taste and standards. Often, after taking hundreds of shots, there still might not be one that meets her standards.
Netizen: Teacher, what was your most satisfying photoshoot?
Kousang: As the saying goes, the best one is always the next one. I feel the same way—I hope to put all my energy into the next shoot and strive to make it the best one yet.