My Work
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A Wayfarer (2024) is a documentary and academic thesis exploring the nuanced experiences of third-culture individuals navigating identity, belonging, and cultural displacement between Eastern and Western societies. The documentary employs personal narratives and evocative cinematography to vividly capture emotional journeys, while the thesis paper critically analyzes film as a medium for expressing cross-cultural identity and fostering intercultural understanding. Together, the project provides a comprehensive examination of identity formation through visual storytelling.
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In my portrait photography practice, I explore the intricate relationship between mood, location, and narrative storytelling through still imagery. By thoughtfully selecting environments that resonate emotionally with each subject, I craft evocative portraits that capture nuanced expressions of identity and feeling. My approach merges visual storytelling with atmospheric settings to reveal deeper layers of personal stories, inviting viewers into moments of quiet introspection and emotional connection.
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Sapphic Sins is a game made by girls who like girls, for girls who like girls. We pretend it’s just a party game, but really, we’re trying to figure each other out - You score points through confessions, complications, and well-crafted lies.
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Social Media
Developed and curated visual storytelling across platforms, emphasizing portrait photography, short films, and cross-cultural narratives. Strategically utilized locations, mood, and composition to foster authentic connections, drive engagement, and promote themes of introspection, identity, and emotional resonance. Successfully grew audience interaction by crafting cohesive series and projects that resonate emotionally, visually, and culturally with diverse viewers.
A Wayfarer
In my graduate thesis and documentary, A Wayfarer, I explored the nuanced journey of third-culture individuals navigating cultural identity, belonging, and self-discovery. Through personal narratives, interviews, and intimate cinematography, the documentary captures the emotional complexity faced by those who grow up between Eastern and Western cultures, highlighting themes of displacement, identity formation, and the pursuit of authentic belonging. My thesis paper expands on these visual stories by critically analyzing the role of film as a medium to express and reflect the inner lives and cultural intersections experienced by third-culture individuals, providing insight into how storytelling can bridge cultural divides and foster deeper understanding.
Producer & Cinematographer, A Wayfarer (Documentary Thesis Project)
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Developed, produced, and filmed a documentary exploring third-culture identities, balancing roles as lead producer, cinematographer, and editor.
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Managed end-to-end production workflow, including research, scriptwriting, conducting interviews, and capturing cinematic visuals that amplified emotional storytelling.
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Successfully executed creative vision, showcasing expertise in narrative structuring, visual aesthetics, and strategic project management.
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Produced compelling content focused on cross-cultural narratives, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of global and multicultural perspectives.
Film Festival Selections
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Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival – Official Selection (September 2024)
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LA Film & Documentary Award – Official Selection (September 2024)
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Melbourne Queer Film Festival – Official Selection (September 2024)
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Moscow Asian Film Festival – Official Selection (March 2025)
Recognized for impactful storytelling, cultural exploration, and visual artistry.
Portrait Photography
Dreamcore Explorations
Dreamcore Explorations is a photographic series that delves into the surreal intersection between nostalgia, curiosity, and imagination within a dream-like, abandoned space. Captured within the visually stimulating confines of a graffiti-filled bus, the series blends reality with imaginative elements, emphasizing youthfulness, exploration, and whimsical introspection.
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Location & MoodSelecting an abandoned, graffiti-covered bus as the location creates a captivating blend of urban decay and playful curiosity. The vivid colors, textures, and chaos evoke a surreal, almost dreamlike atmosphere, juxtaposing vibrancy and solitude to deepen the narrative.
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Composition & FramingDynamic and layered compositions, including the creative use of reflections and collage-like overlays, enhance the sense of dreamlike wonder. Framing the subject amidst graffiti and weathered surroundings creates visual intrigue and a narrative of youthful exploration.
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Lighting & Color ToneContrasts between natural and artificial lighting alongside vibrant colors and moody shadows evoke a sense of mystery and fantasy, effectively underscoring the dreamcore aesthetic.
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Subject’s Expression & GestureThe subject's candid expressions, spontaneous gestures, and curious interactions with the environment convey a narrative filled with wonder and playful introspection, inviting viewers into a dreamlike exploration of memory, imagination, and youth.
Medium: Digital Photography, Mixed Media Collage
Themes: Nostalgia, Dreamcore, Exploration, Youth, Imagination
Urban Solitude
Urban Solitude is a photographic series exploring introspective moments within the vibrant yet isolating atmosphere of city life. Captured amidst iconic cityscapes, bridges, and transportation settings, the images intimately portray quiet contemplation, emotional reflection, and personal serenity amid urban chaos.
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Location & MoodSelecting recognizable urban landmarks and everyday transit spaces emphasizes the contrast between the bustling city and personal solitude. This juxtaposition creates a poignant narrative of loneliness and peace within crowded urban environments.
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Composition & FramingThoughtful framing highlights moments of quiet isolation, often placing the subject within expansive backgrounds of city architecture, bridges, and transit spaces. The deliberate use of angles and spacing underscores the emotional themes of introspection and solitude.
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Lighting & Color ToneWarm golden-hour lighting casts a soft, reflective mood across each photograph, creating a comforting yet melancholic atmosphere. The interplay of shadows and gentle sunlight further accentuates the intimate, contemplative moments.
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Subject’s Expression & GestureSubtle expressions and relaxed gestures of the subject effectively communicate inner reflection, vulnerability, and a search for emotional clarity, inviting viewers to empathize with feelings of serenity and quiet introspection.
Medium: Digital Photography
Themes: Solitude, Urban Life, Introspection, Emotional Reflection
Sunflower Dreams
Sunflower Dreams is a portrait series that explores themes of introspection, vulnerability, and personal growth through a narrative interaction between subject and environment. Set amidst the poetic beauty of a sunflower field, the series employs natural light, evocative composition, and nuanced gestures to visually narrate a personal journey of quiet self-discovery and emotional reflection.
The photographs transition seamlessly from the warmth and nostalgia of golden-hour light into the cool introspection of twilight, symbolizing emotional transformation. Carefully placed reflective elements, such as mirrors, deepen the visual storytelling by introducing notions of fragmented self-perception and internal dialogue.
This intimate portrait series invites viewers to connect with subtle emotions and encourages personal reflection through the harmonious interplay of location, mood, and storytelling.
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Location & Mood: Choosing a sunflower field creates an inherent emotional resonance, symbolizing growth, warmth, and optimism, yet juxtaposed with expressions of introspection and solitude. The shift from golden-hour warmth to twilight blues effectively captures a subtle narrative progression.
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Composition & Framing: By placing sunflowers close in the foreground and framing the subject within or behind natural elements, you enhance intimacy and emotional depth. The use of mirrors introduces additional layers of meaning, reflecting fragmented self-perception and inner exploration.
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Lighting & Color Tone: The soft, natural lighting and muted, warm color palette during the golden hour evoke comfort and nostalgia, shifting toward a cooler, introspective mood as the setting transitions to dusk.
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Subject’s Expression & Gesture: Gentle gestures and thoughtful expressions capture nuanced emotional states, conveying vulnerability and quiet contemplation, inviting viewers to reflect along with the subject.
Medium: Digital Photography
Themes: Mood, Introspection, Storytelling, Portraiture
Lakeside Reflections
Lakeside Reflections is a photographic series capturing spontaneous, reflective moments by the lakeshore, embodying themes of freedom, introspection, and youthful exuberance. Through candid expressions, dynamic movement, and intimate stillness, the images portray a journey that transitions gracefully from playful exploration during daylight into thoughtful solitude at twilight.
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Location & Mood: Choosing the lakeside environment evokes a natural sense of freedom, peace, and openness, juxtaposed beautifully with moments of personal contemplation. The shifting hues from golden-hour warmth to deep twilight blues enhance the emotional progression of self-exploration.
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Composition & Framing: Dynamic compositions frame the subject amidst natural textures, creating intimacy and depth. Capturing motion through running and playful gestures contrasts vividly against moments of quiet rest, reflecting a multifaceted emotional narrative.
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Lighting & Color Tone: Warm daylight tones symbolize playful optimism, gradually shifting to cooler, contemplative shades as dusk approaches, visually narrating an emotional journey.
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Subject’s Expression & Gesture: Authentic and spontaneous expressions evoke genuine emotion, ranging from joy and freedom to introspective calm, inviting viewers into a shared experience of youthful vitality and inner reflection.
Medium: Digital Photography
Themes: Youth, Freedom, Introspection, Emotional Progression
Sapphic Sins
As the creator and lead designer of Sapphic Sins, I developed a unique, inclusive party game experience tailored specifically for the sapphic and neurodivergent community. My responsibilities included:
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Game Concept & Mechanics:
Created innovative gameplay modes, including "Regular" (truth-based) and "Trust Issue Mode" (storytelling & bluffing), to enhance social interaction and player engagement. -
Content Creation & Writing:
Authored over 100 original, witty, and culturally resonant question cards in both English and Chinese, ensuring authentic tone and localized appeal. -
Graphic Design & Packaging:
Designed the complete visual identity, including logo, color schemes, packaging dielines, and final print-ready box layouts. -
3D Mockups & Visuals:
Produced high-quality 3D product renders and promotional images for marketing, social media, and website showcases. -
Brand Storytelling & Promotion:
Crafted compelling marketing copy, scripts for social media ads (TikTok, Instagram), and engaging web content that reflect the authentic voice of the target community.
This project showcases my skills in game design, bilingual content creation, visual branding, and strategic communication tailored for niche, vibrant audiences.