We had the good fortune of connecting with YANG and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi YANG, what are you inspired by?
LOVE – is what inspired me. It all started in the summer of 1999. My family owned a motel right next to the beach, where I usually helped at the front desk every summer. I met a couple who lived in the same town but decided to rent out our motel for couple days. Much to my surprise I asked why would they stayed at our motel but their house was a block away? To find out they were on a budget and could not afford a wedding or a honeymoon, but the lovebirds are happy anywhere, as long as they are together. They got married at sunrise, by the beach, just the two of them, with no decorations, no photographer, no make up artist. Right at that moment, I wanted to be a photographer, to be able to capture all these sweet moments, to help them store their memories in the loveliest of ways, because you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Each artist has his or her own personal art style, which is developed throughout his or her lifetime. Therefore, I would never compare myself to others or to think what sets me apart from others. I love how our differences are represented by our artworks. It can stifle my creativity as an artist to compare my self to others. It’s art, nobody could tell which color is the most beautiful one. So my lessons I’ve learned along the way is instead of focusing on how I stack up next to someone else, I usually just invest that energy into comparing my recent work with the work I made six months ago, a year ago and five years ago. Have I grown? And where do I want to see myself six months, a year, and five years in the future. I believe every successful takes a lot of sweat, determination and hard work. So to say it was easy or not, I would say it was not easy, however I enjoy every bit of it. I feel lucky to do what I love and love what I do, to make a living and make my soul grow. My most proudest moments are to make happy clients, to be able to capture their moments that’s gone forever and impossible to reproduce.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
How about a photography tour? I would take them to places and capture all the moments together. I believe every day; a million miracles begin at sunrise. With a stunning skyline view, the Sabine Street Bridge is one of the best places to watch the sunrise in Houston. To take in the beautiful Houston skies at the Sabine Street Bridge for the perfect start of the day. Ever heard of Banh Mi and caphesuada? We’ll stop at Lee Sandwich for this famous Vietnamese combination. My favorite area of Houston is Montrose, which is one of the major cultural areas in Houston notable for its hipster culture, art scene, food scene, and nightlife. I’d love to take them to the “Chapel of St. Basil”, located on the campus of St. Thomas University, that I attended. This is an artistic marvel and also one of my favorite places to take photos. Some of my other preferred places are THE MENIL COLLECTION, THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, ARCHWAY GALLERY, SICARDI | AYERS | BACINO GALLERY in the Montrose district. Brunch at Downtown Houston is a must. There are so many great places by the Metropolitan area, like “High and Dry”, “Xochi” and the “Grotto Downtown”. Rice University boasts one of the prettiest campuses in Texas! With stunning architecture and live oak trees everywhere, it makes for one of the most Instagrammable areas in Houston! Head over to the most gorgeous Indian temple – The “BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir”. How would I end the day beautifully? With a Sunset! The Buffalo Bayou Park has an awesome view to watch the sunset from. Next would be dinner and a fantastic seasonally crafted cocktails at the “Batanga”, “III forks” and or the “Mala Sichuan Bistro”. And if you are not weary by this time, then let’s sit on a rooftop at 2am and talk about life. The “Z on23 Rooftop Bar”, “Rosemont Houston” and “Benjy’s” are all elegant and trendy Houston rooftop bars that shouldn’t be missed.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Having a support system is huge for this specific career. Its art, it’s something you won’t make money from it right away, even if you have a degree. My parents, were always encouraging and told me they were behind me, whether or not I made it in the business. My wife is always there for my successes and failures. The biggest event that occurred in my life was to leave my architectural degree and corporate job behind. In order to obtain a photography degree and starting all over again, as a photographer. I followed what my heart said and would never regret that decision.
I am also so lucky to have my mentor – Mr. TangTang. To thank for your guidance and leadership. You have been and still are my inspiration.
Website: photobyyang.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yangfotos/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gani79photography/