Balance and Control
On the Edge
From observing an elderly woman balance a pole on her head in the park to exploring an interactive installation at a museum, these everyday moments sparked Xu Xiaowei’s reflections on "balance" and "control." This contemplation ultimately gave rise to his photographic project, which beautifully blends fashion and art.
“For this shoot, I specifically chose models with a contemporary dance background. Their ability to express emotions through movements, combined with versatile objects, such as rubber balls, ropes, balance boards and chairs, worked together to depict moments teetering on the edge of control and disorder. From a hand-painted background to makeup coordinated with fashion looks, we drew inspiration from colours in traditional Chinese paintings. Interestingly, these elements blended seamlessly with the latest fashion silhouettes and textures."
Xu Xiaowei
Fleeting Moments of Intention
Photographer Xu Xiaowei balanced professional lighting with intentionally opened curtains, allowing summer sunlight to spill through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Natural and artificial light collided unpredictably, creating playful, unexpected moments. Rarely shooting for clarity, he favoured a shutter speed between 1/50s and 1/60s to capture moments as they unfolded. In the balance between blur and uncertainty, his creativity found its spark.
Trusted to Capture Every Frame
For this shoot, Xu Xiaowei relied on the Leica SL3 with the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90 f/2.8-4 ASPH. lens. The combination of camera and lens, with its versatile 24-90mm focal range and exceptional optical performance, provided everything he needed, proving to be a reliable partner in bringing his creative vision to life.
Visual Flexibility
“The Leica SL3 helped me achieve visual ‘flexibility’.
Minimal yet solid—that’s what Leica is known for. With customisable buttons, a quick menu and three dials, I can quickly use settings I want during fast-paced shoots. Particularly impressive are the dials, which can be customised to my personal preferences. The auto-switch feature between the horizontal and vertical menus is also super handy when I’m trying out different compositions.
Every Detail, Perfectly Rendered
Impressed by the Leica SL3's ability to produce sharp images with accurate colour rendition, Xu Xiaowei highlighted its skill in capturing different materials and subtle hues in makeup and clothing. Skin tones transitioned smoothly, and highlights and shadows were perfectly nuanced. By introducing natural light alongside artificial lighting, he created dynamic, layered scenes. The SL3 balanced ambient and flash light seamlessly, revealing textures and fully supporting his creative process from inspiration to the final image.
“From all the small details I notice every day to blending fashion and art in the studio, I’ve been trying to find my own way of expression. To me, the viewfinder is like a second pair of eyes. To take photos is also to understand the world.”
Xu Xiaowei
About Xu Xiaowei
Xu Xiaowei is a celebrated photographer specialising in fashion, art and studio photography. In 2012, he founded "T/G IMAGE Studio," embracing the role of an independent photographer. He has since collaborated with top-tier fashion magazines such as VOGUE, ELLE and Madame Figaro, and has produced advertising campaigns for numerous prestigious brands, including Armani, Lancôme, Shiseido, Shu Uemura, Panerai, Guerlain, Givenchy and Diesel. Internationally acclaimed, Xu has been honoured with awards such as the Gold in Press/Fashion at the Prix de la Photographie Paris and the Communication Arts Award of Excellence (2017). His debut art series, Spacing Memories, garnered critical praise from leading publications like Amateur Photographer (UK), Fisheye Magazine (France) and Visionaire (China).
Represented by OFOTO Gallery and preparing for a solo exhibition at the 2025 Jimei x Arles International Photo Festival, Xu Xiaowei continues to push boundaries. He uses the camera not just to document, but to question, disrupt and re-enchant the world. His images are more than photographs – they are portals into the fragile, fleeting sparks that define our shared humanity. A long-time Leica enthusiast, he uses the Leica M-D, M6, Q, Q2, and Q3 to create his personal work.
