Audley Yung

Sometimes I wonder if people would even enjoy my company outside of work.  The people I connect with whether they’re 15 year olds or 60 year old CEOs, was that moment real? or was it just for a really great photograph?

I’ve learned to really force myself out of my shell with photography.  In a way, I genuinely enjoy meeting knew people, learning about their lives and making a deeper emotional connection with them, but how much of it is real on their part?  That’s the one thing that constantly bothers me about my line of work.

I see their realism in the photos, no one can fake emotions that I capture.  If I don’t capture it, then I keep poking and prying until I find a spot where they can open up and all usually within 30 minutes of meeting them.  So perhaps it is real, that one genuine moment that we have, it’s hard to ask for more than that.

I’ve been doing fashion photography for so long that I’ve finally started being paid for it a couple years back.  It seems to be all I know at this point, this artifice of advertising a person with just enough flaws that is accepted by society.  Let’s retouch away her wrinkles but leave the ones that look good ok?  Does anyone really want to see an Aerie ad completely un-retouched?? I doubt it.

I would though, I would love to see a woman with all her little rolls and stretch marks, eye bags and imperfection.  It’s what makes us human, ones collective experiences etched onto our bodies, like a road map of every heartache and joy we’ve felt.

What I’m trying to say is, I’m working on my retouching game.  I want people to look real, as close to the edge of what society deems acceptable.  Then I keep the genuine un-touched copy for my own collection, as a reminder of the moment we shared in the studio.

Trying to stay positive in a sea of uncertainty when it comes to freelancing.  Do I freelance by choice? I’m starting to think that I do, but because of to past events in my life, it’s not an artificial sink or swim mentality that entrepreneurs implant into their mind for success.  For me, it really is sink or swim.  Can this be a recipe for success or a mental break down?

From a far, this highly resembles a Rolex or Tudor Oyster Date/Prince…that’s why I couldn’t keep it.  I hate to be a watch snob, but until the day I can afford a Rolex, I want something that is completely original with as little reference in design to one.  I love Seiko, especially their dive watches which I feel are the most original of their line up.

Decided to change my strap out to a British racing green leather strap.  I’m pleasantly surprised by how well the color matches with a darker themed watch.  I’m pairing it with the only piece of Versace clothing I have.  I bought this sweater 12 years ago when Versace was going through some financial trouble and had to close down numerous satellite stores.  It was on sale for such a low price that I had to pick it up.

Another recent portfolio/comp card shoot I did for a local talent agency.