Interview
Annie Ye
United States
Annie Ye is a photographer and art director known for creating atmospheric images that blend artistic vision with emotional depth. Inspired by nature and guided by intuition, she captures fleeting moments with a sense of wonder, revealing the extraordinary within the everyday.
1 Congratulations on winning in the MUSE Photography Awards! Can you share a little about yourself, what inspired you to pursue photography, and how has your journey evolved since your first shot?
Hi, I’m Annie—a photographer, art director, and former horticulturist. Photography, to me, feels like stepping into another world. Every time I lift my camera, my eyes widen with curiosity, as if I’m seeing everything for the first time. My journey has come a long way. I still remember my very first photo—it was shot on film and completely blurry because I had no idea what I was doing. Now, I approach each frame with intention, carefully considering my subject, foreground, and background. Above all, I’ve learned to trust my eyes; that instinct has become my greatest guide.
2 Can you share the story or inspiration behind your award-winning piece? How does winning this award make you feel about your journey in photography?
Both of my award-winning pieces were born from very different, yet equally powerful moments. My Platinum-winning jewelry photograph, Stars Of Midnight, came from pure frustration. I wasn’t seeing the kind of dark, moody aesthetic I knew was possible in jewelry photography, so I created it myself. I gathered everything in my living room and built the world I wanted to see. My Silver-winning piece, Before It Turns, was inspired by a quiet moment on Governors Island in the fall. The beauty of autumn felt fleeting, as though it were slipping away in real time. I knew I had to capture it before it vanished, and that sense of urgency became the heart of the image. Winning these awards feels surreal. It is both a validation of how far I have come and a reminder to keep trusting my instincts.
3 How do you decide which photo to submit for a competition?
I keep it simple. I trust my eye and the feeling a photograph gives me. If it lingers, if it speaks without words, that’s the one.
4 What first made you pick up a camera?
My grandfather! He made photography seem effortless and magical. Watching him sparked something in me, and it meant even more when he gifted me my first camera.
5 What’s your favorite type of photography, and why do you love it?
Landscape and nature photography will always have my heart. With my background in horticulture, I feel deeply connected to the natural world. There is something grounding and almost spiritual about capturing nature at its most beautiful—it feels like answering a calling.
6 What’s your go-to camera setup, and why does it work best for your projects? What’s your favorite feature?
I’m always on the move, so I don’t stick to a fixed setup. However, I almost always carry a tripod—it gives me stability, flexibility, and the freedom to slow down and thoughtfully compose my shots.
7 If someone looked at your work, what’s the one thing you’d want them to feel?
A sense of softness and serenity.
8 What was the most challenging part of capturing your winning shot?
It was my first time exploring macro photography, so lighting became my biggest challenge. Learning how light behaves at such a close range pushed me to think more creatively and approach photography in new ways.
9 Is there a specific place or subject that inspires you the most?
The New York City skyline overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge. There is an energy there that never fades.
10 Who or what has been your biggest influence in photography?
Nature, always. It is my constant teacher and an endless source of inspiration.
11 What message would you share to inspire photographers to participate in photography awards, and what advice would you give to help them excel in the competition?
Take a chance on yourself. Trust your eye. Your work deserves to be seen—it should not remain hidden in your camera roll. If you do not take the chance, you will never know what is possible.
12 What’s one piece of advice for someone just starting in photography?
Photograph everything. Through practice, you will discover what truly excites you, and that is where your voice begins.
13 What role do editing and post-processing play in your creative workflow?
Editing is important, but I believe a strong photograph should already stand on its own. As my teacher once said, a beautiful image should require little to no enhancement to reveal its beauty.
14 How do you see technology, like AI, influencing the future of photography and your own approach?
AI is a powerful tool for generating ideas, but it cannot replicate the magic of capturing a real, fleeting moment. There is something irreplaceable about being present in the world and freezing time through your own lens.
15 If you could photograph anything or anyone in the world, what would it be?
I would capture a moment with my grandfather, standing together in front of a glowing sunset. That would mean everything to me.
