The 73rd GRist is Liao Yakun from China!
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Before I became a photographer, I worked as an engineer in the American petroleum industry. By a stroke of luck, inspired by a photographer friend, I entered the world of photography as if something lit a fire under me. I slowly taught myself to become a commercial photographer, excelling in still life photography. However, after enjoying the sense of professional fulfillment for many years, I suddenly realized that my practice had strayed far from my initial idea of what photography could be.
What is photography? This question lingered in my mind. Fortunately, I encountered the GR. The GR is the only camera I use outside of work. It reignited my passion for photography and helped answer my questions while raising new ones.
In my professional work, I must observe through the eyes of my clients. But in everyday life, I'm free to explore the world through my own perspective. The GR brings me back to the warmth of photography, touches the emotion of images, and keeps me focused on the present moment.
Compact and pocketable, the GR is more than just a smaller camera - it offers a whole new way to capture the frame of time. It can be a "little diary" in my pocket or a professional tool for my own photography projects.
Today we are surrounded by photographs - on every screen and piece of paper, images are everywhere. In a sense, we are overwhelmed by this deluge of visuals. As an image maker, beyond my commercial work, I strive to create photographs that explore the deeper possibilities of imagery and transcend the flood of ordinary visuals.
GR, for me, is growth and rediscovery.
Liao Yakun (廖亚坤)
After graduating with a degree in Mechanical Design, I began my career as an engineer for a petroleum company. However, after six years of working in the field, I decided to follow my passion for photography, inspired by a photographer friend. In 2011, I made the bold transition from complete amateur to professional. Now, with over a decade of experience, I work as a commercial photographer specializing in still life photography.
Photography, to me, is a powerful medium - it expands the boundaries of perception and continually fuels my passion for creative expression.
Profoto Partner Photographer
ZHIYUN Lighting Contracted Photographer
（原文）
在成为摄影师之前，曾作为石油工程师，任职于一个美国的石油公司。机缘巧合，接触了摄影，像是被点亮了什么，随着感觉，跟着朋友，一起踏入了摄影。慢慢自研自修，做了商业摄影师，并在静物拍摄方面有了一点心得。享受了很长一段时间的职业成就感后，转头突然察觉，似乎背离原来以为的摄影已经很远。
到底什么是摄影？这个问题被重新翻了出来。这时候，我遇到了 GR。
GR 是我在工作之外唯一使用的相机。我带着它，一路帮我重拾摄影的乐趣，一路解答着关于摄影的种种，一路又向我抛来新的思考。
工作中，我会站在客户的角度，用摄影技术为他们去表达画面；在生活中，我更愿意用 GR 去观察生活的质地。它带回一种照片的温度，影像的情感，也让我更专注于只属于摄影的那个瞬间。
GR 的小巧，不止于“小”，随身携带的便利和在空间中的自由度，提供了一种全新截取时间切片的方式。它可以是我兜里的“小日记本”，也可以是我完成自己拍摄项目的专业工具。
在充斥着各种图片的当下，我们的“观看”，很多时候不只是应接不暇，甚至会是被动的无奈。作为一个图像的生产者，在商业工作之外，我想带着 GR，探索更多的摄影的可能，去打开更多“观看”愉悦。
廖亚坤（Liao Yakun）
毕业于中国石油大学机械设计及其自动化专业。在石油行业工作 6 年后，因“交友不慎”，进入了摄影行业。从 2011 年至今，从事广告及商业摄影，擅长于静物摄影，已有十余年的从业经验。
影像是非常有力量的媒介，它不断在拓宽我们观看的边界，也因此，摄影总是会提醒我打开想象，打开表达。趣味盎然。
保富图（Profoto）合作摄影师
智云灯光签约摄影师
