15 AAPI Photographers to Follow This Month

15 AAPI Photographers to Follow This Month

May is here and it's such an exciting month! Not only are the flowers blooming with summer around the corner but it is also AAPI Month! We are so excited to celebrate and in doing so we are sharing 10 incredibly talented AAPI Photographers that you will definitely want to check out this month. 

1.  Rinko Kawauchi

Known for soft, luminous imagery that captures quiet, everyday beauty, Rinko Kawauchi is a must follow. Her work is inspiring and it was most recently displayed at Art Basel Hong Kong. The way she captures light is so visually captivating, her work speaks for itself. 

2. Leslie Zhang 

Shanghai based photographer Leslie Zhang is known for her imagery showcasing Chinese cultural themes with modern editorial storytelling. Her visuals are bold and and bright, they really capture your attention and her Instagram is so fun to scroll through. Make sure you check out her incredible work. 

3. Tommy Kha

Tommy Kha is a must follow! Tommy is a Chinese American artist using humor and self-portraiture to explore belonging. His work highlights so many important cultural themes and his work highlights his incredible talents. 

4. Pixy Liao

Pixy Liao's playful, intimate work explores relationships and gender roles with the most beautiful colorful imagery. There is something visually calming about her work and her Instagram page. 

5. Dave Kang

Dave Kang of Lavish Photography is a must follow on Instagram! His imagery is airy and beautiful but it also feels raw and real. From engagements to weddings, his imagery speaks for itself. Make sure you give him a follow to stay up to date with his incredible work.  

6. Andrew Kung

Wildly talented photographer, Andrew Kung has been featured in The New York Times, CNN, and Paper Magazine but he quickly realized he wanted to do more with his talent. Andrew wanted to see more main stream representation of the Asian American community and through his work is combatting larger stereotypes of the AAPI community. His work speaks for itself and he is a definite must follow! 

7. May Xiong

Xiong's photography focuses on portraiture and storytelling, with a particular emphasis on capturing the essence of her subjects. Her work often explores themes of identity, memory, and belonging. A visual storyteller and an incredible talent, you will definitely enjoy this follow!

8. Sasha Chou

Sasha Chou is a New York Times, Martha Stewart, and Brides featured NY based Wedding Photographer. Her Instagram boasts her beautiful work shot all over New York City and is a definite must follow. 

 9 for . Michael Yamashita 

Michael is a Japanese-American photographer and filmmaker known for his captivating travel photography. His work has been featured in National Geographic and other prestigious publications, showcasing the beauty and diversity of cultures around the world. With over 1 million Instagram followers, his incredible travels and photography are such a treat to follow along with1 

10. Hannah Reyes Morales

Hannah Reyes Morales is an award-winning Filipina Photojournalist whose work can be found featured in National Geographic, The New York Times, and TIME. Her impressive career has brought her through Asia to document the daily lives of individuals and families within struggling communities. Follow along her journey to see all the amazing things she accomplishes.

11. Lawrence Sumulong

Lawrence Sumulong is a Filipino American photographer based in Brooklyn, New York City. Not only is he the Staff Photographer for the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, he works tirelessly pushing for diversity in the arts. His photography has been featured in campaigns for American Express, Sony, and Vogue!  

12. Sienna Morales

Born and raised on the island of Oahu, Sienna Morales is a talented photographer you will definitely want to check out this month.  She showcases her romantic and timeless photography to over 90k Instagram followers. 

13. Jennelle Fong

Chinese-American editorial and commercial photographer Jennelle Fong is a must follow! Featured in incredible publications such as Conde Nast, The LA Times, and Inc. Magazine, her work is getting tons of traction and you love looking through her stunning images. 

14. Michelle Watt

Fashion and portrait photographer ,Michelle Watt has a very impressive resume! She has been featured in TIME, PAPER, and her editorial work can be found on campaigns with Netflix, Nike, and Meta. Check out her Instagram for more of her amazing work!

15. Kapulei Flores 

21-year-old Kanaka Maoli photographer and climate activist, Kapulei Flores is an incredibly talented photographer documenting Hawaiʻi through her native eyes. She uses photography as a tool to showcase activism and helps shine a light on the culture of Hawaiʻi. Her work is beautiful and she is definitely a must follow! 

 Let us know who you will be following this AAPI Month!