Biography
Shaoyi Zhang is a portrait photographer active in both China and the U.S. After gaining valuable experience interning for a French photographer in Shanghai, Zhang was inspired to pursue a professional career in photography. What sets him apart is his deep love for humanity, which serves as the driving force behind his work. He is particularly drawn to capturing people through his lens, aiming to showcase their stories and experiences.
During his time at the School of Visual Arts, Zhang discovered a passion for using photography as a medium to express social and economic issues. He is committed to shedding light on underrepresented and discriminated communities through his projects. By doing so, he believes photography can play a crucial role in documenting these issues and raising social awareness.
In his portrait works, Zhang skillfully blends strobe light with ambient light to create stunning and evocative aesthetics for his subjects. This artistic technique elevates the visual impact of his portraits, capturing the essence of the individuals he photographs. Zhang hopes that his photographs can spread information, create awareness, and provoke positive social change.
Exhibition
Chinese in New York, Fall Photography Art Show, Freelancers Union, New York
Souls of NYC Chinatown, Manhattan, New York 
Rebuilt: a life after reentry, The Fortune Society, Long Island City, New York
Chinese in New York, Flushing Town Hall, New York
Passing Merchant, ACCI Gallery, Berkley, California
London Photo Competition, 5th Base Gallery, London, UK
YUI Gallery, New York, NY, Chinese in New York
2018 Competition -- The Photo Review, Pennsylvania
Chinese in New York, Photometria International Photography Festival, Greece
Permanent Online Gallery, Environmental Portrait, PhotoPlace Gallery
SVA Gallery, New York, NY, Detour
Sony Square NYC, New York, NY
Press
O Book, Edition Hotel
Passing Merchants, Edge of Humanity Magazine
APA Source Book, American Photographic Artists
New York Law Journal, Portrait of Judge Doris Ling-Cohan
Contemporary Poetic: My 40 Years, Portrait of Li Yan
Exhibition Catalog, Environmental Portraits
A Reflection on Passing Time, Featured Artist
Sinovision Interview, Chinese in New York
Rising Light, Profoto Interview
Award
Gold & Portfolio Award, San Francisco Bay Intl. Photo Competition
Bronze, Rise International Photography Awards
Finalist, Umbra International Photography Award
Awardee, Queens Arts Fund Grant, Queens Counsel on the Arts, NY
Finalist, London Photo Competition, London
Nominee, Photography Grant, London
Honorary Award, Digital Camera, China