Andy Fang
Words by Jenkin Au
Photography by Deirdre Martin
In this episode of “IN HYPE WE TRUST”, we feature Crew member Andy Fang. Andy is one of the photographers for our Crew and his stunning pictures are in many articles for justalilhype!. In this interview, Andy tells us how he got into photography, his role within justalilhype!, and how he gives added-value to each of the articles he does.
Andy, please tell us how you got into photography.
I started off in high school and loved photo-journalism, doing spec work for newspapers, and now I’m doing commercial and editorial stuff. My long term goal is to work internationally as a commercial photographer and establish a feel and style of photography that stands out from the crowd. More importantly, I’m one of the lucky few to be part of a great team of photographers in justalilhype!.
What is your role within justalilhype!, and why are you an important member of the Crew?
I’m a photographer for justalilhype! and my role is to make pictures that really gets people to click us. The challenge is that Vancouver probably has the biggest abundance of photographers in the world, many of whom start up from different backgrounds, and are very good at what they do. It’s imperative that we publish images that stand out from the crowd – real head-turners, not just boring and overdone portraits – and make people want to open up justalilhype! to see our photography.
As a photographer, you need to have a different look on things that other people wouldn’t see. What is the most interesting thing that you’ve pointed out that other people didn’t see?
That there is an upbeat and playful side to everybody. Regardless of the subject’s background, I know that there is a young, spirited individual dying to come out. My job is to get that soul to show through and capture it on film. That’s why I strive for candid poses and compositions, because the “realness” of a picture is what really makes it shine.
On the Crew, you are considered our own lighting expert. Tell us how light has brought a whole new dimension to your work.
Obviously light is crucial in any photographic piece. But at the same time it can be a photographer’s worst enemy. I used to struggle not to get caught up on watt-seconds and sync speeds and just focus on the artistic input, because that’s what’s really important. Without ingenuity, great subjects will lose their magic, and shoots become mere technical exercises with different stand-in dummies. That being said, light has also allowed me to show viewers what’s usually not as apparent. I use it to sculpt body parts and highlight facial features to make the most interesting image possible.
Why do you think people should read justalilhype!?
justalilhype! is a great chance for people to read and involve themselves in the city’s rich culture and influence. Who knows, one day they might even get featured, and hopefully they’ve been reading so they know how to give a good interview! By reading us, you’re supporting local art in Vancouver, something we could all use a little more of these days regardless of what our government thinks.
Where do you see yourself and justalilhype! in the future?
I see myself doing more photography and further defining my style. I also want people to be excited about the photos when they hear that justalilhype! will be featuring them.
What is HYPE to you and why “justalilhype”?
HYPE is a four letter word that makes people really excited. It can build massive crowds or break down huge barriers. It’s definitely something that gives a certain place its personality and sense of community. I believe justalilhype! has situated itself right on the forefront of cutting edge culture in Vancouver.
