9-Year-Old Chinese Prodigy Shengsheng: A Rising Star in Celebrity Photography

In a captivating behind-the-scenes video shared on social media, 9-year-old Zou Shengyu, also known as Shengsheng, directs her analog camera at “Aquaman” star Jason Momoa, effortlessly capturing a series of portraits. Undeterred by Momoa’s imposing six-foot-four-inch frame, the young Chinese photographer confidently instructs the actor to strike various poses.

Reflecting on the experience, Shengsheng, speaking in a phone interview, recalls, “I was so nervous because I had to speak in English. He was quite big, so I asked him to make bigger movements and gestures.”

Over her four-year photography journey, the Shanghai-based fourth-grader has amassed a portfolio featuring over a dozen high-profile figures, including Asian luminaries like actor Tony Leung, tennis legend Li Na, and rapper Lay Zhang. Her work has garnered over 10 million likes and approximately 500,000 followers on Douyin, the Chinese counterpart to TikTok. Shengsheng’s father, Zou Yupeng, a photographer with millions of followers, often showcases her work on his platform.

Shengsheng, preferring analog cameras, emphasizes simplicity and the unique warmth of film. Her chance encounter with Taiwanese cellist-turned-actress Ouyang Nana at the age of 5 marked the beginning of her celebrity photography journey. This serendipitous encounter, which went viral on Chinese social media, opened doors to collaborations with movie promoters, cellphone companies, and shampoo brands.

While some skeptics question how a 9-year-old secures photoshoots with major stars, Shengsheng’s father asserts that her clientele is unrelated to their family and attributes it to the unique perspective she brings. Shengsheng’s photos highlight the softer and gentler side of her subjects, setting her work apart from that of professional photographers.

Despite occasional skepticism, Shengsheng remains focused on her passion. She emphasizes her commitment to authenticity, stating that she refrains from using filters and only applies minor edits, such as adjusting color tones or removing stray hair.

Her memorable encounters include photographing Hong Kong movie legend Tony Leung, who initially seemed reserved but eventually warmed up during the shoot. Shengsheng’s approach to composition involves incorporating shapes like circles or triangles and considering the subjects’ attire to evoke emotions and convey a sense of presence in her images.

In a field dominated by digital cameras, Shengsheng stands out for her preference for analog film cameras. She appreciates their simplicity, lightweight design, and the warm tones they produce. Shengsheng’s prolific career shows no signs of slowing down, with over 15,000 photographs taken in the past year alone. While she dreams of becoming a full-time portrait photographer, she remains grounded, stating, “We are not in the future yet. My taste could have changed by then.