Capturing Emotion and Meaning: An Interview with Shang Yao Yuan

BY Maizura July 03, 2025

Shang Yao Yuan | MUSE Photography Awards

Shang Yao Yuan

Shang Yao Yuan has dedicated his career as a creative director at impact advertising co., harnessing the immense power of images to move audiences deeply; from crafting bold ideas to capturing compelling visuals himself, he embraces every challenge with passion and pride.

My lifelong profession has been as a creative director at an advertising agency. I know the power of images is immense and can deeply move people. From developing creative ideas to picking up a camera to capture compelling visuals, I find these challenges both exciting and fulfilling. I enjoy this work and take great pride in it.

My country has many beautiful places and moving scenes. Through my images, I want to express my love and respect for this land. By winning this competition, I hope to help more people discover and appreciate the beauty of my country.

I regularly study global visual trends and award-winning works from international photography competitions. I also plan various experimental photo shoots and use my vacation time to carry them out.

Sudden good weather often inspires me to take photos. I usually keep my camera gear in the trunk of my car so that whenever time and opportunity allow, I'm ready to head out and shoot.

I love photographing landscapes, nature, the Milky Way, and artistic creations. I enjoy challenging myself to find the best timing and shooting angles—and I truly enjoy the process.

I like using manual mode because it allows me to adjust the camera settings myself and successfully capture beautiful shots. I especially enjoy experimenting with long exposures and low-light scenes to test my creativity.

I had a good feeling about the work and was moved by it, so I made sure to take note of its imagery.

I find the low-light environment and underwater subject matter exciting and full of dramatic changes.

I control the equipment and environment to present the best work perfectly. Every shutter click is a challenge.

International photography competitions, especially the MUSE Photography Awards, have influenced me more than any of my favorite photography icons.

Through promoting my work, I want to encourage photographers that as long as they keep taking pictures and taking action, they will have the opportunity to shine in international competitions. Don’t overthink it—just take action.

Like me, if you continue to study many works from international competitions and analyze and interpret their creative concepts, you will find your own style and subject matter.

I don’t need much editing or post-production. I want to capture the desired image in one shot using just one camera. I prefer the most original and beautiful results.

This is a good way to spark creativity, but it mainly provides inspiration. It's better to present the work through photographic equipment because the results feel real and warm.

I want to photograph underwater creatures and natural weather environments in extreme climates, which gives me the excitement of exploring the unknown.

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