Wenpeng combines such recognition with technical artistry that’s both informative and a pleasure to behold. His photography may be viewed on his website, Instagram, LFI gallery, and in publications.

So what makes Wenpeng tick? What are his thoughts, process, and aspirations? Here, Wenpeng shares a color-themed selection of his work and answers a few questions.

DW: Wenpeng, it’s an honor to have you here today. When did you know you loved photography? Where were you, and what was the conversation in your mind? 

WL: Despite my father being a professional photographer, and teaching me how to use a camera at an early age, it wasn’t until I moved to France and began traveling the world that I knew I loved photography. One of my joys was being able to share travel photos with my mother and relations in China.

Through photography I was able to capture images that touched and inspired me. Realizing how much fun I was having made me love photography all the more. Before I knew it, the camera had become an integral part of me.

DW: What is a typical shooting day for you? 

WL: As a street photographer, I take to the streets whenever I have the chance. In order to get the best light, I usually shoot in Paris and other locales before 11 am, and after 3 or 4 pm. The best times for shooting, however, often vary by geographical location.

When traveling, I stay on the street most of the day. I take a break around noon, when the light is less ideal. While waiting for better light, I’ll usually visit indoor attractions, such as galleries and museums. I try to capture the lighting variations of each location during both the morning and afternoon.

In terms of shooting style, I use my photographer’s eye to emphasize the importance of people in a scene, as much as the colors, shadow, and structure of the picture. For certain close-up shots, I will select a vantage point, pre-focus based on distance, and wait for the subject to move into frame. Between this and the wide angle of view, people often do not even realize that they’re part of the picture.

DW: What gear do you shoot with – and why?

WL: I’m currently shooting with a Leica Q2. Compact cameras and lenses work best for street photography, as they are versatile and less intimidating to subjects. I like shooting with prime lenses—28mm is my favorite focal length. The slightly exaggerated perspective, and usefulness in tight spaces suits my shooting style. Combined with the Leica Q2, it provides me with excellent sharpness and color rendition.

DW: You have traveled throughout Europe, South America, the Mideast, Asia, the Caribbean, and even to favelas in Rio. Whether aware of your presence or not, the people in your photographs appear at ease. As a photographer, what do you do to make people comfortable? How do you communicate with them?

WL: Geographic response to the camera is very different according to the region! South Americans tend to be more enthusiastic, while Europeans seem more indifferent. In order to capture the natural flow of the street, I usually do not communicate with people when shooting. If they become aware of me during shooting, I simply capture their reactions in real time and smile.

DW: Besides photography, what other skills contribute to your work? 

WL: By trade I’m a motion and graphics designer. These skills help me emphasize image structure, color, and lines. A cinema enthusiast, I’ve learned a lot from the great classic and modern movies. The ways scenes are framed, lit, and blocked have trained me to view the street as a big movie set.

DW: What inspires you to lift the camera to your eye?

WL: Sometimes it's because of a color combination, or the play of light and shadow. At other times it can be due to someone’s expression and attire. I’m drawn to the blink-and-you-miss-it relationship between strangers, and the connection between disparate elements. I strive to find something special, attractive, and with a sense of form and story. Not simply interesting subjects and details, but the combination between them should be interesting as well. If the picture is dramatic and a bit surreal, that’s even better.

DW: Please describe a few of your favorite days as a photographer.

WL: One of my favorite days, and a day that changed me a lot as a photographer, happened during a trip to Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. Following a recommendation from my host, I decided to visit the largest farmers’ market in the city. The colors, rich textures, and changes in light were a visual feast. But what really made it incredible was the warmth of the people.

Another day that surprisingly turned out to be a favorite was when my 35mm lens broke in Havana, Cuba. My only option to continue shooting was using a mobile phone with a lens equivalent to 28mm. Thanks to serendipity I was inspired to switch to the 28mm focal length I use today. One could say that style changes when the eye travels, or when happy accidents happen.

DW: What are a few of your career and life goals?

WL: My near term goals are to continue exhibiting my work. The current global pandemic has made this more difficult. Hopefully things can resume soon. In the meantime, I’ve been busy animating some street photography workshops. It’s long been a career and life goal to share my shooting experiences with others.

DW: Wenpeng, this has been a very informative and fun interview. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. We wish you continued success, and look forward to seeing more of your work.

WL: Thank you!

I hope this interview has inspired you. Thanks for visiting The Cranky Camera!

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