The Sissi Lu Interview - Creative Process, Street Photography Controversies and Emotion.

Today we interview the talented NY based photographer Sissi Lu. In this interview we discuss Sissi's creative process, emotion behind making photos and touch on the topic of "Street" photography and its controversies. This episode was recorded back in May of 2023 and is now the first installment of my new interview series called "Thoughts and Process" which we will be doing once a month. Please go follow Sissi on all of her social which are linked directly below. Such an honor to be able to have such a special guest so please show her some love! Thank you Sissi :) (Thoughts and Process EP.1)
Where to find Sissi:
Instagram - @Sissi_lu
KZbin - ‪@SISSI_LU‬
TikTok - @Sissi_lu

[@KingJvpes]

Welcome to the first episode of “Thoughts and Process”. I’m this interview styled series we head to NY to talk Street Photography, creative process and emotion behind photography with Sissi Lu! If you enjoyed this episode please drop a like so we can continue with the series!

[@nicolasmalmsten457]

Love it! Keep it up :)

[@glenng6017]

That name is a great fit for this series! It was very fascinating to hear Sissi's thoughts on photography and life. I'm hyped to see you interview more amazing artist

[@rjwalsh11]

Read Garry Winogrand’s comments about street photography.

[@SISSI_LU]

Thank you for having me on your channel, Jonathan!

[@KingJvpes]

Was an honor to have you!

[@kamillebest5152]

I loved the portion where Sissi talked about photographing older people, and making a connection with them, because that definitely comes across in her photos. She seems so vibrant and so do the people she photographs; the ages of them are a matter of fact, but the feeling I get from looking at these people is that their spirits are very much youthful and even playful.

[@stephaneg]

When you're old like me and you've pretty much given up on human kind, it is so refreshing to see beautiful spirits like you two. And this young lady has so much class...

[@brandonmeza2322]

Can you please have Willem Verbeeck and Trevor Wisecup on this series?! 🫶🏼

[@Mygrainphotos]

I second this!

[@Skiz0id]

BIG TREV

[@alissong.]

We need Trevor!

[@Dan1234-m5p]

Willem is the goat!

[@lifeofanubhav]

Good, trevor, good!

[@KeeeeenW]

33:00 my grandpa passed away recently and I was lucky enough to see him a few months before he had to go to the hospital. My only regret was that I had my Leica M10 when I visited my grandpa but never took it out to photograph him because I thought we had more time. The only slivering was that my Mom forced everyone for a few portrait shots with my grandparents using her iPhone. One of the reasons why I did not took out my camera was that I only had a 35mm lens which could not fit even one person in the frame on my grandparent's narrow balcony. I am glad we had the iPhone with the ultra wide angle lens and more importantly got to spend some quality time with my grandpa.

[@bighapprm]

I would love for you to interview Paulie B. I love how you guys represent. Two great photographers with great content and personalities.

[@arnojunior1948]

Totally agree.👍🏻 Mister walkietalkie himself.

[@AristeidisSfakianos]

It was very nice seeing Sissi's perspective on photography in general and how she went about starting her street project. I am very sorry for the passing of your grandmother's Sissi and I appreciate your sincerity. I can feel that you are a genuine person and this puts things into perspective. Keep up your beautiful work! Cheers for the video King!

[@likaooz3018]

the caption should be "an interview with my crush"

[@inikphoto]

Is it me or do all channels on KZbin evolve around the same KZbin photographers……..?.? Seems like a KZbin photographic club!

[@dfigphoto]

I hear you. I’m 39. Been a photographer since 2007. Shooting in nyc since then too. I would never see ppl my age shooting much. Then instagram happened.

[@colinfaulkner4269]

This was an outstanding interview....great job. As a long time film photographer, I love it when our younger generation gets it. Sissi Lu gets it. Great Job again.

[@ryanrichards7059]

Sissi is such an inspiration, what a wonderful interview.

[@adamhymel2386]

I'm sorry, but somebody needs to say it.....she's a very basic photographer and I don't know why everyone is hyping her up lately. Yeah it's awesome she makes videos and content to keep the film photography genre alive, but I wouldn't call her talented. I see "average" photographers every day on insta who are way better than her who only get 10 likes while she gets thousandsssss of likes for the most mediocre photo in the world. Doesn't make sense to me

[@joaquinguzman6171]

Interview SERR please he is amazing. I would love to here his insights

[@unplugdphoto]

Moving discussion. Not easy being the other side of the world from family, especially as you all grow older.

[@zakariyeawnur2558]

Best photography interview anywhere. Super talented and chill.

[@kielypie3367]

Please Geloy Concepcion! 😊

[@nicktalerico8273]

I need that eatenbyflowers interview 😫

[@klewis7567]

Jamel Shabazz and other street photographers of color - male and female.

[@mikepatton309]

If you don’t mind interviewing small creators I would love to talk photography with you .

[@filmlandia]

I absolutely adored this conversation! So much respect for each other and each other's crafts. I'm excited to see the next video :)

[@Habeelz]

She is evidently an amazing photographer and person. Loved eharing her stories. Definitely going to follow her and keep an eye on her photography!

[@qnetx]

Great interview. With such a popularity in street photography, I’ve often wondered and curious on how street photographers make a living (other than being KZbin influencers)?

[@PerfectNormal]

I felt like I was listening in on somebody’s date

[@gentlefoo]

loved this interview! and love sisu lu! now you gotta get the goat paulie B on here

[@terrywbreedlove]

Oh wow I haven't seen Sissi Lu in a long time. I really enjoyed her channel for awhile and need to go check in and see what she has been up to.

[@christinacooperfilm]

This was lovely. I enjoyed the conversation, especially when Sissy turned the tables with the street photography topic. I'm sorry to hear about your loss, Sissi. I could definitely relate. What a great way to kick off the series!

[@kodafynest]

This was so nice, foubd myself smiling then crying. Phew. Yall are so sweet and kind.

[@kevvykev7934]

This was such a great and warm interview! I'm subscribing to both of you!

[@bohdanlee]

Love this style of video, feels very authentic. You definitely have to do more!

[@jasontroll]

Willem Verbeeck!!!! And Paulie B!!!!!

[@sebastianbott1822]

I would love to see Trevor Wisecup 🙌🏻

[@MarceloFernandez1967]

Lu is very beautiful.

[@barbaracourtens]

Awesome, beautiful interview! Sissi is one of my favorite film photographers! Can't wait for the other interviews :) Thanks!

[@joysrivastava]

Absolutely loved it ! Thank you so much ! Would love to perhaps see photographers such as Joe Greer, Ted Forbes from AOP

[@ourcalltoadventure]

@1:22 - why is this a good photograph? Please don’t take this the wrong way, I’m genuinely intrigued as to why this would be a featured photo.

[@StoicJason]

It’s “artistic”

[@daryljanmarquez1864]

great episode man! keep up the good work kabayan!

[@kerouacf0069]

I really enjoyed this interview, slipped in with your other content and it adds another element. Thank you for this channel.

[@DenizBoz]

interview sean tucker

[@emmanuelmartinez5125]

Teo Crawford please

[@Jim-BobWalton]

I really like this conversational exploration between you guys. I also see the fun exploration of colour, shadow, and social interactions of someone like Saul Leiter in Sissi’s images

[@ArchiesLens]

Awe I love Sissi Lu’s work! Awesome interview🌸✨

[@runeveryday1069]

Disliked the opening of this video, I thought this would be ridiculous. Contrary, this was good.

[@UriTid]

A Trevor Wisecup would so great!!!

[@trevorwisecup]

Probably

[@monkeywrenchedphotography1876]

What a absolutely amazing person 🖤 Thank you for this!!!

[@Alex-tc6ok]

One of the most genuine interview I have seen on photography. Her energy is amazing, had me smiling and feeling happy then hearing about her grandma really felt it, had all my emotions all over places so good keep this up 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽

[@wandaortega7139]

Awesome interview. I love Sissy’s work. She is a true inspiration!

[@rickbiessman6084]

I think you guys should start dating, if you haven’t already. That’s all I have to say about how great this conversation was.

[@twinfactor]

I loved this. Keep these coming!

[@theodorenguyen3269]

Trevor Wisecup or Roman Fox(England)

[@arricammarques1955]

Hasselblad 503CX+A24 ++ CFV II 50C & 50mm, 80mm & 150mm.

[@nerucheung]

In love with this series! So refreshing to see photography content on KZbin that isn't just about gear :)

[@LeslieABronxBebeFalu]

I'd like to see you have Vuhlandes on here.

[@strippedlist]

Alessio Albi would be great if you catch him

[@tysmith924]

Try to interview David Yarrow, Art Wolfe, Chris Hauk, Graham White, Jared Poland, Mike Gray, Thomas Heaton, and Randy Bacon.

[@StreetPhotographyChannel]

Cool video with some in-depth thoughts about Sissi Lu's process. Thanks for making this!

[@dianenn1]

SF Bay Area Street Photographer, Tony Van Le

[@trevorwild195]

New Yorkers wear white shoes nowadays?

[@petez4608]

People are lucky to live long enough to be old. Young people will be old, middle aged people were young and on the road to being old. There is no other way, but some people often choose not to recognize or empathize with that inevitability and then behave appropriately. For me, with my life experience, youth ends at 12 and old age starts at about 75-78. Middle age is missing from the conversation and for me personally(not for everyone) where most of life’s time and richest experiences are spent. I’m lucky. People get cooler, more cultivated, more interesting and more interested, more creative, less trend based as they age….but again, I’m very lucky to have the life and role models that I’ve had.

[@samsonovaelena]

❤ beautiful interview

[@roxikoko3744]

If you are going to put yourself out there, you need to take the good feedback with the constructive. So here goes. One good shot 1:39 and yeah its a great shot. Beautifully edited and composed, simple elegant, the viewer knows your intent. But please tell me how the rest of the work makes the cut? Basic understanding of composition at best. Some of the abstracts look nice. Yes, the colours work in some of the images. But nothing a basic understanding of colour theory wouldn't be able to achieve. My eye travels to parts of the images it shouldn't due to not being able direct the viewers eye with tone or line. Some cases the highlights are where they shouldn't be, causing the images to be unbalanced and some images drawing my eye away from the subject onto an irrelevant part of the scene because it's the brightest part of the scene. I want to know how you market yourself rather than how you photograph. To me it's a case of Emperors new clothes. Too afraid to criticise because she's a lovely person maybe? Please tell me what I am missing and don't just say, "I just don't get it". There's plenty of great photographers who achieve the same sort of real looking images but create masterpieces due to having a solid foundation of understanding composition, timing, lighting, positioning etc. There seems to be no thought behind the images. Just click and pray. Just a basic understanding of colours. If you can get by just on colours then more power to you but it just seems a lazy copout and excuse not trying to understand all the other fundamentals. There's no symmetry, balance or flow. I am really curious what people find appealing in her work. Not her as a person. The work. If you want a true colour understanding with all other attributes of a great street photographer look at Alex Webbs work. This guy is in the zone and his work will stand the test of time. Anyone with a basic understanding of photography could tell you why Alex Webbs images work. So please anyone tell me why these images work. I'm not trying to be a dick, I truly want to understand. Btw. If you shoot weddings and make a flippant comment about doing it because you just want to get by and feel it's a lower form of photography and don't take it seriously then you shouldn't be shooting weddings. Being invited to capture someones biggest day, a milestone events in a families life is an honour and your images will be passed down from generation to generation. Sure it won't have worldwide appeal but you will be a massive part of someones life. It's a condensed form of real human relations.

[@eatenbyopium]

shes the best fr

[@cade--]

please interview Trevor Wisecup :D

[@trevorwisecup]

Good

[@cade--]

@@trevorwisecup yooooo big trev

[@jonasgucci5087]

wow great video! - Siegfried Hansen would be awesome, but he's from Germany :/

[@Hex_pinkeye]

A small critique; please have time stamps

[@robertjoseph6144]

Sean Tucker Thomas Heaton

[@knoptop]

Great interview! I want to see you interview @sweetlouphotography

[@Munkaa]

Sisi seems to be a lovely person to be around! Great interview, hope you get her on the channel again.

[@derekwilliams9384]

Any idea what that little camera is she is holding in first black and white pic? Thanks!

[@SISSI_LU]

It’s my Fujifilm Klasse - great pns camera!

[@Sunday_Jazz]

So good. But wow Sissi your website is awful! I would fix that up ASAP to show your wonderful work.

[@conradjavier5180]

This is sick! Great interview! Curious, what kind of mics are you using for this?

[@benbojammin]

Such a great interview. Matt Day should definitely be next!

[@katiexisti]

the part where sissi talks about her grandparents and how she may not be able to photograph them is so heartbreaking because she does photograph older people in such unique light that it captures their personality, one one my fave projects or concept from her works.

[@HarrysCode]

Loving the interview! Fantastic idea for new content! Keep up the good work

[@katiexisti]

both of my faves in one video. oh my what a treat. i would love to see like a collab style video kinda like a challenge where you thrift a camera and shoot with it. hope to see more videos with sissi. i also love sissi's style of photography. im tryna be like here for real.

[@marknachmias423]

Interview Donna Ferrato

[@monkeypawism]

Very touching.

[@stefansago]

I absolutely loved this, please do more if you can. You both are so amazing. Thank you!! ❤️🙏

[@stronman100]

Please have Sean Tucker

[@Sam_Fu]

Truly loved this! Thanks for inspiring me ya'll! So many great gems. Looking forward to future episodes!

[@JasonCohenphoto]

Fantastic interview and I hope that you continue this series!

[@ruff1draft]

Great interview. I shall check her photography work out

[@happycamperproducts]

Great interview! Cameras and boba in Chicago and I'll be there

[@wojiaoariel]

this was beautiful

[@thomastuorto9929]

Off to a great start. I understood her photography from the photos showed in the beginning.

[@andrewjackomos363]

Love Sissi’s art

[@sarj8164]

Great interview😊❤👍

[@jimd7699]

Amazing interview. Keep it up. This was really great!

[@garymorrow9324]

Beautiful. Inspirational. Emotional. Just a great video.

[@Parteum]

This is real and wonderful, as life is.

[@hotmonkeyfilms]

Love these intimate and easy conversations. More of this. Welcome to NY

[@tofino12]

Great conversation. Sissi is great! Thanks for the video.

[@jumahatleman]

beautiful interview, love this! Sissi is a great break from all the other "street photographers".

[@TheNewBruno69]

Man if I wanna hear someone’s interview it has to be GXace

[@LuisGGomezPhoto]

Thanks for the interview with Sissi, it was very entertaining. So long.

[@garonkiesel1646]

Great interview. So touching. Sissi's work is truly inspiring.

[@jovibess7234]

wholesome vibes through this video, always a pleasure seeing other photographers interact with each other and hype up!

[@SumrSurf]

Great interview , what an interesting individual.

[@jaymurallon3758]

I loved this, had to watch it twice. You 2 are such amazing human beings

[@luisruiz4165]

She explains perfectly how I want to live life and how I do it in the few free time I can