Han Yang
Photographer, Winner of FotoSlovo Awards 2024
Jury of FotoSlovo Awards 2025
Jury of FotoSlovo Awards 2025
Han Yang is a visual artist and photographer whose practice centers around themes of identity, vulnerability, and cultural narratives. Renowned for her distinctive style in fashion and portrait photography, she uses her work to thoughtfully engage with the complexities of race, gender, and the broader human experience. Her photography, which has earned international recognition and awards, continues to serve as a platform for amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities.
Han Yang is the winner of the FotoSlovo Awards 2024 in single images and now a member of the Jury Committee for the FotoSlovo Awards 2025, shares her insights in an exclusive interview with us.
Han Yang is the winner of the FotoSlovo Awards 2024 in single images and now a member of the Jury Committee for the FotoSlovo Awards 2025, shares her insights in an exclusive interview with us.
"It’s not about rushing to the top — it’s about staying true to your vision and growing through every challenge."
— Congratulations on winning the FotoSlovo Award 2024! Now you are in Jury Panel for FotoSlovo Awards 2025, transitioning from being a participant to evaluating others' work. What advice would you give to emerging photographers who dream of making a mark in the industry but feel overwhelmed by the competition?
— Making a mark in the photography industry can indeed feel overwhelming, but it's essential to focus on building your unique voice. My advice would be to stay true to your vision and keep creating with passion. Don’t be discouraged by the competition; the industry is vast and diverse, and there’s room for everyone’s perspective. Build a strong portfolio that showcases your style, and engage with the community. Networking and collaboration are vital, but remember that growth takes time and persistence. Keep pushing forward, even if it feels challenging at times.
— Photography is a field where success often takes time. How can artists stay motivated and patient in their creative growth? What personal challenges have you faced in your own artistic journey, and how did you overcome them?
— Success in photography often comes very slowly, but it's all about persistence and belief in your work. I have faced several personal challenges along the way, from financial constraints to navigating the complexities of the art world. I overcame these hurdles by maintaining a clear vision and staying true to my identity as an artist. Patience, resilience, and a strong support system have helped me keep moving forward, even in difficult times.
— There are many photography awards available worldwide. What are the key factors that influenced your decision when submitting to photo contests? Beyond the prizes, what are the biggest benefits of participating in photography awards for you—e.g. networking, exposure, self-growth?
— Photography awards provide more than just recognition or prizes—they can be an important stepping stone in a photographer’s career. For me, the benefits go beyond the awards themselves; they offer a platform for self-growth, networking with like-minded professionals, and increased exposure. Engaging with these awards has helped me build meaningful relationships with other artists and contributed to my own creative development.
— What are some essential skills—both creative and professional—that photographers should develop to build a sustainable career?
— Building a sustainable career in photography requires a combination of creative and professional skills. It’s important to develop your technical proficiency and unique artistic voice, but equally crucial are business skills like networking, marketing, and financial management. Being able to navigate the industry professionally, while also nurturing your creativity, is what will help sustain a long-term career.