John
John Liu: Capturing the Spirit of Running Through Photography
John Liu’s journey into the world of sports photography began almost by accident. He first picked up a camera to document life on the street, moments unfolding naturally, without staging or direction. That instinct to observe led him to local running clubs, where the pace, emotion, and energy of the sport caught his attention.
What started as a curious experiment, taking photos of runners in motion, blossomed into a career that celebrates human effort, perseverance, and the subtle beauty found in movement.
“I didn’t love running at the beginning,” John admits. “I only started to understand the sport more and more as I photographed it. I was taking pictures as a third person, observing runners, and slowly, I began to appreciate what running truly is.”
His passion isn’t just about the sport; it’s about the stories that unfold with each stride, each race, and every person who pushes their limits.
What first inspired you to capture the world of sports and runners specifically, and how has that passion evolved over the years?
John reflects on how street photography laid the foundation and how it naturally led him into the running world.
“I started as a photographer, just hanging around runners, capturing moments from the outside. Over time, it became more personal. Running is such a low-barrier sport—anyone can join, anyone can participate. Being in that space allowed me to connect with people, to understand their drive. Eventually, I started running myself. Now it’s not just about taking photos. It’s about fitness, staying healthy, and sometimes, when I enter a race, I treat it like a game, I want to beat it.”
Storytelling Through Photography
Every photograph tells a story, how do you find and capture the essence of your subjects in a single frame?
“It’s about perspective,” John explains. “I want to make people look good while they’re doing their own thing. If the right people catch it, it can make their day. Every runner, every participant has a story, the effort, the struggle, the small victories, and photography is my way of sharing that.”
Signature Style & Vision
How would you describe your unique perspective as a photographer, and what do you aim to evoke in viewers through your work?
John’s approach is both immersive and observant. “I aim to capture authenticity. People sometimes interpret my work as part of my personality, which is interesting, but really it’s about what they feel in the moment, the sweat, the focus, the joy. My goal is to convey that energy so viewers can connect with it, whether they run themselves or just appreciate the human spirit.”
Balancing Art & Client Needs
In commercial projects, how do you balance creative vision with client goals while keeping the work authentic and compelling?
John has collaborated with local running communities and brands like Black Toe, a Toronto-based shoe store. “It’s always about mutual benefit. I help capture their events authentically, while they support my work financially. Over time, these collaborations have allowed me to continue telling real stories without compromising artistic integrity.”
Overcoming Challenges
What has been your most challenging project, and what did it teach you about resilience, creativity, or seeing things differently?
“Track races are extremely fast-paced, testing both the photographer’s reflexes and organizational skills,” John says. “I don’t just take photos; I manage others, make sure everyone is in the right position, and ensure the big picture is captured. It taught me that creativity isn’t just in the shot, it’s in orchestrating the moment.”
Highlighting Moments That Matter
Are there particular moments—on the track, field, or in corporate events, that stay with you long after you’ve taken the photo?
John reflects on the subtle rewards: “Sometimes a runner catches themselves mid-stride in an almost poetic way. Other times, it’s the camaraderie, the smiles, the determination. Those are the moments I want to preserve. Not every viewer will understand, but for those who do, it’s meaningful.”
Impact & Community
How do you hope your work inspires or connects with the communities you photograph, especially athletes?
“It’s rewarding when people reach out to say my photos made their day, or inspired them to push themselves,” John shares. “I hope my work encourages community members to participate more, attend events, and see themselves as part of something bigger.”
Growth & Inspiration
How do you continue to evolve your craft and stay inspired in a field that’s constantly changing?
John emphasizes learning from observation. “I started photographing casual runners, but now I aim for professional athletes. I study others’ techniques when possible, hire less-experienced photographers to learn, and constantly adapt. Photography is both art and discipline, you never really stop evolving.”
Ripple Effect Angle
If you could use your photography to tell one story about human potential, perseverance, or achievement, what would it be?
John’s answer is simple but powerful: “I want to show that every person’s effort matters. Whether it’s a casual runner or an Olympian, each story of perseverance can inspire others. Photography can elevate these moments, showing the beauty in persistence and dedication.”
Advice for Creatives
What advice would you give to someone trying to capture authentic stories through photography in a meaningful way?
“Just start. Practice consistently. Understand the fundamentals, but more importantly, practice them,” John advises. “Photography is subjective, and each story you capture is unique. Learn what interests you most, immerse yourself in it, and keep shooting. The rest follows.”
John Liu’s story is one of patience, observation, and a deep respect for human effort. From photographing local running clubs to capturing Olympians in action, he shows how art can connect communities, inspire individuals, and celebrate the human spirit.
Through John’s lens, we don’t just see movement, we see resilience, dedication, and the extraordinary potential within everyday moments.