The man behind the camera - A mini-autobiography.
Jeffery Liu, who to his close companions is otherwise fondly known as "Tofu", was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. Raised by his mother and father, as well as accompanied by a younger sister- he learned at a very young age what it's like to work hard with due diligence. Given that his aspirations and goals were different than what his parents were used to, he found himself in deep waters alone. Without giving up or giving in, he set forth to make clientele from all colors in the spectrum ranging from promoters, videographers, photographers, to anything and everything in between.
"What inspires me is life. I love to capture it, from the smallest to the biggest, happiest to saddest, it's not memories I capture, it's emotion."
- J. Liu
With a 'knack' for business, and a keen sense with understanding people, he takes his experience in the business as well as hospitality industry, along with his track record for marketing and sales promotions- he decided to start his own event planning company to show the public what it's like persevere and give them a taste, of what entertainment can be like, not for just one class, or age bracket, but for everyone. With a passion for music (piano since the age of four), the love for the arts (such as photography) he strives to be a well rounded business model for anyone in the same field.
"What inspires me is life. I love to capture it, from the smallest to the biggest, happiest to saddest, it's not memories I capture, it's emotion."
- J. Liu
With a 'knack' for business, and a keen sense with understanding people, he takes his experience in the business as well as hospitality industry, along with his track record for marketing and sales promotions- he decided to start his own event planning company to show the public what it's like persevere and give them a taste, of what entertainment can be like, not for just one class, or age bracket, but for everyone. With a passion for music (piano since the age of four), the love for the arts (such as photography) he strives to be a well rounded business model for anyone in the same field.
Frequently asked questions: [INTERVIEWED]
[Interview was done between Anthony Golina of TheUpperLevel and Jeffery Liu 11/08/2010]
Q: Thank you very much for coming here today, Jeffery! I take it traffic wasn't too bad today was it? -(Shakes hands)
A: Pleasure meeting you, Anthony! Call me Jeff if you'd like, and traffic wasn't too bad. I guess for a Monday evening it was well worth it considering the weather outside is gorgeous!
Q: Well Jeff, I am sure a few people as well as I myself am wondering, what camera do you use and with what equipment?
A: I use a Canon XTI SLR with an 18-55 'kit' lens, along with a 50-250IS, 70-300IS, 50mm, and a DO-IS lens paired with a UV filter, florescent filter, and at times a polarizer filter. I also have a nice sturdy tripod that I lug around time to time for darker/night shots.
Q: What is the greatest thing you have learned taking photos?
A: For me, it's patience- surprisingly enough the serenity at times that you capture in the photos can really impact your emotions. Pictures can often send a message to the person who's viewing (or in my case- reviewing) the pictures that words could never do. Life is so often rushed that a 'still' photo can caption so many things that pass us by that we take for granted.
Q: Do you go to school for photography?
A: Actually Anthony I do not, I consider myself more an enthusiast. I learn by trial and error, and I try to take tips and hints from other people who shoot photographs as well. I am very new to shooting portrait photos, since I came from shooting scenery, cars, bikes, etc- things of that nature. I go to school at DeVry University with a double major and a minor. I major in business administration and another major in marketing and advertising with a minor in hospitality.
Q: (Laughs, whistles)- How to you manage working four jobs and going to school all at once?
A: It's just like working out- perseverance is what will continue with your drive. Dedication. I used to be a slacker back in junior high and high school. Learning from my mistakes has made me take the rougher road the first couple years of college. But I am very goal driven- if I want something bad enough. I'll do whatever I can to accomplish it. I average about three to four hours of sleep per night, and that is if I am lucky. Yes, I do know that isn't too healthy for me- I really am trying to work on it!
Q: So what jobs do you work, it seems to keep you busy we would think? -(laughs)
A: It certainly does keep me busy! I work right now as a valet in the surrounding suburbs, I work as a photographer for a modeling/scouting agency, I am an event planner coordinator, and I recently got hired to work at Michael Hill as a sales professional.
Q: A lot of your photographs contain a few repetitive elements - Do any of the photographs contain any personal property of yours?
A: Well actually, a few of my photographs contain a pictures of my car, the silver g35 coupe, my previous car is the red and black toyota solara in the pictures as well, the blue/white bike, and of course well.. me! I tend to use my car and bike as 'test subjects' since I know many of my friends are always busy at work so as much as I'd like to shoot with them at times, I only really have time for myself to really practice making the photographs better each and every time.
Q: Do you shoot only freelance or do you work within a company as well?
A: I work for a modeling and scouting agency, BPOnle Modeling and OneSourceTalent.
Q: Do you have any other passions besides photography?
A: My true passion is the piano -(whistles). I play it all the time to relax. In relation to this subject of music, most people think I listen to a bunch of hip hop and stuff in my car, which I do time to time, but I usually listen to the news, or jazz. I'll listen to trance late at night time to time as well. What can I say, I'm an old man! -(laughs)
Q: Do you consider cars a hobby, it does seem from the photographs are you a car enthusiast?
A: I do like cars, I had them as a part of my life since I was young. I worked for a automotive marketing company back then and then became part of Hot Import Nights marketing team since 2004 until 2010. I recently just got out of the car scene, I'm just growing up and moving on to bigger and better things for myself and my lifestyle.
Q: Do you see yourself with any long term goals with your photography?
A: Well to be quite honest, I am not satisfied with where my photos are at this point, I know I'm improving and I will continue to do so. However, I see myself doing photographs more as a hobby or a side-gig than anything career-wise. Unless if I make the cover of National Geographic, then that may change! -(laughs).
Q: Do you have any tips you can offer future enthusiasts or people who would like to try out photography?
A: Of course, I'm always willing to help out anyone. My suggestion is start off with a point and shoot, or even a basic SLR (mine isn't super advanced, there are many models much more advanced than mine), since with a point and shoot camera (I highly recommend the Canon S3 or Canon S5) it does everything for you and it's a notch above just a regular digital camera. However, a SLR you can really bring the life into the pictures and extract true colors in my opinion. Also in my opinion, the 'body' of the camera isn't want matters much, it's the lens itself. Lenses are not cheap in any way shape or form, but I'd research before purchasing. I would research for months before purchasing a certain lens sometimes. I often go on Amazon to research customer reviews, and on certain online camera forums for input as well. Practice practice practice. Just like with anything else, you can't just master anything one time- always fine tune it.
Q: That does sound like very good advice. Do you use Photoshop to edit or correct your photos, do you use an editing software?
A: Actually I do not like Photoshop. I use Lightroom 3 to just turn up or turn down the exposure a bit sometimes, or sometimes I will use Lightroom to just basically add my watermark and that is it. I achieve a lot of my colors with the use of filters. I do not like Photoshop or even Lightroom usage too much because I like my photos to look 'lively' without looking overdone. Every photographer has their own personal taste to their style of photography.
Q: We see you shoot photographs of friends and models, how does this work for you and do you have any parameters?
A: Well some of them are just friends, others do model on the side or professionally. I am very new to shooting photographs of people so I'm still trying to learn little by little. Capturing emotion is what drives me, but it's also what is hardest for me but I'll get there! I do have a few parameters when shooting with a person. I always have a modeling consent release form that is signed; this way it protects both parties from piracy or any form of illegal distribution of the photographs, and I will not shoot nudity.
Q: No nudity? It seems many photographers seem to go for that look?
A: Right, that they do. However I prefer classy photographs. I find nudity artistic at times, but it's just not my taste at all. Sex sells, but I go for elegance, the closest I'd do to a nudity shot is possibly implied nudity but even then- I just do not find it rewarding for me nor the subject. I believe beauty should be captured underneath the skin, not just on the surface.
Q: With all these photography questions out of the way, let's go onto some fun facts, anything you would care to share?
A: (Sighs)- I'm pretty open about myself- I was born three months premature, I've nearly died a couple times, I've come from a bad-boy past although now much has changed and I've grown up. I'm almost a complete opposite of how I used to be when I was in junior high and high school. I think a few certain events really hit me hard, and changed entirely what type of person I am now. I've truly learned to value everyone you come across, to give each and every day your best. I value life a lot more than I used to- it is truly something special to hold onto. I do not really like scary or gory movies, I actually like romantic comedies, I'm a romantic at heart so what can I say! I really have a whole lot of random things I could say about me however that could make this interview go on for an extra hour or two.
Q: Well Jeff, it seems that in many of the photographs of yourself, you seem to always be dressed up, do you ever dress down, we would think with your involvement in the entertainment industry that a person would take a more laid back approach.
A: (Laughs)- Anthony you honestly may not believe this but I consider myself in just a dress shirt and casual pants dressed down. I am so used to wearing a suit for work and something similar that I do not really wear much of anything else since my closet is just filled with that attire. I do at times wear jeans and a Hollister jacket or two when I am really just moping around the house or working on the car/bike, something dirty or things along those lines- will probably me dressed down at the utmost effort. Which leads me to tell you, I am not afraid to get my hands dirty! -(laughs)
Q: I must assume then you have a very colorful wardrobe!
A: (Laughs)- You're quite right Anthony, Express is where I mainly purchase my clothing since I like their style and they fit my body type quite well. I do find it somewhat upsetting (not really) that they always mail me coupons, it just gives me more incentive to go there. I sometimes think I live there. All the managers and employees in the surrounding stores by my area know me very very well. We have a unique and humorous relationship with one another when I go in to shop around. Back when I was younger such as in junior high and high school, I didn't really care how I dressed, or how I presented myself. I guess myself, just like time- has changed over the years quite a bit.
Q: Let us get under your skin for a bit, is there a common misconception that people make about you Jeff, as person or other things?
A: Well I know nowadays many people judge.. and oddly enough I find a lot people think of me as arrogant or something, maybe it's because of the car I drive or the clothes I wear or something, however- I am far from that. I am just confident in what I do, and I'm actually a very down to earth guy and I make friends very easy and am always willing to be friends with anyone! Respect and first impressions for me are key. I suppose that explains itself, so if you're looking for a job, keep that in mind! I am also not materialistic, I know I own a few nice things here and there but they are either gifts, or because they are something I do truly admire. I really just appreciate the simple things in a life, a simple smile and handshake go a very long way- same with a thank you. Often times, the littlest actions provide the greatest rewards.
Q: Well this interview is wrapping up shortly, will you be photographing anything spectacular in the future?
A: Actually I will be, in due time I'll be with a very good friend of mine who's a police officer in a subdivision around me, him and I will be bringing his car to a local car assembly plant and we will be photographing for a magazine. I try to keep this under wraps just because I do not want to release any subject matter until after the photos are completed. It will be a very rewarding experience to know that my photos will possibly be featured in a magazine!
Q: Any last words for those who are tuning in to the interview or anything else you would like to mention, Jeff?
A: Follow your dreams and never give up. Do not take shortcuts to succeed, honesty and integrity along with hard work will pay off for you. It's not ever how hard you fall but how you get back up that truly matters since the only person ever capable of stopping you from succeeding in anything is truly yourself. Live, laugh, love, life. I personally follow that quote to the best of my ability! I do want to thank my family, my friends, and my business partner, Natalie for their support and their pace of keeping up with me all these years. I am very grateful for everyone that I have met throughout my life, whether they are still in it or not. It has always been a true learning experience. Be sure to check out The Amanti House webpage time to time, we will be throwing a release party at a few venues shortly, I may even be giving discounts and VIP access to those who come! I also want to thank you Anthony as well as your team of TheUpperLevel, for taking the time and offer to interview me, it truly means a lot. -(Shakes hands)
Thank you Jeffery, for taking the time to come out and sit down with my team and I to conduct our interview with you. We wish you, your photography, as well as your growing business the absolute best of everything!
Sincerely,
Anthony Golina
TheUpperLevel
[Interview was done between Anthony Golina of TheUpperLevel and Jeffery Liu 11/08/2010]
Q: Thank you very much for coming here today, Jeffery! I take it traffic wasn't too bad today was it? -(Shakes hands)
A: Pleasure meeting you, Anthony! Call me Jeff if you'd like, and traffic wasn't too bad. I guess for a Monday evening it was well worth it considering the weather outside is gorgeous!
Q: Well Jeff, I am sure a few people as well as I myself am wondering, what camera do you use and with what equipment?
A: I use a Canon XTI SLR with an 18-55 'kit' lens, along with a 50-250IS, 70-300IS, 50mm, and a DO-IS lens paired with a UV filter, florescent filter, and at times a polarizer filter. I also have a nice sturdy tripod that I lug around time to time for darker/night shots.
Q: What is the greatest thing you have learned taking photos?
A: For me, it's patience- surprisingly enough the serenity at times that you capture in the photos can really impact your emotions. Pictures can often send a message to the person who's viewing (or in my case- reviewing) the pictures that words could never do. Life is so often rushed that a 'still' photo can caption so many things that pass us by that we take for granted.
Q: Do you go to school for photography?
A: Actually Anthony I do not, I consider myself more an enthusiast. I learn by trial and error, and I try to take tips and hints from other people who shoot photographs as well. I am very new to shooting portrait photos, since I came from shooting scenery, cars, bikes, etc- things of that nature. I go to school at DeVry University with a double major and a minor. I major in business administration and another major in marketing and advertising with a minor in hospitality.
Q: (Laughs, whistles)- How to you manage working four jobs and going to school all at once?
A: It's just like working out- perseverance is what will continue with your drive. Dedication. I used to be a slacker back in junior high and high school. Learning from my mistakes has made me take the rougher road the first couple years of college. But I am very goal driven- if I want something bad enough. I'll do whatever I can to accomplish it. I average about three to four hours of sleep per night, and that is if I am lucky. Yes, I do know that isn't too healthy for me- I really am trying to work on it!
Q: So what jobs do you work, it seems to keep you busy we would think? -(laughs)
A: It certainly does keep me busy! I work right now as a valet in the surrounding suburbs, I work as a photographer for a modeling/scouting agency, I am an event planner coordinator, and I recently got hired to work at Michael Hill as a sales professional.
Q: A lot of your photographs contain a few repetitive elements - Do any of the photographs contain any personal property of yours?
A: Well actually, a few of my photographs contain a pictures of my car, the silver g35 coupe, my previous car is the red and black toyota solara in the pictures as well, the blue/white bike, and of course well.. me! I tend to use my car and bike as 'test subjects' since I know many of my friends are always busy at work so as much as I'd like to shoot with them at times, I only really have time for myself to really practice making the photographs better each and every time.
Q: Do you shoot only freelance or do you work within a company as well?
A: I work for a modeling and scouting agency, BPOnle Modeling and OneSourceTalent.
Q: Do you have any other passions besides photography?
A: My true passion is the piano -(whistles). I play it all the time to relax. In relation to this subject of music, most people think I listen to a bunch of hip hop and stuff in my car, which I do time to time, but I usually listen to the news, or jazz. I'll listen to trance late at night time to time as well. What can I say, I'm an old man! -(laughs)
Q: Do you consider cars a hobby, it does seem from the photographs are you a car enthusiast?
A: I do like cars, I had them as a part of my life since I was young. I worked for a automotive marketing company back then and then became part of Hot Import Nights marketing team since 2004 until 2010. I recently just got out of the car scene, I'm just growing up and moving on to bigger and better things for myself and my lifestyle.
Q: Do you see yourself with any long term goals with your photography?
A: Well to be quite honest, I am not satisfied with where my photos are at this point, I know I'm improving and I will continue to do so. However, I see myself doing photographs more as a hobby or a side-gig than anything career-wise. Unless if I make the cover of National Geographic, then that may change! -(laughs).
Q: Do you have any tips you can offer future enthusiasts or people who would like to try out photography?
A: Of course, I'm always willing to help out anyone. My suggestion is start off with a point and shoot, or even a basic SLR (mine isn't super advanced, there are many models much more advanced than mine), since with a point and shoot camera (I highly recommend the Canon S3 or Canon S5) it does everything for you and it's a notch above just a regular digital camera. However, a SLR you can really bring the life into the pictures and extract true colors in my opinion. Also in my opinion, the 'body' of the camera isn't want matters much, it's the lens itself. Lenses are not cheap in any way shape or form, but I'd research before purchasing. I would research for months before purchasing a certain lens sometimes. I often go on Amazon to research customer reviews, and on certain online camera forums for input as well. Practice practice practice. Just like with anything else, you can't just master anything one time- always fine tune it.
Q: That does sound like very good advice. Do you use Photoshop to edit or correct your photos, do you use an editing software?
A: Actually I do not like Photoshop. I use Lightroom 3 to just turn up or turn down the exposure a bit sometimes, or sometimes I will use Lightroom to just basically add my watermark and that is it. I achieve a lot of my colors with the use of filters. I do not like Photoshop or even Lightroom usage too much because I like my photos to look 'lively' without looking overdone. Every photographer has their own personal taste to their style of photography.
Q: We see you shoot photographs of friends and models, how does this work for you and do you have any parameters?
A: Well some of them are just friends, others do model on the side or professionally. I am very new to shooting photographs of people so I'm still trying to learn little by little. Capturing emotion is what drives me, but it's also what is hardest for me but I'll get there! I do have a few parameters when shooting with a person. I always have a modeling consent release form that is signed; this way it protects both parties from piracy or any form of illegal distribution of the photographs, and I will not shoot nudity.
Q: No nudity? It seems many photographers seem to go for that look?
A: Right, that they do. However I prefer classy photographs. I find nudity artistic at times, but it's just not my taste at all. Sex sells, but I go for elegance, the closest I'd do to a nudity shot is possibly implied nudity but even then- I just do not find it rewarding for me nor the subject. I believe beauty should be captured underneath the skin, not just on the surface.
Q: With all these photography questions out of the way, let's go onto some fun facts, anything you would care to share?
A: (Sighs)- I'm pretty open about myself- I was born three months premature, I've nearly died a couple times, I've come from a bad-boy past although now much has changed and I've grown up. I'm almost a complete opposite of how I used to be when I was in junior high and high school. I think a few certain events really hit me hard, and changed entirely what type of person I am now. I've truly learned to value everyone you come across, to give each and every day your best. I value life a lot more than I used to- it is truly something special to hold onto. I do not really like scary or gory movies, I actually like romantic comedies, I'm a romantic at heart so what can I say! I really have a whole lot of random things I could say about me however that could make this interview go on for an extra hour or two.
Q: Well Jeff, it seems that in many of the photographs of yourself, you seem to always be dressed up, do you ever dress down, we would think with your involvement in the entertainment industry that a person would take a more laid back approach.
A: (Laughs)- Anthony you honestly may not believe this but I consider myself in just a dress shirt and casual pants dressed down. I am so used to wearing a suit for work and something similar that I do not really wear much of anything else since my closet is just filled with that attire. I do at times wear jeans and a Hollister jacket or two when I am really just moping around the house or working on the car/bike, something dirty or things along those lines- will probably me dressed down at the utmost effort. Which leads me to tell you, I am not afraid to get my hands dirty! -(laughs)
Q: I must assume then you have a very colorful wardrobe!
A: (Laughs)- You're quite right Anthony, Express is where I mainly purchase my clothing since I like their style and they fit my body type quite well. I do find it somewhat upsetting (not really) that they always mail me coupons, it just gives me more incentive to go there. I sometimes think I live there. All the managers and employees in the surrounding stores by my area know me very very well. We have a unique and humorous relationship with one another when I go in to shop around. Back when I was younger such as in junior high and high school, I didn't really care how I dressed, or how I presented myself. I guess myself, just like time- has changed over the years quite a bit.
Q: Let us get under your skin for a bit, is there a common misconception that people make about you Jeff, as person or other things?
A: Well I know nowadays many people judge.. and oddly enough I find a lot people think of me as arrogant or something, maybe it's because of the car I drive or the clothes I wear or something, however- I am far from that. I am just confident in what I do, and I'm actually a very down to earth guy and I make friends very easy and am always willing to be friends with anyone! Respect and first impressions for me are key. I suppose that explains itself, so if you're looking for a job, keep that in mind! I am also not materialistic, I know I own a few nice things here and there but they are either gifts, or because they are something I do truly admire. I really just appreciate the simple things in a life, a simple smile and handshake go a very long way- same with a thank you. Often times, the littlest actions provide the greatest rewards.
Q: Well this interview is wrapping up shortly, will you be photographing anything spectacular in the future?
A: Actually I will be, in due time I'll be with a very good friend of mine who's a police officer in a subdivision around me, him and I will be bringing his car to a local car assembly plant and we will be photographing for a magazine. I try to keep this under wraps just because I do not want to release any subject matter until after the photos are completed. It will be a very rewarding experience to know that my photos will possibly be featured in a magazine!
Q: Any last words for those who are tuning in to the interview or anything else you would like to mention, Jeff?
A: Follow your dreams and never give up. Do not take shortcuts to succeed, honesty and integrity along with hard work will pay off for you. It's not ever how hard you fall but how you get back up that truly matters since the only person ever capable of stopping you from succeeding in anything is truly yourself. Live, laugh, love, life. I personally follow that quote to the best of my ability! I do want to thank my family, my friends, and my business partner, Natalie for their support and their pace of keeping up with me all these years. I am very grateful for everyone that I have met throughout my life, whether they are still in it or not. It has always been a true learning experience. Be sure to check out The Amanti House webpage time to time, we will be throwing a release party at a few venues shortly, I may even be giving discounts and VIP access to those who come! I also want to thank you Anthony as well as your team of TheUpperLevel, for taking the time and offer to interview me, it truly means a lot. -(Shakes hands)
Thank you Jeffery, for taking the time to come out and sit down with my team and I to conduct our interview with you. We wish you, your photography, as well as your growing business the absolute best of everything!
Sincerely,
Anthony Golina
TheUpperLevel
"First impressions, only happen once."
Words directly from the photographer
"If there's one thing I have ever learned in life, is to live it without any regrets. I love to live life, to make the most of each and every moment. I once read online on this forum I 'ghost' on, it said, " A successful man is someone who wakes up in the morning, goes to sleep at night, and does whatever makes him happy in between." Good morals along with good judgement, make that in life- a feasibly well-lived accomplishment to be done, no? I think so. I come from a decent family, raised with good morals, a good head on my shoulders. I work hard, and I persevere to treat others with the same dignity and respect as I would like to be treated with. Whether if it's work or play, I do both and I do them the best of it to my ability. I guess you can say that for my age, even though everyone has their own stories- I have been through quite a lot. It has shaped and changed me into the man I am today. I am not better nor am I any worse than the person next to me. But I hope that the people I meet every day, I can do something positive in their life. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple smile, or a handshake, to make a person's day. I do what I do in life because with as much as I have gone through- I am still here. There are plenty others who have it worse than I do.
I strive to one day make a true difference in this world. We are all dreamers in our own right, but with the right foot forward, I believe one day I shall succeed. I ask that you join me in my quest, let us grow and live together. Capture life, embrace it.. live it, love it. No hesitation, no shame, no looking back. No regrets."
I strive to one day make a true difference in this world. We are all dreamers in our own right, but with the right foot forward, I believe one day I shall succeed. I ask that you join me in my quest, let us grow and live together. Capture life, embrace it.. live it, love it. No hesitation, no shame, no looking back. No regrets."