We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tong Shen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tong below.

Tong, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

“Equation” is a photographic series that explores the visual and conceptual connections between seemingly unrelated objects and scenes. The project grew from a realization: in our fast-paced lives, we often overlook the richness of our surroundings because we’re focused on getting somewhere, both literally and metaphorically. In doing so, we miss the beauty embedded in the ordinary.

The images in Equation form diptychs or triptychs, pairing visuals that may appear disconnected at first glance but reveal underlying relationships upon closer inspection. Some pairings were made intuitively in the moment, as I photographed with an internal catalog of existing images in mind. Others emerged later, as I reviewed my archive and noticed unexpected harmonies, patterns, textures, lines, or even material origins. One example is a close-up of sand on a beach, its upper third rippled with surf, paired with a photograph of broken glass shards. Beyond the visual echo, the link deepens knowing that glass is made from silica, the main component of sand.

Creating Equations has sharpened my perception of the everyday. I’ve become more attuned to light, form, and the shifting elements of street life. This heightened awareness has, in turn, made me a more thoughtful and responsive street photographer.

Ultimately, I hope Equation encourages viewers to pause and reconsider their environments. There is unexpected resonance in the mundane and hidden meaning in what we often overlook—the process of seeing—and of living—matters just as much as the destination.

Tong, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was born in China and came to the United States on my own for college. At first, I felt the need to document the things I saw—to not only discover but also preserve these moments, making them eternal through photography. Over time, as I studied photography more deeply, I realized that it isn’t just about documentation. Or rather, documentary photography is just one branch of a much broader field. Photography can evoke memories of a particular moment or event. Everyone has their own personal “connection” to an image—just like the saying, “There are a thousand Hamlets in a thousand people’s eyes.” That’s the unique power of art.

Equation is a project born from observing the people, objects, and scenes around me. I noticed how often people overlook their surroundings, especially in spaces that feel overly familiar. In today’s fast-paced world, I hope this work encourages people to slow down and take a moment to observe. What I’m most proud of, and what I believe sets me apart, is that I don’t measure everything by time or efficiency. I allow myself to slow down, to look carefully, and to notice things that others might miss. That’s where I begin—as a photographer—and it’s the core of who I am.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Nature is one of the most remarkable artists and creators. The mountains, trees, animals, and ever-changing weather are all part of its vast body of work. The colors of a sunset, the appearance of the aurora, the deep blue hues of icebergs, and even natural disasters can be seen as powerful expressions of nature’s creative force, sometimes serene, sometimes fierce.

As artists and creators, our responsibility is to explore the fullest range of creative potential within our own abilities and to discover the value we can bring into the world through our work. In my view, this pursuit of meaningful creation—of generating both artistic and personal value—is one of the most essential and admirable aspects of being an artist.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My personal mission as an artist is simple yet enduring: I hope that after I’m gone, my work will still be remembered. I don’t aspire to become famous like Henri Cartier-Bresson, but I do hope that what I capture today will continue to resonate with people many years from now.

I’m especially moved by the story of Vivian Maier. She never actively sought recognition during her lifetime, yet her photographs were discovered posthumously and are now deeply appreciated. That quiet legacy—where the work itself finds its way into the world and into people’s hearts—is something I deeply admire. If my photographs can have even a fraction of that lasting impact, then I will have fulfilled my purpose as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tongsfoto.com
• Instagram: @tongshen0817
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tong-shen-344319313/

Image Credits

Tong Shen