Q&A with Sophia Liu

You utilize the word, "Socialization," in the title of two of your photographs. What do you feel these photos reveal about our relationships with others?

There is a saying in Chinese that the way one plays their cards reflects their character. Both Socialization I and II depict some sort of traditional Chinese card game. These games, usually played by elders who have spare time, are often used as ways to connect with the community. In Socialization I, I took the photo as an outsider and foreigner—it depicts an already established circle in which I was perceived as an intruder. On the other hand, in Socialization II, I was an active player in the game of Mahjong with friends in my age group.

How did utilizing candid photography allow you to accentuate your vision as a photographer?

When I travel, I always bring my camera. I can immortalize fleeting moments that reveal deeper insights into human nature. Candid photography is the best way to present reality as-is. Even though I'm ethnically Chinese, I've always felt like an outsider in rural China. However, by capturing moments in the nooks and crannies of places hidden so far away, I feel that I can take a tiny step into the worlds depicted through the lens. 

How did you decide what to use as subjects/focal points for each photograph?

I don't think I consciously decide what the focal point of each photograph should be—it's something that is intuitive to me because I think in images. During my field research, I often take hundreds of photos a day. Every moment is interesting to me, but every unique interesting moment also passes quickly. If I overthink or hesitate, I might miss a really good photo opportunity.