My Shanghai, an Urban Family series where we ask a Shanghai-based somebody to tell us about their life.
The ability to truly capture the essense of a moment is something will all strive for when trying to take the ‘perfect shot.’ To have a vision for what a scene can become, along with the passion and drive to create a thriving business, is a real success story. While exploring China, Don Yap shared his photos on Flickr and received encouragement from the online community and that was enough to convince him to pursue a full time career in photography. Today, 10 years later, he and his team delight in creating lifetime memories for their clients at this studio barefoot portraits.
When did you launch your business barefoot portraits and where does the name come from?
We are now 10 years old… I can’t believe how fast time flies! Back in 2007 the photo studios around Shanghai only offered tacky themes and contrite poses. I wanted to open a family studio that focused on natural emotions with a more fun style, hence the name barefoot.
How has your company evolved in the last 10 years?
The journey has been awesome. I have built the business from a one-man-show, to a team of over 20 creative spirits who share the same goal – to develop lasting memories. It’s been truly heart-warming to watch our clients grow from newborns to little adults.
We used to do a lot of plain backgrounds, but now we have evolved and create sets that change every season, like our current Christmas design. The kids are always happy interacting with new props and they come to our studio with big excited eyes.
You have a young son; how are you able to juggle your family commitments with managing your own business and the flexibility it requires?
I married the best mom in the world. I met my wife Marion 8 years ago when I was in my third year of running barefoot portraits. We were approached by a French school to do their student portraits and it was not so easy for me to communicate, so I searched for a translator. That is how we met and the rest as they say, is history. We’ve been married for 5 years and have a 3 and a half year old son.
What is your career background, was it always photography?
When I arrived in China, I actually didn’t even own a camera. My background is in advertising and marketing. I used to work for Ogilvy and Unilever.
What has been your most challenging experience when managing a business in Shanghai.
Shanghai is fast paced. Be prepared to adapt to changes quickly and re-focus. Every growth stage presents a different challenge. Currently it’s finding talent and controlling costs as we continue to expand.
What advice do you have for others looking to start a business in Shanghai?
If you are looking to start a business in Shanghai (or in anywhere in the world), make sure you are passionate about what you do and you are ready for the long-haul, because it’s going to be a long and bumpy ride. But when you look back at all the lives you’ve touched, you’ll feel like a proud dad of a 10 year old business.
How can our Urban Family community get in touch with you and is there something special you have during the festive season?
For Urban Family readers, we’re happy for you to experience our Christmas set for free during the weekdays. Just scan our QR code and refrence ‘Urban Family’ so we can arrange the special booking for you.
For more My Shanghai series, click here.
