New York-based fashion and beauty photographer Ruo Bing Li has carved out a distinct space in the fashion industry with his delicate, painterly aesthetic. Originally from Yunnan, China, Ruo discovered his passion for photography after moving to Canada at age 16 and exploring various art forms. He ultimately earned a master’s degree in digital photography from the School of Visual Arts in New York.
His portfolio goes beyond photography. He directs moving image projects, always maintaining his signature mix of artistry and beauty. In this interview, we talk to Ruo about his creative process, working with high-profile brands, and some advice for aspiring photographers.
What made you focus on photography as your primary medium?
During my undergraduate years, I first tried a few different art forms to explore other ways of expressing myself. But photography kept pulling me back. I love how it captures a moment and instantly tells a story. It made me see the world in a more detailed way, noticing light, shadows, and emotions. Photography felt like the perfect mix of everything I love about art—so I decided to focus on it.
How do you achieve this unique ‘painterly sensibility’ aesthetic in your photography?
When people describe my work as having a ‘painterly sensibility,’ I think it reflects my approach to photography—which is all about subtlety and restraint. Growing up with a Chinese background, I’ve always appreciated the beauty in simplicity and the power of a soft, gentle touch. I like to create natural and effortless images, avoiding anything that feels overly exaggerated or forced. In my creative process, I often imagine the scene as if I’m painting on a canvas. I consider the lighting, colors, and composition to create a serene and balanced look. In post-processing, I also try to enhance these elements with a light touch to maintain that sense of subtlety and calmness.
How do you stay inspired and adapt to the changing fashion and beauty photography trends?
I remain curious and open to new ideas to stay inspired in the fashion and beauty photography world. I find inspiration everywhere—in art, nature, movies, and everyday moments. This keeps my work fresh and exciting. I watch trends but don’t let them dictate my style. I try blending my vision with my current job to make my work feel relevant and authentic. It’s all about evolving and trying new things while maintaining my unique touch.
How do you maintain your artistry when collaborating with major brands and high-profile clients?
Working with high-profile clients is always exciting and a great opportunity to showcase my style while meeting the brand’s needs. I start by gaining a clear sense of their vision and goals. Once I understand, I find ways to blend them with my style. Collaboration is about finding common ground—respecting the brand’s identity while bringing my unique perspective.
What are some of the most meaningful projects you’ve worked on, and why do they stand out?
One project I particularly enjoyed was ‘TO THE FAR SIDE OF THE EARTH’ for Hot!Hot!Hot! magazine. During COVID, when travel wasn’t possible, I used stock images to create fantasy environments and then composited models into these ‘new worlds.’ I aimed to craft a story that makes people question whether the environments are natural or imagined. It was a fun and insightful experience that helped me develop my collage style, which has since become one of my specialties.
How do you approach directing video projects, with the intersection of still photography and moving images becoming more prominent?
When directing video projects, I approach them like a photo shoot—focusing on strong visuals and storytelling. I plan each shot and ensure the lighting and composition work well. I also consider using movement to enhance the story, ensuring everything looks great, whether in stills or video. It’s all about blending the two mediums to keep a consistent and engaging style.
What key tips or techniques would you recommend to photographers looking to improve their workflow?
To make your workflow smoother, start by keeping your gear organized and ready to go—this reduces stress during shoots. Plan your shots and settings to stay on track. When shooting, use tools like Capture One to speed things up with its great color grading and organization features. Presets and templates can also help you maintain consistency and save time. Finally, back up your work regularly in multiple locations to avoid losing anything. These tips will help keep things running smoothly.
How do we come into your workflow, and what features do you find most beneficial for your photography?
Capture One is a big part of my workflow. I love its color grading and editing tools for achieving the perfect look in my photos. The tethering feature is super handy during shoots, as it allows me to see and adjust images in real time, speeding up the process and ensuring I get what I need. Capture One’s speed and efficiency are also great for quickly handling large volumes of images, making my workflow smoother and more effective.
What’s a must-have for a photoshoot, and why?
A solid plan and communication with everyone involved are essential for a photoshoot. Good planning ensures that you stay organized and make the most of your time. Clear communication with your team helps everyone stay on the same page, keeping the shoot running smoothly and helping you achieve the best results.
What advice would you give aspiring photographers trying to develop their unique style?
Experiment a lot, and don’t rush it. Try different techniques and subjects to find what clicks with you. Make mistakes and learn from them—that’s how you develop your unique style. Look at other photographers’ work for inspiration, but focus on what makes your approach unique. Keep practicing and refining your style over time.
See more of Ruo’s work on his Instagram and website.
New to Capture One? Try it for free for 30 days here
