Return of the Genius Photographer

“Come in. This is my studio,” said Jung Woong as he turned towards me after leading the way.

The place that Jung Woong called his studio was as spacious as the size of the building, taking up roughly half a floor.

It was filled with numerous photos and equipment that would make any photographer’s eyes light up.

“Forgive the mess. I’ve accumulated a lot of stuff,” he said.

“It’s fine.”

In one corner of the studio was Jung Woong’s desk.

With that desk in the center, we sat facing each other.

“Your studio is really spacious,” I remarked, glancing around.

He gave a faint smile, replying nonchalantly, “I hate feeling cramped, so I made it big. But in truth, this desk is about all I use.”

Just as he said, the photos scattered far off were covered in dust, as if neglected.

Perhaps because of that, the studio felt somewhat empty and hollow.

A high-caliber photographer pours their soul into every shoot, almost as if hoping to capture themselves within their work. Over time, those traces inevitably show in their studio, making it a deeply personal and expressive space.

So, maybe the emptiness I felt here reflected Jung Woong’s own state of mind.

As he watched me take in the studio, he asked with a satisfied smile, “Do you like it?”

“Yes, it’s impressive. But I think I’d be more comfortable in a smaller space.”

As I gazed at his studio, memories of my previous life’s studio surfaced. In contrast, it was small and modest, yet very comforting.

Seeing my reaction, Jung Woong’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “You already have a personal studio?”

“Oh, no. Not right now,” I replied quickly, shaking my head.

Caught up in old memories, I had responded based on my past life.

“If I ever get one, I’d prefer it small.”

“Hmm, I see… Then where do you usually work?”

“Other than home, I don’t have a place I could call a studio.”

Perhaps because of what happened on the first floor, Jung Woong seemed to be probing, trying to gauge me through our conversation.

I realised he was not an easygoing person like he seemed.

I had to be careful with my answers.

“Alright, let’s get to the point. Do you have any interest in becoming my disciple? Has your mind changed since last time?”

After some more conversation, he brought up the main topic.

“You might not know, but the photography industry is very conservative. It’s rare for someone to suddenly become a star,” he explained, offering advice about the industry.

“For a photographer to establish themselves, it’s almost impossible without someone’s help.”

In any field, when someone high up speaks, their words carry weight because they encompass their experience and understanding.

In this regard, Jung Woong’s words pierced through the essence of the photography industry.

The reality was that without financial capability or backing, it was extremely difficult for a photographer to stand on their own.

“This is a great opportunity for you. If you decide to learn from me, I’ll be that help.”

Jung Woong’s eyes sparkled with an energy that could overwhelm an ordinary person.

“And if you learn under me, you’ll become greater than anyone else. I’m sure of it.”

His words carried the weight of someone who had reached the pinnacle of the industry.

“So, let me ask again. Will you be my disciple?”

His conviction was clear, almost as if he knew it was a certainty.

His offer was, without a doubt, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“I truly appreciate your generous offer.”

However.

“As I said before, I must decline.”

I looked him in the eye as I refused once more, meeting his intense gaze without wavering.

Jung Woong’s influence, skills, connections, and financial support would undoubtedly make it easy to rise to the top.

But that wasn’t the life I wanted.

What value is there in life following someone else’s path?

The life I wanted to lead was one only I could pursue.

I conveyed my resolve through my gaze, and after a while, it was Jung Woong who broke the silence.

“You don’t like the obvious path, huh? That’s cool. I don’t dislike your attitude.”

He seemed to understand, or at least accept my stance.

“I had a feeling you’d refuse.”

Then, with a smile, he asked, “So, what do you want from me? You didn’t come all this way just to decline, did you?”

The intense atmosphere dissipated instantly, replaced by a more relaxed vibe.

Was the previous intensity just a test?

Though I felt like I’d taken a hit, this change was welcome.

Smiling slightly, I told him my terms.

“I’d like you to refer to me for the jobs you can’t take.”

“Jobs I can’t take?” he asked, puzzled.

One might wonder what kind of job an industry veteran like him couldn’t handle.

“Yes. Jobs that don’t fit your style, budget, or schedule. I’d like you to pass those on to me.”

As I explained, he seemed to understand and clapped his hands.

“You want me to refer work to you?”

“Yes.”

“So, what’s in it for me? It’s an interesting idea, but if this is a partnership, what do I gain?” he asked sharply.

It was a fair question, but also a difficult one for me.

As a novice photographer with just one contest win to my name, what could I possibly offer?

Except, there was one thing.

“If you agree to my terms, I’ll allow you to call me your disciple.”

I told Jung Woong the answer I had thought of in advance.

“Heh… Haha, hahaha!”

He laughed heartily, the sound echoing through the studio.

“You really are something else! How could you think of such a thing?” he exclaimed, still chuckling.

Honestly, I knew well how outrageous my proposal was. It was a gamble, trusting in Jung Woong’s goodwill toward me. But it seemed that gamble had paid off.

“Alright, I’ll accept your proposal,” Jung Woong said, his face still showing signs of astonishment. “But I have one condition. Let’s make a bet.”

“What kind of bet?”

“To be frank, I’m a perfectionist. I don’t trust easily, not even myself. So how could I trust you to handle any work I pass your way?” He continued with an amused expression as if he had been waiting to say this.

“I’ll give you a test. In about a month, I’ll be holding an exhibition. There are still some empty slots.”

The intense look I had seen earlier returned to his eyes.

“Bring me a photo worthy of my exhibition.”

His challenge was nearly impossible, as if daring me to attempt it.

“It has to be a photo I can’t take myself, and it must meet my standards of perfection.”

“And if you’re not satisfied?” I asked.

“In that case, you’ll become my disciple and learn diligently.”

But there was something strange. In his eyes, I sensed not just a challenge but also expectation, excitement, and a hint of joy.

“Alright, let’s do it,” I agreed, nodding.

I had no choice but to accept, and personally, I was confident.

“Good. I look forward to it. Let me know if you need anything. And if you decide to give up and become my disciple, I’ll be more than happy.”

He teased me as I got up to leave.

“Don’t worry, that won’t happen. I’ll take my leave now.”

Just as I was about to leave, Jung Woong seemed to remember something and called out to me.

“Wait a moment. During this time, you can use a workspace in this building. I’ll arrange for a studio space for you.”

A workspace in Jung Woong’s studio!

That was an offer I couldn’t refuse. It meant access to equipment I otherwise couldn’t afford or find.

The studio itself would be enough to make this trip worthwhile.

“Why? Don’t you like the idea?” he asked when I stood there in shock.

“Not at all. Thank you very much,” I said, taking my hand off the doorknob and bowing respectfully.

“See you soon, Master.”

Thus, an unusual master-disciple relationship began.

Beep!

Just as I stepped out of the studio, I heard the ping of a new message.

– Hello, this is the editorial team of VOTUS magazine. We would like to invite you for a shoot…

As Minjung had mentioned earlier, it was a message from VOTUS magazine. They asked for my portfolio for verification before making any final decisions.

I checked the email address and put away my phone, heading home.

In almost perfect timing, I had received both Jung Woong’s challenge and VOTUS magazine’s invitation.

To succeed in both, I would need to stay busy for a while.