My passion for photography began when I was preparing to enter the master’s program in MADTech at the College of Design, NC State. Before that, I had never considered myself an artist or a designer—perhaps I still don’t. So, I thought the best way to start was by appreciating art before learning to create it.
Before my graduation trip in the summer of 2023, I bought a Sony a6400 camera with an 18-135mm lens, along with a Sigma 56mm lens, and embarked on my journey as an apprentice photographer (or perhaps “camera operator” might be a more fitting term). As I traveled, I was captivated by the stunning urban landscapes of Los Angeles, the breathtaking mountains of Lijiang, the vast skies of Dali, and many more awe-inspiring scenes.
Through this journey, I learned how to capture beautiful moments and enhance those precious memories using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Photography has become more than just a skill—it’s a way for me to see the world through a different lens, appreciating its beauty one shot at a time.
Leo Li 