by Editor Jacob (Jian) Xu 
Edited and published by Yvette Depaepe, the 5^th of January 2026

James Lu’s photography is rooted in patience, observation and a deep respect for everyday life. Although he works across genres, he is especially drawn to street photography. He focuses on mood and meaning, allowing genuine moments to unfold naturally. His images reflect a quiet sensitivity to light, gesture and human presence, shaped by an intuition honed through many years of patience and practice. For James, photography is more about connection than control, achieved through walking and observation.

‘Havana Street Before Dawn’

Dear James, first, I would like to thank you for taking the time to answer this questionnaire. Could you please start by introducing yourself briefly, telling us about your hobbies, and describing any other projects you are involved in?
My name is James Lu. I was born in Wuhan, China and I currently live in St. Louis, USA. I have worked as a ship design engineer and now serve as a financial investment adviser, but throughout these changes, photography has remained a constant companion in my life. I am a member of the Photographic Society of America and the St. Louis Camera Club. Outside of my professional work, I am an experienced photography teacher and curator, and I regularly organize exhibitions to support and connect with local photographers. 

‘A Car in Trinidad’

How and when did you start your journey in photography?
Influenced by my family, I started studying Chinese calligraphy and seal carving from a young age. After receiving my first camera at secondary school, photography quickly became a lifelong passion, joining these early artistic pursuits. During my time at university, extensive shooting and time spent in the darkroom enabled me to develop a deeper engagement with photography as both a craft and an art form.

‘New York’

‘Trinidad Cuba’

‘Old Lady’

For many of us, photography is either a hobby or a way of life. How would you describe your relationship with photography?
I started out with photography as a hobby, but it has since become a constant presence in my life. Throughout my travels, career and personal development, photography has remained a constant companion, shaping the way I see the world and connect with others. Through teaching, curating and my own practice, photography remains both a personal passion and a meaningful way of engaging with life.

‘A Morning Chat’

What has been the most important experience so far that has influenced your journey in photography?
Teaching photography for over a decade has been the most influential experience of my photographic journey. It has required me to continuously learn and stay up to date with new equipment, techniques and post-processing methods, and has pushed me to grow alongside the medium itself. The most rewarding aspect is undoubtedly seeing my students succeed, whether by winning competition awards or having their work published and recognized on platforms such as 1X. Their successes have reinforced my belief that photography is about more than just personal expression; it's also about sharing knowledge and growing together.

‘Afternoon in Midtown Havana’

What is it about street photography that you find so appealing?
My photography covers a wide range of subjects, including travel, landscapes, wildlife and portraits. However, street photography holds a special place for me. I enjoy the experience of walking the streets with a camera, quietly observing everyday life as it unfolds around me. My non-intrusive approach enables me to capture genuine moments and subtle human interactions, which I find meaningful and endlessly fascinating.

‘Old Car and Friends’

What is more important to you when taking photos: capturing the mood or telling a story, or achieving technical perfection?
To me, the mood and story behind an image are more important than technical perfection. While technical quality provides a solid foundation, it is the emotion, atmosphere and narrative that give a photograph its lasting impact. I believe that an image can be technically imperfect yet still powerful if it captures an authentic moment or emotion. Technique should serve the story, not the other way around.

‘Street Corner, Trinidad’

What is your relationship with your subject matter beyond being an observer?
I feel a quiet personal connection to my subject matter, beyond simply observing it. I walk, pause and take my time, allowing life to unfold at its own pace. Rather than directing or interrupting, I try to be present and attentive, approaching people and scenes with respect and empathy. For me, photography is a means of understanding everyday moments and human emotions through careful observation.

‘Trinidad After Rain’

Do you carefully plan the locations where you intend to take photographs?
Planning is usually involved to some degree, especially when working in unfamiliar environments. In street photography, this often means planning routes based on time constraints, as well as paying attention to visually or emotionally interesting streets, light and backgrounds. These observations can then serve as waypoints for future visits, helping you to become more familiar with the area and allowing opportunities to develop more naturally.

‘Passing Through Light’

Describe your photographic vision as a whole. What, in your opinion, are the main features of a successful street photographer?
My photographic vision centers on observing and responding to the world with patience, respect and curiosity. I aim to capture images that appear natural and authentic, focusing on mood, atmosphere and a sense of place rather than visual spectacle alone. I am interested in photographs that encourage viewers to slow down and observe the world around them more closely. In my opinion, a successful street photographer combines strong visual awareness with empathy and restraint. They recognize meaningful moments, respect their subjects, and use technique in the service of storytelling rather than documentation.

‘Small Coffee Shop’

Could you tell us more about your workflow, from coming up with an idea to creating the final product?
My workflow begins with observation rather than a fixed idea. I spend time walking around an environment, taking in the scenes, light and human interactions, and using these to guide my photographs. While taking photos, I work intuitively, trying to remain unobtrusive while focusing on mood and authenticity.
Afterwards, I carefully review the images and let them rest before editing. Post-processing is kept subtle and is aimed at reinforcing the original atmosphere rather than altering it.

‘Malecon’

Where do you look for inspiration and what inspires you most?
I find inspiration in everyday life, particularly when I slow down and pay attention. Walking through the streets and observing the light, gestures and quiet moments often sparks ideas more effectively than any planned concept. Other art forms, such as calligraphy, painting and film, also inspire me, influencing how I think about balance, rhythm and visual structure.
However, what inspires me most is the human presence within a place and the subtle interactions between people and their surroundings. Teaching photography also inspires me, as learning alongside my students and witnessing their progress continually renews my curiosity.

‘Morning Blur Hour in Havana’

Many people believe that gear is not very important when you are passionate about photography. However, could you please tell us what equipment you use, such as your camera, lenses, lighting and tripod?
Although I believe that vision and passion are more important than equipment, I do use tools that suit different photographic needs. My main camera is the Canon EOS R5 Mark II, which I use with 15–35 mm, 24–70 mm and 70–200 mm lenses, as well as a 600 mm lens for wildlife photography. For street photography, however, I prefer smaller, more discreet cameras, such as the Fuji film X100 and the Ricoh GR series. These lightweight cameras enable me to work unobtrusively, allowing me to focus on observation and timing rather than equipment.

‘In a Bar, Havana’

‘Havana Girl in Blue’

Which photo is your favorite? Please tell us the story behind your choice.
One of my favorite photographs is of a taxi driver in Havana, as it captures a truly fleeting moment. I was walking through the narrow streets of Old Havana, searching for interesting subjects, when I noticed a red vintage car parked along the road. Suddenly, a taxi screeched to a stop beside me. The driver turned his head at the exact instant I faced toward him. I found his expression immediately compelling, and before he could even ask whether I needed a ride, I instinctively pressed the shutter. That brief, unplanned exchange is what makes the image special to me, it reflects the spontaneity and human connection I value in street photography.

‘Taxi Driver in Havana’

Which photographers or mentors have influenced you and your photography?
I have grown largely through spending time studying art history and the history of photography, slowly absorbing ideas from many modern and contemporary artists. Rather than following one particular artist, I have been influenced by this broad exposure. By looking closely at the work of different artists, comparing their approaches and reflecting on their perspectives, I continue to develop and evolve as an artist.

‘Boy and Dog’

‘On the Way to School’

Now that we're almost at the end of this interview, could you please tell us about any photographic projects you'd like to be involved in?
I plan to continue experimenting with different photographic approaches, placing a greater emphasis on street and documentary photography. I am currently working on several ongoing projects, including 'Route 66: The Mother Road of America' and 'Small Towns Along the Mississippi River'.

‘Carried by the Light’

‘Under the Arch’

Is there anything else you would like to add, and what are your thoughts on using 1X as a home base for your work?
For me, photography is a lifelong journey of observation, curiosity and personal development. I value 1X not only for their high standards, but also for the sense of community they foster. I see 1X as a meaningful home base where photographers from around the world can come together to share work, reflect on ideas, and learn from each other. I also strongly encourage my students to submit their work, as this process helps them to develop their vision and deepen their understanding of photography. Rather than waiting for the perfect moment to pass you by, it is by actively seeking out these moments and putting yourself out there that you will ultimately get the best shots.