This AAPI Heritage Month (APAHM), we’re proud to be placing creative leaders of Asian and Pacific Islander descent at the forefront of our community channels. Today, we invite you to meet Alvin Kean Wong, a Singaporean photographer based in New York City. 

Wong originally studied mechanical engineering throughout his schooling, but always gravitated towards more artistic pursuits. He had picked up his first camera at the age of eight; this after-school passtime, unbeknownst to him, would eventually become a means to explore, understand, and travel the world. 

After a stint in the Airforce, Wong moved to New York in 2009 to launch his photography career. Thus began an informal 10-year apprenticeship with some of the best commercial and fashion photographers in the business, a period that helped Wong form his own creative vision. Wong’s effortless technical mastery has given him the freedom to inject personality into everything and everyone he shoots, leading to representation by Seen Artists and work for brands such as Abercrombie+Fitch, Anthropologie, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle Magazine, L’Officiel, Glamour, and Vogue, among others.

You can check out more of their work here. 

What is the first creative project you remember? 

Probably the first time I was trying to make a portfolio to send out to magazines. I remember my partner Shu and I bought a live baby crab as a prop (we eventually brought the baby crab back to the aquarium we got her from.) Shu bought a few swim suits and we went to the beach to catch the sunrise with a model. Shu has a very balanced eye, so her taste is easy to understand; I am much more nerdy in the gear and proper techniques. My pictures from the beginning of my career are nothing special. I encountered less emotion because, at that time, it was all about the gear and trying to prove to the world that I was a photographer. It is ironic, these days I am less technical and logical about my photos.

Describe your aesthetic in three words. 

Don’t think, feel.

What was the most fulfilling collaboration you’ve worked on?

I would say my current book project, Rolla Zuko, I am working on publishing about Japanese rockabilly culture. The collaboration with the rockabillies and the friends who offered to give their professional and networking skills towards this is really heartfelt.

What’s one creative project that taught you something fundamental about yourself?

Growing up, I was taught to do my best and be a good person, but I would sometimes overstretch myself trying to prove my worth. I think it is important to do things for ourselves, especially as creatives. That’s why we are hired: to offer our creative language and ideas, not just to snap pictures blindly to please editors or clients. I feel better having space to work and finding people who share my creative vision.

Do you think creativity is something you’re born with, or something you’re taught?

For me, it’s definitely taught—I was an engineer who switched to photography. I was really lucky to work with a lot of amazing photographers in my assisting days. I pushed myself to learn all the different styles of lighting to keep myself employable. 

What’s the last dream you had?

I think I was swimming in the ocean.

One hundred years from now, what do you hope people write about your work?

I am curious what they will write. I am just a person trying to make a living doing what I love. It’s an indulgence to think people will remember in 100 years. People forget you if you are inactive on social media for 2 days…

Follow @alvinkeanwong on Creatively

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