Dream High: Fashion Photographer Park Jihye (@squeeze_zeze)
Freelance photographer PARK JIHYE (@squeeze_zeze) captivated us with her gorgeous self initiated projects featured on Instagram. As a result we collaborated with her on an editorial shoot featured in Issue 01 based on K-pop stalker fan culture. While you'll have to get yourself a copy of the print magazine to enjoy the full story, we hope this interview entices you to see more of Jihye's work!
Interview Chaereen Pak, Photos Park Jihye
Hello, please introduce yourself.
Jihye: My name is PARK JIHYE (@squeeze_zeze) and I’m a freelance photographer.
What got you into photography in the first place?
Jihye: I was originally studying fashion design in college, but when I started taking photos for CAMSCON for a semester, I completely changed my mind!
Oh wow, what exactly is CAMSCON?
Jihye: It is is a project where college students come together to share their styles and looks through street-style photos of themselves.
"Through my photos, I want viewers to see a different side of the subject."
What’s the story behind your Instagram handle, @squeeze_zeze?
Jihye: I used to run my own webzine called Squeeze Magazine! I got squeeze from there, and my nickname is Zeze.
Did you receive formal training and take classes to improve your photography, or did you get to where you are today all on your own?
Jihye: CAMSCON provided some basic training, so I learned a little bit through there! Other than that, I pretty much asked around and dug through the Internet to work my way around.
Where do you find inspiration?
Jihye: There are three main things I turn to: colors, clothing, and notable paintings. I look through a lot of photographs as well. But, I don’t want to feel as if I’m copying something, so I usually don’t find much inspiration from photographs.
That makes sense! Do you think you have your own specific style, or maybe even a message that you want to get across through your photos?
Jihye: I don’t think I have a concrete style of my own yet. However, through my photos, I want viewers to see a different side of the subject. As the subjects of my work have had other images and styles of themselves portrayed through other photographers in the past, I want my photos to be able to display a new side to them.
"I hope that everyone won’t look at subjects as just subjects. Love them and understand them on a deeper level."
Wow, we love your focus on the subject. What do you think you would say if you could give advice to an aspiring photographer?
Jihye: There’s a saying that goes, “If you love your subject, the most beautiful picture will come to you.” I hope that everyone won’t look at subjects as just subjects. Love them and understand them on a deeper level.
Are there any areas of photography you haven’t touched yet that you want to explore?
Jihye: I’m actually really interested in art directing. I want to work on a photo project that has a strong, detailed plan from start to finish. Even better would be to work with a variety of other artists on that project.
Is there a model whom you really want to work with?
Jihye: I would love to work with JOO EOJIN (@joo_eojin) of Agency Garten. I’m fond of his gaze and the overall vibe he gives off!
"Yury's posing was perfect and the time went by in a blink of an eye!"
Also, do you have a favorite photoshoot that you’d like to elaborate on?
Jihye: Over the Summer I completed a shoot with PARK YURY (@park_yury) and he was a dream to work with. His posing was perfect and the time went by in a blink of an eye!
Well, we concur that he is a pleasure to work with!
Jihye, it seems like our time is up for now. Any departing words?
Jihye: Thanks for having me! Stay cheerful, everyone!
Likewise! Thanks for joining us!