About
Hank Lu
Ever since I was a kid, I've dreamed of becoming a war photographer – like Steve McCurry, a frontline storyteller I deeply admire and the man behind the iconic portrait of the Afghan girl on the cover of National Geographic. Stories shared not through words, but through images that speak for themselves.
Run far. See deeper. Frame truth.
Run far. See deeper. Frame truth.
Over the past decade, I've photographed a variety of subjects, but I have always focused specifically on portraiture. My belief is that it was more meaningful to engage and connect with a real human being rather than solely taking a landscape photograph.
In my view, portraiture is an exercise in empathy. Rather than simply pressing the shutter, I begin each capture by listening and understanding the stories behind each person I photograph. Essentially, my camera acts more like a receiver rather than just an executor. When trust flows, the image becomes less of a reflection and more of a resonance.
I work almost exclusively with natural light and a few ultra-fast primes — a 35 mm for context, a 50 mm for intimacy, and a 135 mm when I need the silence of distance. Wide apertures allow me to carve out emotional focus, letting the background fade and the subject breathe.
Rather than designing complex environments, I rely on a quiet dialogue between light and expression to shape each frame. My post-production stays minimal — soft tones, muted highlights, and the subtle hues often found in Japanese color palettes. I aim for a visual mood that feels honest, cinematic, and quietly emotional — where each image invites the viewer not just to look, but to feel.
Outside of photography, I’m a passionate sports enthusiast. For most of my life, I’ve been devoted to disciplines like tennis, marathon running, and Taekwondo. Whether I’m on the court or the course, I’m always driven to push beyond my limits. I believe persistence shapes outcomes and I’ve always been someone who finishes what I start!
As a professional, these values — discipline, clarity, and presence — are at the heart of how I work. Whether I’m chasing light in the streets or capturing quiet portraits, I approach each frame with intention.
If you're looking for someone who’s committed, adaptable, and deeply invested in storytelling, I’d love to hear from you!
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