Esther L
Student and Photographer in Antarctica
My name is Esther Liao and I am an architecture photographer.
When I was little, I believed that cameras had magic powers. I imagined that they didn’t just capture moments but sealed emotions and stories within them, like a treasure chest. My dad’s vintage film camera was my first love of my childhood, it smelled like adventure and possibilities. Years later, I became the girl always holding a lens wherever I go, even some lends and cameras are super heavy than you could've imaged. Adjusting settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO is so enjoyable for me. It is a quiet rhythm that guides me to capture the perfect shot. Photography slows the world down for me, allowing me to notice the details others might miss:)
Eventually, I found architecture photography, where shapes, lines, and light weave together to tell silent but profound tales. It’s funny how a building can say so much without ever speaking.
Some people might say that buildings are just steel and concrete, nothing particularly interesting. I imagine most people pass by a structure without ever looking up to see what they look like, especially in bustling cities like New York. But for me, architecture has always been fascinating. Every building tells a story, and I love taking the time to see it from different perspectives. Every large-scale architectural design is a masterpiece, a form of art that reflects its designer’s vision. One of my favorite architects is Zaha Hadid. Her works are a stunning combination of modern lines and geometric elegance. They’re fluid, dynamic, and filled with a sense of movement, yet grounded in strength and purpose.