Interview with Ning Cheng: Collaboration between Capture Photography Festival and Booooooom
**Interview with Ning Cheng: Collaboration Between Booooooom and Capture Photography Festival**
In the dynamic realm of creative arts and visual storytelling, the lines between online platforms and physical exhibitions are increasingly merging. A remarkable partnership in recent years has emerged between Booooooom — a renowned digital art and photography platform established by Jeff Hamada — and Capture Photography Festival, a prestigious Vancouver-based event dedicated to lens-based art. Central to this collaboration is Ning Cheng, an artist and curator from Vancouver whose insights have been instrumental in defining the collaboration’s direction and essence.
We had a conversation with Ning Cheng to delve into the significance of this partnership, the creative methodologies involved, and its implications for young and emerging photographers.
### A Connection Between Digital and Tangible Realms
“Booooooom has consistently been an extraordinary force in uplifting emerging voices in photography and art,” Cheng remarked during our recent virtual interview. “In the same vein, Capture occupies a crucial position in Canada’s contemporary photography landscape, highlighting both established and upcoming talent. When the chance to collaborate arose, it felt like a natural fit.”
The collaboration officially commenced in 2023, aiming to highlight emerging Canadian photographers through online exhibitions, public art displays, and distinctive features on Booooooom’s site alongside Capture’s program.
“The online world can often feel fleeting,” Cheng noted. “Artwork can disappear rapidly, and artists don’t always receive the ongoing visibility they merit. By joining forces, we wanted to extend that exposure — to transform something digital into a tangible experience during the festival.”
### Discovering the Next Wave of Creatives
A foundational element of the collaboration is an open call for submissions curated by Booooooom and Capture, inviting artists from across Canada to participate. Cheng played a significant role in choosing the finalists, along with Hamada and a panel of guest jurors.
“For me, curation involves more than selecting outstanding individual pieces,” Cheng emphasized. “It’s about bringing together voices that resonate with one another — even when they differ. We sought photographers examining identity, place, memory, and transformation — themes that feel particularly pertinent today.”
The chosen artists were showcased in both a prominent outdoor installation in Vancouver and a digital exhibit on Booooooom, providing dual platforms to enhance accessibility.
“It was essential that the work was visible to passersby on the street as well as those engaging with art from all over the globe online,” Cheng stated.
### Amplifying Underrepresented Voices
A vital component of the initiative was the emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Cheng stressed the collaboration’s dedication to featuring marginalized artists, especially those from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and immigrant backgrounds.
“There are countless compelling, under-discussed narratives out there,” Cheng expressed. “I aimed to ensure the selected lineup mirrored the diverse experiences constituting Canadian identity today.”
She highlighted specific artworks that addressed themes of diaspora, urban displacement, cultural blending, and environmental shifts. “Photography is such a personal form of expression,” Cheng said. “It enables us to narrate stories that mainstream narratives frequently overlook or suppress.”
### Looking Ahead
With the initial collaboration’s success and increasing interest from artists and audiences, the partnership between Booooooom and Capture is set to continue its momentum. Plans are already in motion for future editions, featuring expanded programming and potential mentorship initiatives.
“There’s immense talent out there, and countless stories still waiting to be told,” Cheng remarked, her enthusiasm shining through. “We’re only just beginning to explore the depths.”
She also underscored the significance of independent art platforms like Booooooom in nurturing emerging talents, particularly as traditional art institutions become more cautious.
“Collaborating with Jeff and the team has been immensely validating,” Cheng shared. “We share a mutual belief in empowering artists — not merely by showcasing their work but genuinely fostering their growth through community engagement and visibility.”
### Concluding Remarks
The ongoing partnership between Booooooom and Capture Photography Festival exemplifies how digital platforms and real-world festivals can collaborate to illuminate the most essential, contemporary voices in photography. By merging accessible technology with thoughtfully curated exhibitions, this initiative — guided by passionate creatives like Ning Cheng — continues to motivate viewers and photographers alike to engage more profoundly with the visual stories that define our world.
For additional information or to explore the latest exhibitions, visit [Booooooom.com](https://www.booooooom.com) and [CapturePhotographyFestival.com](https://www.capturephotofest.com).