Photography 101 with Spencer Lee

Spencer Lee is a 14-year-old photographer from Southern California. He moved to the U.S from China a few years ago and has pursued photography for the past two years.

Let’s dive into a few of his thoughts!

1Q: What got you into photography?
Spencer: To be honest, it started as a way to make connections. I saw others’ works that I loved, and I thought pursuing photography would make me stand out. I also did it to help the community and raise awareness for things I’m passionate about.

2Q: You mentioned that pursuing photography has enabled you to help the community – can you tell me a little more about that?
Spencer: I have taken photos for fundraisers and my school. I worked with students and my principal to take pictures for an anti-drug campaign.

3Q: What camera are you using? From when you started, has your camera changed?
Spencer: I switched cameras a few times. The first camera I ever used was a Canon Rebel. Then, I switched to my dad’s old camera, an Olympus that I used for about half a year. I’ve been saving up money ever since I started taking photos, and I eventually saved enough to purchase a camera from Sony called the A7R3. In the back of my mind, I’ve also always had an interest in using a film camera since it’s quite different from a regular digital camera.

You can tell many more interesting stories with a film camera depending on how you use it.

4Q: Are there any people who you look to for inspiration or look up to online?
Spencer: Definitely. I admire Brandon Woelfel for his unique editing style. I also like Hayden Pederson because he has really creative ideas, and he takes photos freely without any restrictions. Peter Mckinnon is also a great photographer; I admire how work-focused and goal-oriented he is.

5Q: If you could take photos of any subject, in any setting, with no restrictions such as money, time, and other people, what would it be, and what would it look like?
Spencer: I’ve thought a lot about this, and I’ve only had about two years of experience, so I haven’t done as much as others. But, if I were to take a photo and have free reign, I would take an underwater portrait photo. It would be based on a theme of letting go and just going with the flow, letting your creativity flow, like the water around the subject. Kind of like the phrase “Don’t think, just do.”

On a set, I start with a general idea and just let it take its own path.

6Q: Do you edit your own photos? Has your process changed since when you first started to edit?
Spencer: I usually use Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop. When I was a beginner, I didn’t really pay attention to my photos’ composition, but as I’ve gotten more involved, I’ve considered it more often. One of my favorite pictures is because of how it was edited, and I think it showcases the best of my abilities right now.

7Q: Are there any unexpected benefits you’ve experienced from taking photos?
Spencer: Something unexpected I experienced was making connections with my community and friends around me while also creating a piece of unique artwork that helps me stand out from others.

8Q: If someone wanted to start to take pictures, would you have any advice for them? Maybe some advice you would give to your younger self who has just started?
Spencer: Don’t focus on the amount of attention you are able to attract, but focus on how you can grow and improve on your work. Allowing yourself to break from social media’s constant pressure is a good idea, and don’t compare yourself with other photographers.

You can find Spencer on Instagram at @spencer.llee, where many of his works are featured!