A 9-year-old photographer from Shanghai, China, is capturing the attention of social media with her stunning portraits of some of the biggest names in entertainment. Zou Shengyu, who goes by the nickname Shengsheng, has taken the photography world by storm, earning millions of views and followers on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok, for her candid and emotional celebrity shots.

Shengsheng’s journey into photography began at a very young age. At just 4 years old, she received a point-and-shoot camera and quickly developed a passion for street photography. She would approach strangers on the street and ask if she could take their picture. One of her most significant early encounters occurred when she was 5 years old and noticed a woman in a Shanghai clothing store who turned out to be the famous Taiwanese cellist and actress, Ouyang Nana.

That chance meeting quickly went viral on Chinese social media, and it wasn’t long before movie promoters and brands began reaching out to Shengsheng to photograph celebrities. Since then, she has captured portraits of some of Asia’s biggest stars, including actor Tony Leung, tennis champion Li Na, rapper Lay Zhang, and Hollywood icon Jason Momoa. Despite her young age, Shengsheng has proven she can direct even the most seasoned professionals, as she confidently guided Momoa through a photoshoot, asking him to adjust his movements to suit her vision.

Shengsheng’s photographs offer a fresh perspective on celebrity portraits. Her father, a professional photographer himself, believes her unique approach is what draws the attention of artists and their representatives. Unlike typical, polished celebrity photos, Shengsheng’s work highlights a softer, more personal side of her subjects, capturing them in genuine, unguarded moments. Her use of analog cameras, including Polaroids, adds a warm, nostalgic quality to her images that resonate with viewers.

The young photographer has amassed an impressive following, with over 10 million likes on Douyin and around 500,000 followers. While some skeptics have questioned how a 9-year-old can achieve such high-profile opportunities, Shengsheng’s father is quick to point out that her work speaks for itself. He emphasizes that Shengsheng’s success is not about family connections but about the unique quality of her photography, which allows celebrities to appear in a more relatable, human light.

One of Shengsheng’s most memorable experiences was working with Tony Leung, the Hong Kong movie legend. She recalls initially thinking he was reserved, but he soon warmed up, and she describes him as “cute” and always able to make her smile. She fondly remembers a photo of Leung standing by a wall, bathed in sunlight, which she believes encapsulates the beauty of good composition and emotion.

Despite her young age, Shengsheng is incredibly focused on her craft. She is known for her ability to see patterns and shapes that can frame her subjects in striking ways. Whether capturing a celebrity in a dress or taking a candid street portrait, Shengsheng ensures that every detail from the setting to the subject’s clothing is carefully considered to enhance the overall composition.

Shengsheng’s love for analog photography also sets her apart from her peers. She enjoys the unpredictability of film cameras and the excitement that comes with developing photos, likening it to opening a mystery box. Unlike digital cameras, where instant results are expected, Shengsheng values the unique, soft tones that film offers, which she feels adds a personal touch to each image.

Looking ahead, Shengsheng has big aspirations. She aims to continue capturing both celebrities and everyday people through her lens, hoping her work will evoke emotion in viewers. She is already planning her next photoshoot with singer-songwriter Yuqi and dreams of becoming a full-time portrait photographer in the future.

For now, though, Shengsheng remains focused on the present, continuing to learn and grow with each shot she takes. Her rapid rise as a young photographer reminds us that age is no barrier to talent and creativity, and she is well on her way to leaving a lasting mark on the world of photography.