Spotlight On YAFies: Li Li

Li Li
Photographer with a hearing impairment

When did you discover your love for photography? Do you remember the first time you picked up a camera?
I can’t remember exactly when I discovered my love for photography. But when I first got a camera, I enjoyed walking around and taking pictures. The beautiful images I captured gave me a great sense of accomplishment. That's probably how I fell in love with photography.

As someone with a congenital hearing impairment, how do you perceive the world?
I depend more on my body and my eyes to see the beauty of this world.

What challenges have you faced on your path to becoming a photographer, and how have you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was definitely my hearing ability. I always start by explaining to clients that I have difficulties hearing and that I may have to ask them to repeat themselves. Once we have this understanding, communication isn’t usually a big issue, as I can also read lips.

Now that I have a cochlear implant I can hear more clearly, so it’s no longer such an issue.

Even when I couldn’t hear, it didn’t matter as long as the other person could recognise my passion. Feelings can be more authentic than words.

Why did you choose to specialise in portrait photography? How do you build trust and connection with your clients during the photoshoot? 
I enjoy taking photographs of everyday themes and the simple act of recording the present moment.

Before the photoshoot, I usually spend some time chatting with clients to get to know them. If we began shooting right away, they might feel awkward. It helps to start with a conversation.

What was the most memorable experience you had during The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Project Grant: stART Up Community Arts Project?
The most memorable experience was interviewing Heidi, a young woman who is completely deaf.

Because my cochlear implant helps me hear, I haven’t learnt sign language. But her signing and lip-reading were very easy to understand. I once heard, “A gentle person's sign language is gentle too.” Through that interview, I truly experienced what that statement means.

What would you like the audience to take away from your work?
I hope they feel the positive energy behind my photos, and see that there are many beautiful things in this world that are worth exploring.

If you weren’t a photographer, what would you do for work?
I’d still work in the art field. But maybe I would have been a painter, as I love to draw. 

What advice do you have for young people with physical limitations who are passionate about the arts?
Stay true to yourself and don’t give up!