Runzhi (Laurence) Lao

Photographer Runzhi (Laurence) Lao was born in Southeast China in 1999. Lao was previously trained as a professional in the industrial design field, but he has shown great interest and talent in photography since 2017 and has been pursuing his dream of becoming a professional image creator ever since. As a sharp observer, Lao considers photography a wonderful medium for presenting narratives and building connections between people, which he believes is vital to himself and to human society as a whole.

"People should not limit themselves by seeing photography as an old-fashioned form of fine art, or a mere scientific method to preserve and present evidence; it is a language we speak, a bridge that brings people closer, a mirror that can help you know yourself better. Photography is a lifestyle, an indispensable part of me," Lao said.

With his multinational background, Lao provides a unique point of view that differs from most Western photographers, making his work stand out in his field. His minimalist aesthetic taste and professional skills in darkroom printing are evident in his street and documentary photography works. His passion and effort have earned him recognition in the field, with one of his works being elected as a Gold Award Winner in the 2024 London Photography Award Competition. Lao's passion and vision continue to motivate him and push him further in his field, leading to the creation of more exquisite pieces.