Screenspace Interview: Yu Tsai, A Photographer

Yu Tsai is widely known name. A photographer who finds inspiration in his multi-cultural background and world-wide travels, his passion for directing, photography and design lead him to offer his clients a tangible sense of their creative vision on all spectrums of capture and genre. While studying at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, his passion for a creative world began. The understanding of film and fine arts only makes Yu Tsai’s signature photography and directing style stand out in the photography world — the list of celebrities he’s photographed could quite easily consist of every big star out there. Yu Tsai lives in both Los Angeles and New York City and besides his busy relationship with capture, he has participated in wildlife-conservation research with the National Geographin Research Group. In a light-hearted interview, he speaks to us in…lyrical genius.

SCREENSPACE INTERVIEW

SMASHBOX STUDIOS:What is your most memorable first photograph?
YU TSAI: When I first saw my reflection when I was washing my clothes in the Xindian river in Taiwan. I shot my own reflection.

SB: What is your secret to keeping a happy production team?
YT:It’s a whole a new world. It’s like a magic carpet ride.

SB: Who has been your favorite subject to shoot?
YT:Daniel, my brother.

SB:How long have you been shooting here at Smashbox Studios?
YT: It’s a tale as old as time.

SB: What has your relationship been like with our stages? Do you have a favorite?
YT: Almost paradise. 1 + 1.

SB: Everyone has a muse: Do you have anyone you look up to or someone or something that constantly inspires your work?
YT: There’s a hero, if you look inside your heart. You don’t have to be afraid of what you are.

SB: Where were you ten years ago, and where do you want to be ten years from now?
YT: Ten years ago, I was 145 lbs with a 4 pack and now I’m a 138 lbs with a 12 pack. 10 years form now, I would like to be at 144lbs, maintaining my 12 pack… with a bit of junk in the trunk.

SB: Are there any works we can look forward to by you?
YT: E! True Hollywood Story

SB: Fill in the blanks: Always __________ & Never __________.
YT: Always believe in children of our future & Never lose your dignity.

SB: What would you be doing if you weren’t a photographer?
YT: I’d be an Asian Jason Mraz or an Asian John Mayer.

SB: How did it personally feel to win photographer of the year in 2010? What barriers have you broken from winning that award?
YT: It was about time… Every mountain that’s high, every valley that’s low, every river that’s wide.

SB: Finally, what can you predict for us in the future?
YT: Girlz will run the world…

*Keep making us smile, Yu Tsai!*