We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jared Tseng a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jared, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I’m a huge fan of personal projects, and I believe that they are a great way to keep yourself from burnout. There’s a particular project that I have been working on for awhile now. Some time ago I started buying and using old expired film. What drew me to it was the element of unpredictability it offered. Each roll of film had the potential to yield captivating colors or intriguing grain patterns. At some point I had the idea of finding film that coincided with the birthdates of different members of my family. For instance, my brother was born in September of 1992, so I starting trying to locate film rolls specifically marked with that date. The concept was to document my family members on film that was as old as they were. It became a sentimental and artistic journey, blending nostalgia with a desire to capture the essence of each family member. As I collected these expired film rolls, I could almost feel the weight of their age and history in my hands. When the time came to shoot with them, it was a blend of excitement and anticipation, never quite knowing how the images would turn out. Would the colors be muted, or would they take on a unique vintage quality? Had the film degraded beyond use? These were the mysteries that fueled my enthusiasm throughout the project. The process itself became a bond, weaving together the stories of my family members with the medium of expired film. Through the lens, I sought to capture not only their physical appearances but also the essence of who they are, shaped by the time in which they were born. It was an exploration of the interplay between memory, time, and visual representation. A few examples of images that I’ve taken with this project are my brother’s wedding on film from 1992, my sister’s wedding reception on film from 1994, and my dad’s retirement day with film from 1955. I even have a roll of film from 1930 that I plan to use for my grandmother on her birthday! As I look back on this ongoing project, I realize that it has become a way to celebrate and honor my family’s history. Each photograph taken on these films is a testament to the unique qualities and experiences that make each family member who they are. It is a testament to the beauty of imperfections and the timeless nature of capturing moments through the lens of time itself.

Jared, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Jared Tseng, and I have been a professional photographer for the last 15 years. During my time in school, I pursued a major in Studio Art with a concentration in photography. I was introduced to the world of photography through film and utilized a large “View Camera” (imagine the old-fashioned cameras with cloth hoods). Learning on film taught me patience and intentionality in every shot. I was forced to slow down, carefully consider composition, lighting, and exposure before pressing the shutter.

My journey as a professional photographer began in the realm of weddings, where I gained invaluable experience and knowledge. However, as time went on, I made the decision to shift my focus away from weddings and place more emphasis on families and portraiture. The role of a family photographer holds great significance for me, as I firmly believe that family portraits hold a special place among our most cherished possessions. As a portrait artist, I hold the responsibility of not only providing my clients with exceptional images but also offering them tangible products that can be enjoyed in their homes and passed down through generations. By creating enduring works of art, I aim to capture the essence and connection within families, preserving their stories for years to come. Each photograph I produce is a testament to the love, joy, and memories shared among family members, and I count it a privilege and honor to be entrusted with capturing these moments. Through my photography, I strive to go beyond merely taking pictures. My goal is to create timeless treasures that evoke emotions and encapsulate the unique beauty and bonds within each family.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I like this question! First of all, I think promoting and prioritizing arts education is essential! That way, we can nurture creativity from an early age and let people explore their artistic talents. Secondly, we need to show that we value art by providing proper financial support. This means fair pay for artists and creatives, as well as funding for grants, residencies, and cultural institutions. When we invest in the arts, we not only support individual artists but also contribute to the overall cultural enrichment and economic growth of our communities. It’s also crucial for society to actively engage with and appreciate art. Go to exhibitions, performances, and cultural events. Buy artwork! These actions not only support artists financially but also show that we value their work and the impact it has on our lives.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

After completing art school and launching my photography business, I proudly embraced my identity as a true creative. Business acumen was not something I prioritized, believing that as long as I produced excellent work, success would naturally follow. Consequently, I neglected to learn the fundamentals of marketing and entrepreneurship. While residing in a small town, word of mouth helped me build a decent reputation, and I devoted myself to perfecting my craft, fortunate enough to receive a steady flow of projects. However, when I eventually relocated to a larger city, I quickly discovered that solely relying on the quality of my work wouldn’t sustain a thriving business. Job opportunities slowed, and I had a season where I had to find part-time work elsewhere. Through this challenging period, I have realized the truth that being a working photographer means being a shrewd businessperson with a photography specialty.     

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jaredtseng.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/jaredtsengphoto
• Facebook: facebook.com/jaredtsengphotography

Image Credits
Personal photo was taken by Hannah Haston