by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 26th of January 2026

YANGYING is a talented, self-taught landscape photographer. She doesn't want to make nature louder or more dramatic. Instead, she approaches it quietly and with restraint, allowing the landscape to remain as it is so that she can fully witness its beauty and stillness. 

'Rhododendron in Antarctica'

My name is Yangying and I am a photographer from China who is currently living in Nanjing.
Before photography became an essential part of my life, I worked in finance. For many years, my life followed a stable and predictable rhythm until I realised that I needed to slow down and reconnect with myself.
In November 2019, I decided to treat myself for my birthday. By chance, I came across images of the Northern Lights in Iceland shared by a Chinese photographer who was organizing a photography trip. Almost instinctively, I signed up. I bought my first full-frame camera — a Canon 5D Mark IV — along with a 15–35 mm wide-angle lens. That journey marked my first true encounter with landscape photography and opened up a whole new world for me. Once I stepped into it, there was no turning back.

'Moeraki Boulders'

'snow gum'

'Snow gums'

That trip was especially meaningful because I met Liu Bai, my first photographic guide. He is a young and outstanding Chinese photographer whose work made a deep impression on me. In September 2020, I joined him on another trip, this time to the Badain Jaran Desert. I remember standing barefoot in the sand, holding a brand-new 70–200 mm lens that I hadn't even unpacked yet. Another photographer, Tony Wang, helped me change lenses while I was overwhelmed with excitement. Suddenly, a companion shouted, 'You've ruined my foreground.' At that moment, I realised how inexperienced I truly was.

I had no solid theoretical foundation, no refined technical skills and no knowledge of post-processing. Photoshop was completely foreign to me. By all standards, I was a beginner. But what I did have was passion.

'Lonely'

‘The sea road that cannot be awakened by storms’ 

 

 

‘I meet the comet in the dark night’

 

While much of the world was struggling through the pandemic, I devoted myself to learning photography. I bought books, took courses and practised post-processing extensively. Due to my work commitments, I had to carefully accumulate holiday days before each trip. For me, leaving the city is essential — every departure brings new perspectives and discoveries. While my body is still healthy and capable, I want to experience as much of the world's extreme beauty as possible.

These journeys have not always been easy. On my first trip to Tibet, for example, I photographed ice formations at Puma Yumco Lake with childlike excitement, only to develop a high fever that night and be evacuated back to Lhasa. In Nianbaoyuze, I fell off a horse just fifty metres from my destination. In the forests near Bermagui Beach in Australia, I was bitten by ticks. Most recently, I trekked through the core area of Kaqiogangri, which is at an altitude of 5,300 metres. The harsh climate there irritated my throat so much that my voice became hoarse. Each experience has reminded me of my physical limits and taught me humility, patience and respect for nature.

My photographic vision is simple. I’m not interested in making nature louder or more dramatic. I want to approach it quietly and respectfully, without disturbing it, and allow the landscape to remain as it is.

‘aerial photograph of Jionglacuo’

 

 

'Silvernight Glow'

One of my favorite images is a night photograph taken at Mount Saipu, where moonlight illuminated the mountain’s golden summit beneath a star-filled sky. It was an intensely quiet moment, almost unreal, where time seemed to pause. That image represents why I photograph—not to capture drama, but to witness stillness.

'The peaks of Sapri at night'

Many photographers have influenced my journey.
Liu Bai and Tony Wang, in particular, have played an important role in guiding me towards an understanding of photography through practice rather than theory. Travelling and exploring new viewpoints with them made me realise that photography is an ongoing process of broadening one’s perspective, not a fixed system.
Through them, I discovered the work of many other talented photographers. Mark Adams in particular made a strong impression on me. His images of extreme landscapes showed me that photography does not need to be loud to be powerful. I hope to meet him one day.

‘Snow Embracing the Millenium’ 

‘Breath of the sea’ 

 

 

'Gateway of Autumn'

Photography is the main reason I enter nature. My child has been incredibly supportive of my work. He often reminds me to 'enjoy myself' and 'stay safe', and he is thoughtful enough to help me choose photography equipment, or even buy me some as a gift. One of the most meaningful gifts I have ever received was a Canon R5 Mark II for my birthday. Although my children have their own lives and responsibilities, I hope that my photographs will allow them to experience parts of the world that they cannot yet access.
He once told his classmates that he was proud his mother had something she truly loved rather than being caught up in daily routines all the time.

Since 2022, I have travelled almost every month to take photographs. Since 2023, I have been publishing images on photography platforms almost daily and have gradually begun to receive recognition. My goal has always been simple: to keep practising and to show my child the work I submit to the world. Whenever he logs into a photography website, he can see where I have been.

I choose quiet and solitude over circles and noise. I know that my relationship with photography is not a loud passion, but a long companionship—one that grows slowly through time, patience, and attention.

‘Beams in the Tidal Mist – Motukiekie’ 

‘King Peak, Above the Glacier’

I began submitting my work to 1X in 2024. Since then, I visit the platform almost daily. It has helped me tremendously. We often live within our own limited circles, and photography gives us a chance to understand a much larger world. For me, 1X is an exceptional platform—one that encourages growth, reflection, and connection. I am truly grateful to be part of it.