Behind the Lens: Van’s Quiet Rebellion in Male Portraiture

When Van describes himself, he chooses three words—obsessive, passionate, and introverted—a trio that quietly hums through every image he creates. Based in Taichung, Van didn’t begin as a photographer. Burnt out from graphic design and illustration, he stumbled into male portraiture with curiosity and a sketchpad. What followed was a self-taught dive into a genre often overlooked in Taiwan: the nuanced, artful photography of the Asian male body.

His aesthetic sits at the intersection of cultures—blending Western gay machismo with the softness of Japanese visual storytelling, especially inspired by the now-defunct magazine BADI. “I wanted to work with similar caliber of models,” Van reflects, “and emulate that very cozy, aloof yet detailed style they had.”

@vanvision37

Each shoot Van approaches begins with a quiet collaboration. He doesn’t impose heavy-handed concepts but instead invites his models to co-create the story. Whether in intimate studio corners or sun-washed outdoor locations, he looks for something simple but profound: ease, comfort, and connection. “I want them to look comfortable and know they are being watched,” he says. “The face is very important. I want the model to connect with the viewer with a subtle look.”

Despite the sensuality and softness in his work, Van’s process is structured. Sixty percent of the time, he sketches in advance to plan poses and compositions. The remaining space is left for instinct—for the unexpected play of light or a model’s sudden expression. His method is both precise and responsive, shaped by his sensitivity to what unfolds in front of the lens.

Sometimes I have to be reminded that although Taiwanese will not reprimand you for what you photograph, it doesn’t mean everyone is all so accepting.
— Van understands Taiwan’s openness is not universal acceptance. This speaks to the slow cultural shifts still needed around male nudity and representation.

Living in Taichung offers Van more sunlight and a slower pace, but fewer models and studio options. “It’s given me more chances to be selective,” he says, and to build long-term connections with his models. Unlike transactional collaborations, Van often checks in with them post-shoot—wondering how they’re doing, especially when they disappear from social media. It’s this emotional thread—the sense of care and presence—that distinguishes him not just as a photographer but as a quiet force for representation.

That book was a closing of one chapter and the start of another.
— His photobook journey is a personal milestone, deeply tied to grief, legacy, and self-belief—the emotional undercurrent of his entire career.

@vanvision37

@vanvision37

I want them to look comfortable and know they are being watched.
— This quote captures the paradox Van is most drawn to—visibility without performance, sensuality without forced seduction.

Still, it was his first photobook that pushed him forward—creatively and personally. Released during a time of job uncertainty and the emotional decline of his beloved dog, Meatball, the project became a farewell and a beginning. “He passed away the same day as my final shoot. That book was a closing of one chapter and the start of another.”

Van hopes to leave behind not just photos but impressions—emotional, honest, and human. “I just want to encourage people not to give up,” he says. “It’s not easy, but the results are more rewarding because of that.”

Rebel Collab. 甲板日誌 (The Logbook) Podcast — featured image

Rebel Collab. 甲板日誌 (The Logbook) Podcast

甲板日誌 (The Logbook) is a witty, heartfelt Taiwanese podcast and radio show hosted by Dick and Andy. Since 2018, they’ve dived into life in Taiwan—news, culture, and everyday stories—mixing documentary-style interviews with playful banter. Come for the laughs; stay for sharp, empathetic conversations that make real people and moments feel close and vivid.

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