Capturing Time, Memory & Soul: Chris Yan’s Timeless Urban Street Photography
Discover this evocative, profound and introspective interview with Pure Street Photography
Interview by Dimpy Bhalotia and Kamal Kumaar Rao
20/02/2025
(c) Chris Yan
(c) Chris Yan
We would love to know more about you! Who you are and where you're from? When did you start street photography?
Hello,I’m Chris Yan, from Beijing, China. is an advertising creative director and street photographer. I have been very interested in photography for a long time and started photography in 2013, but for a long time I only took photos when I traveled. Until four years ago, I bought a Leica camera. This camera changed the way I took photos and my understanding of photography. I started street photography.
What inspired you to become a street photographer?
My hometown inspired me to become a street photographer. This is a story about leaving. Three years ago, because I was leaving the city where I had lived for more than 40 years, I want to retain as many memories as possible before leaving, including the people, streets, buildings, and stories of this city. So I started taking street photography, and as I continued shooting day after day, I began to fall in love with street photography. Now, the camera has become a part of my body and I carry it with me wherever I go.
How would you describe your work in terms of style and/or approach?
I think my photography style is storytelling. I like to tell stories through photos, no matter in color or black and white, no matter close-ups or large scenes, no matter one person or many people, you can see through my works that the story is my own style. When I taking photos, sometimes I like to chat with the subject, and sometimes I also take a quick photo. 4. What is your photography routine like? Do you photograph every day? I don’t take pictures every day. But I carry a camera almost every day. I can always take out my camera when I see a person or story that interests me. I take photos probably two to three days a week. Of course, there are also times when I am busier and I may not have time to take photos for two weeks in a row.
(c) Chris Yan
(c) Chris Yan
What is your photography routine like? Do you photograph every day?
I don’t take pictures every day. But I carry a camera almost every day. I can always take out my camera when I see a person or story that interests me. I take photos probably two to three days a week. Of course, there are also times when I am busier and I may not have time to take photos for two weeks in a row.
What camera or mobile device do you use for photography? Do you shoot digitally, on film, or a mix of both?
The cameras I use are Leica M-P (Typ 240) and Leica M11. I shoot digitally.
What challenges do you face when photographing on the street?
I think the challenge I face in street photography is getting close to strangers. Sometimes I want to get close to someone but don’t want to disturb them or let them find me. At this time, how to get close is a big challenge.
Do you ever wonder what happens to the people in your photos?
Of course, I often wonder what happened to the people in my photos. Sometimes, I even imagine a story or the relationship between the people in the photos.
(c) Chris Yan
(c) Chris Yan
(c) Chris Yan
In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception people have about street photography?
I think the biggest misconception people have about street photography is that street photography almost meaningless. Many people think that street photography is not art, but just casual recording, especially today when everyone can take photos. But I don’t think so. I think street photography is a unique art form with unique expression and charm.
What are your favourite elements to capture in a street photograph? (light, colour, composition, human interaction, etc.)
When doing street photography, my favorite is to capture the old elements of the streets. I like to take photos in old streets or alleys. There are many places like this in Beijing, and I often take photos in these places. Old houses, old walls, and old trees are all my favorite elements.
What is your take on social media influence on street photography?
I think social media has had a huge impact on street photography. For me, social media has opened my eyes to so many amazing street photographers around the world and I am amazed by their work every day. These great street photographers inspire me a lot. On social media, I also met many photographers from all over the world, and I am very happy to exchange experiences with them.
Are your prints available for purchase? If so, where can art buyers and collectors contact you to purchase them?
My prints are currently unavailable for purchase. But this year Snap Collective published my first street photography book. Maybe next year my prints will be available for purchase.
(c) Chris Yan
What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?
Stay enthusiastic, stay curious, stay courageous. Enjoy the joy and surprises of street photography.
A huge thank you to Chris Yan for sharing his incredible journey.
In Frame : Chris Yan