By Yvette Depaepe
Published the 8th of September 2025

Catherine Wang’s photographic vision centres on capturing a narrative within a single frame. Whether she is photographing still lifes, portraits, landscapes or animals, her aim is always to create a story that resonates beyond the surface. Read this interview to find out more about this talented artist.

'Flower Girl'

Dear Catherine, first, I would like to thank you for taking the time to answer this questionnaire. To begin with, could you please introduce yourself briefly and tell us more about yourself, your hobbies and any other projects you are involved in?

Hi, I’m Catherine Wang. I live in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and work as a senior IT analyst for the government. Outside of work, one of my biggest passions is photography. I love exploring different styles and finding quiet moments of beauty in everyday life, whether it's a fleeting expression, subtle lighting or a still scene that tells a story.
When I'm not behind the camera, I enjoy immersing myself in a good book or recharging through daily workouts. Reading fuels my imagination and often sparks new creative ideas, while staying physically active helps me stay centred and focused.

For me, photography is a way of telling stories about everyday life, turning ordinary moments into something meaningful and artistic. It is through a rhythm of movement, reflection and curiosity that I continue to grow as both an artist and a person.

‘Wheats & Lemon’

‘Red Symphony’

‘Caddo Lake’

‘Dumbo – NYC’

When and how did you start your photographic journey?

I had always been intrigued by photography, but my journey truly began in 2016 when I bought my first DSLR camera. I initially joined a parents' photography class to pass the time while waiting for my children to finish school. I didn't expect much from it — just a casual hobby. However, the moment I captured my first image through the camera's lens, I knew it was something special. I instantly fell in love with seeing the world through the art of photography.

Then, in 2020, my journey took a meaningful turn when the pandemic began. Working from home gave me more time to explore photography in greater depth. That same year, I had my first photo published on 1x, which was hugely encouraging. This boosted my confidence and from then on, my photography started to develop in a more focused and rewarding way.

For many of us photography is either a hobby or a way of life. How would you define your relationship with photography?

Photography started out as a simple way to pass the time, but over the years it has grown into a personal journey of reflection and growth. Every time I pick up my camera, I’m reminded of how much I’ve learnt, both technically and in terms of how I see, feel and connect with the world around me. I’ve progressed from taking casual snapshots to intentionally creating images that evoke emotion. Photography has taught me to slow down, stay curious and find meaning in everyday moments. It has become like a quiet companion — one that doesn't speak, but helps me express what words often cannot.

‘Tulips On Fire’

‘Goddess of Beauty’

Which experience has influenced your approach to photography the most so far?

To be honest, discovering 1x.com was a real turning point in my photographic journey. As I mentioned earlier, in 2020, when the pandemic forced many of us to work from home, I suddenly found myself with more time to devote to photography. I started submitting my work to 1x, and the experience was a real challenge in a positive way. Every accepted image gave me a quiet sense of validation, and every rejection taught me something new. This laid a strong foundation for my development and gave me the confidence to pursue photography with greater purpose and passion.

'Phoenix Center, Beijing China’

You have your own style, but your work is very diverse.  I see splendid dance photography, as well as photos of animals, landscapes, flowers and still lifes. Could you explain why this is?

I’m drawn to all forms of beauty, regardless of their subject or shape. To me, portraits, still lifes, architecture and landscapes all have one thing in common: they capture moments where light, composition and emotion come together to tell a story. The quiet expression in a portrait, the careful arrangement of objects in a still life or the way sunlight highlights the lines of a building all reveal something meaningful. Each genre provides a unique perspective on the world around me. Exploring different subjects challenges me to grow both technically and creatively, ensuring that my work remains fresh and inspiring. Ultimately, this diversity reflects my curiosity and my desire to understand life's many layers through photography.

‘Van Gogh’s Winter: A Walk in Blue’

‘Lotus Drift’

‘E-Huang’

What is more important to you, the mood,/story behind your images or the technical perfection?

While technical skill is important and helps to bring a vision to life, the mood and story behind an image always take precedence for me. Even a technically perfect photo can feel flat if it doesn’t evoke emotion or convey something meaningful. I believe that photography is about capturing moments that resonate, whether they are feelings, stories or connections. While technical mastery can support this goal, it's ultimately the story and mood that give an image its soul.

‘Tricks, Treats, and Oz’

‘IO’

What generally is your relationship to your subject matter beyond being an observer?
Do you prepare carefully the locations where you are intending to photograph?

“To photograph is to appropriate the thing photographed” wrote Susan Sontag in On Photography, and this quote reminds me to be mindful of the power behind the lens. I’m not merely observing; I’m interpreting, selecting what to include and what to exclude. This responsibility makes me approach my subjects with care and humility. When photographing people in particular, I try to create space for something genuine to emerge. Ultimately, I want the image to reflect not just what I saw, but also the moment we shared.
Yes, I prepare shooting locations, but not in a rigid way. I often choose locations that carry visual or emotional meaning, and consider how the environment can support the story I want to tell. Light, texture and atmosphere are important to me. However, I also allow for spontaneity — some of my favourite images have emerged from unexpected moments or details that I hadn't planned for. So it’s a balance. I prepare with intention, but I also stay open to what the location offers in the moment.

‘Dance & Architecture’

Describe your overall photographic vision.

My photographic vision centres on telling a story within a single frame. Whether I'm photographing still lifes, portraits, landscapes or animals, I aim to create a story that resonates beyond the surface. I carefully design each story by selecting the right location, props and outfits — especially for portraits — to bring out the desired character and mood. When it comes to still lifes, I arrange objects in ways that mirror human relationships or social themes, breathing life and meaning into them. Every detail within the frame plays a role in shaping the story, so I thoughtfully consider composition, lighting and atmosphere. Ultimately, I strive to create images that capture a moment and evoke emotion, inviting viewers to engage deeply with the story being told.

‘Caddo Lake’

‘Happy Singer’

‘Reaching the Light’

Can you please tell us something more about your workflow from the idea to the final product?

My workflow usually begins with an idea or feeling that I want to explore, which is often inspired by a story, book or painting that captures my imagination. I then research and plan, choosing locations and considering lighting and props. For portraits, I discuss outfits and moods with my subjects. Although preparation is important, I also stay flexible and open to whatever unfolds on the day of the shoot.
During the shoot, I focus on creating a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere to allow natural moments to emerge. I pay close attention to light and composition, but also watch out for unexpected details or emotions that add depth to the story. Afterwards, I carefully select the images that best convey the desired feeling or narrative.
During post-production, I use Photoshop to enhance the photo. I often experiment with different colour tones to stay true to the moment while making the image visually engaging. Sometimes, I take it a step further by adding abstract shapes, dreamy backgrounds or vivid colours to create striking and unique visuals.

‘Floating Echoes’

‘Chicago’

Where do you look to find inspiration and what inspires you the most?

I often look for inspiration online—platforms like PhotoVogue, Pinterest, and Instagram expose me to a wide range of creative voices and visual styles from around the world. But just as often, inspiration comes from everyday life: a passage in a book, a line from a poem, the way light hits a wall, or a quiet moment between people.
What inspires me most is the hidden story behind a scene—the emotion or tension that isn’t immediately visible but can be felt. I’m drawn to subtle moments that say something real, and I enjoy building that into an image, whether through composition, light, or symbolism. For me, inspiration is less about grand ideas and more about noticing small things that carry meaning.

‘Color of Autumn’

Many are of the opinion that the gear is not very important when the passion for photography is strong. However, can you please share with us what gear you use (camera, lenses, lighting, tripod, etc.)?

I agree that passion, creativity, and a strong eye for storytelling matter more than gear alone—but having the right tools definitely helps bring your vision to life. I currently use the Sony a7R V mirrorless camera, which I love for its sharp resolution, fast autofocus, and ability to handle a wide range of lighting situations.
For portraits, my go-to lens is the 50mm f/1.2—it gives beautiful depth of field and natural-looking compression. When I’m shooting other types of work, like still life, travel, or environmental scenes, I rely on the 24–70mm f/2.8 for its versatility and sharpness. I keep lighting simple—mostly natural light when possible, sometimes with a reflector or soft LED panel for subtle fill. I also use a lightweight tripod when I need more control with composition or long exposures.
At the end of the day, I see gear as a support system—tools that help translate a feeling or idea into an image. But it’s the vision behind the lens that matters most.

What would be your favourite photo? Please tell us the story behind it.

My favorite photo is "Spring Melody" a high-key still life image I created during the pandemic. At that time, like many others, I was confined at home—isolated from friends and missing the small joys of daily life. It was a beautiful summer day, and I longed to photograph fresh flowers. A close friend, knowing this, invited me to visit her garden. Because of the restrictions, she didn’t come out to greet me—instead, she left a pair of garden gloves, scissors, and an empty basket by her front door, along with a quiet gesture of trust and kindness.
I picked a few blooms and later arranged them into the composition that became Spring Melody. To others, it may just be a delicate still life—but to me, it holds a memory of hope, connection, and a friendship that quietly bloomed during one of the most difficult times. It's a reminder that even when the world paused, beauty and care still found a way to grow. (P.S. This photo is my #1 seller.)

‘Spring Melody’

Who are your favourite photographers or mentors whose works have influenced you and your photography?

Many photographers have inspired me at different stages of my journey. I admire Mandy Disher for the beautiful detail in her still life compositions and Annie Leibovitz for the emotional depth and storytelling in her portraits. I’m also drawn to Irving Penn's poetic, carefully constructed images, which seamlessly blend fashion, still life, and fine art. Recently, I have also found inspiration in the work of contemporary photographers on platforms such as PhotoVogue, who tell personal, cultural and emotional stories with honesty and creativity.

Although I don’t have a formal mentor, I have learned a great deal by studying the work of others, exchanging ideas with close friends, reading and continually experimenting. Inspiration comes not only from the great masters, but also from everyday photographers who quietly convey powerful and meaningful stories through their images.

Now, since we have almost reached the end of this interview, I would kindly ask you to share with us your plans or photographic projects you would like to be involved in.

I don't usually set myself long-term goals. Instead, I focus on short-term projects that inspire and encourage my creativity in the moment. Currently, I am working on a photo series inspired by PhotoVogue’s global open call, 'Women by Women'. The project celebrates women through the eyes of other women, a concept with which I deeply resonate.

I plan to expand this work by photographing more everyday women from diverse backgrounds, cultures, ages and life experiences, creating a larger series dedicated entirely to women. I’ve titled this project 'Her Story'. Through it, I hope to highlight the unique journeys and quiet strength of ordinary women and give voice to stories that are often overlooked. It’s my way of connecting with, celebrating and honouring women’s lives through photography.

The photo below, 'The Gap', won me the Alpha Female Award, Overall Winner at the 2024 Sony World Photography Awards.
This recognition has given me even more strength and motivation to continue with this project for as long as possible.

Is there anything else you wish to add and what do you think about 1X as a home base for your work?

I’d like to add that, for me, photography is a continuous journey of learning and connection. Every project and subject teaches me something new, both technically and in terms of how I understand people, emotions and the world around me. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share these stories, and I hope that my images will encourage others to pause, reflect and connect with one another on a deeper level.

As for 1X, it truly feels like home. As I mentioned earlier, joining 1X marked a turning point in my photographic journey. It has challenged me to grow, refined my vision and broadened my understanding of photography as an art form. I deeply value the thoughtful curation and the global community of photographers who are passionate about quality and storytelling. Being part of the 1X community continues to inspire me to push myself creatively, stay curious and evolve.

Thank you so much for inviting me to this interview. I am very grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts and journey. It means a lot to be part of a platform that supports and uplifts photographers from around the world. I am honoured and thankful to be included.