A Journey Through the Lens: An Interview with Zhang Linghuan

For Zhang Linghuan, photography is far more than a profession—it’s a mentor, a best friend, and a path to self-discovery. Born and raised in Liaoning, China, Linghuan’s journey has taken her across continents, from capturing underground metal concerts in Beijing to black-and-white street photography in Amsterdam, and now to her creative base in Cologne, Germany. Her work blends minimalism with profound emotional depth, exploring themes of solitude, gender fluidity, and vulnerability.

In this exclusive interview, Linghuan shares how she overcame her fears and turned her lifelong passion into a fulfilling career. She reflects on the lessons photography has taught her, the challenges she has faced, and the joys of meeting people through her craft. Whether you’re an aspiring creative or simply curious about life behind the lens, Linghuan’s story offers inspiration and insight into the world of a dedicated artist.

M: Hi Ling, how are you? Can you introduce yourself to our readers?

L: Hey! I’m doing great—sitting in the sun and eating watermelon right now. Life couldn’t be better! My name is Zhang Linghuan. I was born and raised in Liaoning, China, and since 2014, I’ve been living in Europe. Currently, I’m based in Cologne, Germany. I’m a Virgo sun with Scorpio rising and an INFP personality.

M: What does photography mean to you?

L: Photography is my mentor and my best friend. It helps me conquer my fears and pushes me forward. As an introvert, my desire to capture the perfect shot encourages me to interact with people. The discomfort of being in a crowd disappears once I have my camera in hand.

It also teaches me decision-making. Every shot requires quick and thoughtful choices—what to shoot, whom to shoot, how to shoot, and how to balance lighting, colors, and emotions. It’s all about making thorough, responsible decisions.

Even when I’m not holding a camera, photography has trained me to observe patiently and deeply. It’s a key part of my self-discovery journey, helping me answer questions like: Who am I? What do I like? How do I connect with my heart? Each time I press the shutter, I get closer to understanding myself.

One of the biggest rewards is the people I meet along the way—subjects, team members, collaborators. These beautiful connections are something I deeply cherish.

M: How would you describe your photography style?

L: Do you follow a specific direction?
I like my photography to be sharp and minimalistic, removing unnecessary elements to highlight the essence of the subject. A lot of my work involves minimalistic scenes—perhaps in front of a white backdrop with simple styling. Making “nothing” look interesting is a way to reveal the subject's true essence.

My work often explores themes of gender fluidity, solitude, and vulnerability. That said, I wouldn’t say I’ve settled on a single visual style. I get bored easily and enjoy experimenting with different approaches. I prefer embracing change and trying new things.

M: When did you decide to become a photographer?

L: I’ve loved photography since I was four years old, when I shakily held my dad’s point-and-shoot camera. Over the years, I enjoyed shooting underground metal concerts in Beijing and capturing black-and-white street scenes in Amsterdam.

At that time, I didn’t think of turning my passion into a career because I had no formal art education—I attended business school instead. It seemed like an impossible dream.

When I moved to Germany, I had some free time while learning the language. I started photographing people around me, and what began as a hobby slowly turned into jobs. These opportunities helped me build my skills and confidence. Now, I feel very lucky and privileged to make a living from photography.

M: How do you approach photography jobs compared to personal projects?

L: When it comes to professional jobs, client and team satisfaction are my top priorities. A successful production requires good communication, so I always prepare thoroughly and communicate proactively to understand what my clients need. Based on that, I offer suggestions and expertise to ensure we achieve the best results.

For private projects, I have more freedom to experiment and explore, which allows me to create a relaxed and personal atmosphere.

M: What does a typical day look like for you?

L: I currently work part-time with an amazing content team. Our office is filled with laughter and support, which makes it a joy to go to work. I also freelance as a photographer.

I can be a bit of a workaholic. I’ll shoot, edit, and shoot again, often losing track of time when I’m in the flow. When I’m in that state, I hardly feel hungry or tired.

To stay balanced, I have some creative rituals: morning yoga, deep talks with friends, baths, music, and movies. These moments help me reconnect with myself. I also spend time studying the works of my favorite artists and reviewing my own images to grow and evolve.

M: What would you say sets your photography apart?

L: I don’t compare myself to others because I think everyone has their own unique vision. Diversity in photography is beautiful, and I’m constantly inspired by other people’s work.

M: Have you ever thought about quitting photography? If so, why, and how did you overcome it?

L: There was a time when I felt drained from working intensively on non-creative jobs. That stress took away my pleasure in photography, and I started questioning myself.

To overcome it, I reminded myself why I started in the first place—because I love taking pictures. Refocusing on this passion helped me regain my energy and desire to shoot.

M: If you could change the fashion world—or the world in general—how would you do it?

L: If I had influence, I’d advocate for focusing on well-being. Be kind to each other, respect diversity, and treat our planet with care. Fairness, honesty, and compassion can go a long way in making the world better.

M: What advice would you give to upcoming creatives who want to follow their passions?

L: Feel your heartbeat and find your flow state. Practice it regularly, try new things, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Collaborate with others, share feedback, and grow together.

M: Thank you for sharing your journey, Ling! Any final thoughts?

L: Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. Take care, and I hope to see you soon!

#photography #minimalism #art #fashion