Vancouver is a city that screams vibrancy and culture, and the only place that 21-year-old photographer Sydney Wong has called home. Naturally, artistry runs in Sydney’s family; many of her cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents enjoy photography. Wong continually finds ways to expand her artistic palette, not only with the taking photos around her city, but also with her studies at BCIT. She took up Radio Arts and Entertainment and has now transitioned to Television and Film Production.
With a long history and passion for music, she was introduced to concert photography when she began to attend shows regularly as a fan. Her curiosity piqued after she noticed “thank you” posts artists gave to their photographers after concerts. Wong then became determined to capture their stories on stage. She enjoys every challenge the stage offers—from new environments and lighting patterns, to different technical specs with a camera.
While studying film, she expanded her skills by becoming a still photographer on sets. She gravitated most toward music videos because they are most like concerts; they are a mixture of music and film. Ever since, she dreamt about stepping onto music video sets. She still doesn’t believe half the opportunities given to her this year.
Working in such a competitive and intense industry, the obstacles are endless. Wong learned confidence and motivation are necessary to make waves.
The themes in her artwork include music, people and colour. She enjoys telling stories about equally passionate creatives—from artists singing their heart out on stage and interacting with fans, to actors in front of the camera.
Being a fan herself, she is familiar with how fans love to see photos of artists having a great time at shows. To capture this, she uses unique shots, angles, and techniques. She always asks herself, “What would a fan of this artist want to see?”
Wong has been shooting professionally for two years, but in that short amount of time, her art has transformed completely. Drawing inspiration from artists like Steven McCurry, Jessica Kobeissi, Lindsey Blane, and Cynthia Parkhurst, she has become more experimental. In photoshoots and editing booths, she creates a hybrid of artwork.
She continues to grow and expand her portfolio everyday. Her dream is to become a still photographer on tour with an artist. She hopes to expand from Vancouver as she captures moments on the road.
On set of Fake Shark’s music video – Invincible. The bass player, Tony Dallas, stands in front of a white limbo lit like a sunset, inspiring Wong to capture his silhouette to replicate the sun setting. On set of Fake Shark’s music video – Invincible. The guitar player, Louis Wu, rocks out while crumbs were being thrown upon him. The directors, the Soska Sisters, made this artistic choice.
On set of Son of John’s music video – Country Pure. The actor, Tavia Cervi, poses in the final scene of the shoot. She drives off after her love interest in the video helps fix her truck during sunset. Captured at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site in Richmond, the pipes and old vintage look produced a “time warp” inspired shot.
Singer-songwriter Alec Benjamin played his first headlining show at St. James Hall in Vancouver. With vibrant colours and a cute flower crown given by a fan, the performance was beautiful. On set of Fake Shark’s music video – Invincible. The lead singer, Kevvy, was smashed over the head with a sugar glass vase. With only one shot to capture this image, the stakes were high! On set of the Fake Shark music video – Invincible. The lead singer, Kevvy, was blindfolded to produce the idea of entanglement.
