Yizhen (Aaron) Zhang is a photographer and visual storyteller whose work captures the essence of urban life through the interplay of light, shadow, and human connection. A graduate of the School of Visual Arts’ MFA Photography program in New York City, Yizhen studied under the mentorship of Alex Webb, a distinguished member of Magnum Photos.
With over seven years of experience, Yizhen has developed a distinctive style that blends documentary and street photography with contemporary artistic innovation. His work is characterized by a deliberate reliance on natural and ambient light, which allows him to create images that are both authentic and visually striking. By focusing on the subtle nuances of urban environments—from the dramatic interplay of shadows to the soft diffusion of twilight—Yizhen’s photographs reveal the beauty and complexity of everyday moments.
Yizhen’s work has been celebrated in prestigious competitions and exhibitions globally, earning accolades for its unique blend of documentary storytelling and contemporary artistry. He has been recognized for its ability to transcend traditional boundaries, offering a fresh perspective on the evolving dynamics of modern life. His approach to photography is rooted in a deep respect for the medium’s ability to tell stories, capturing the world as it is while challenging viewers to see it anew.
Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society (FRPS)
The Royal Photographic Society (RPS), United Kingdom · Awarded 2025
The FRPS is the highest and most prestigious distinction awarded by the Royal Photographic Society, one of the world’s oldest and most respected photography institutions, founded in 1853 under the patronage of Queen Victoria.
Click Pro Elite
Click Community · Accepted March 2025
Scored 34/35 in a professional portfolio review by a panel of experts. Recognized for exceptional use of light, technical precision, and creative intention.
FASHION WEEK DAILY | Mar 2025
Capturing Real Lives Through Street Fashion An Interview with Yizhen Zhang
MSN | Feb 2025
The Documentary Win or Lose Debuts as a Bronze Winner at the BudapestInternational Foto Awards
VOGUE CHINA | Feb 2025
From Bill Cunningham toContemporary Stories on the Streets of New York
THE GLOBE AND MAIL | Feb 2025
The Debut of the Documentary Win or Lose: An Award-Winning Exploration of Identity and Resilience
HARPER’S BAZAAR | Jan 2025
Yizhen Zhang: Seeing TruthThrough the Lens
PROGRESFESTIVAL MAGAZINE | Jun 2024
Win or Lose by Yizhen Zhang
2025
Berlin Photography Awards
Honorable Mentions – People Family
Muse Photography Awards
Platinum Winner – DocumentaryNarratives
Platinum Winner – People
Platinum Winner – Conflict
Platinum Winner – Travel Series
Gold Winner – Black and White
Gold Winner – Street Series
Gold Winner – People Series
Gold Winner – Nature – Landscape
Gold Winner – Nature – Mountain
Gold Winner – Lifestyle Series
GommaGrant
FINALIST: Winner Announced April
Siena International Photo Awards
FINALIST: Winner Announced March
Tokyo International Foto Awards 2024
Bronze Winner - People – Lifestyle
2024
Wild Photo Awards
Runner Up – Wildlife
NAT Photo Society
Honorable Mentions – Earth
Urban Photo Awards
Semi-Finalist – PhotoSeries / Portfolio
IPA2024 International Photography Awards
Honorable Mentions – Book – People
Honorable Mentions – Photo – Lifestyle
Budapest International Foto Awards 2024
Bronze Winner – People – Lifestyle
Global Photography Awards
Silver Winner – Lifestyle
Silver Winner – Cultural
New York Photography Awards
Silver Winner – Lifestyle
Silver Winner – Cultural
Silver Winner – People
Silver Winner – Portrait
2025
Urban Landscape Exhibition
Independent & Image Art Space, Chongqing, China
8th Chania International Photo Festival
Chania, Greece
2024
BLACK & WHITE EXHIBITION
Praxis Photographic Arts Center, Saint Paul, MN, USA
STORY EXHIBITION
A Smith Gallery, Johnson City, TX, USA
