Today we’d like to introduce you to Yifei Zhang.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I deeply believe in the value of photographs for everyone – to keep a moment that passes us by so quickly not to be seen or heard again. For this reason, photography is a hobby of mine I’ve enjoyed from a young age. The profound beauty found within each photograph are the moments in one’s life caught in an instant. We capture them with a camera because the present is always fleeting. Many have quoted, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.” Photography preserves those special memories and precious gifts we experience in the world so we can hold onto them longer.
Our experiences in the world are three dimensional but we usually depict them in 2D; I believe 3D photography is the next major progression of photography itself. As my graduation from Northeastern University approached (with a masters in mechanical engineering) I clearly felt passionate about including my love of photography with technology. I wanted to find a way to represent our world as it is–3D.
We are taking the traditional flat portrait and making it 3D. I took the next year to research and develop technology for 3D photography therefore 3D Bean was born. I created the 3D photography system utilizing proprietary technology to freeze three dimensional moments of people and pets. Then 3D models are turned into 3D Photo Figurines. Instead of scheduling a photoshoot for your yearly portrait, we make your yearly photo figurine of you, your family, pets, employees, and loved ones. Finally, 3D Bean opened to the public for the first time in 2016. Our first customers were delighted by how special their photo figurines turned out to be.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
To start your own business right after graduate school is surely not an easy journey. I had many doubts about the idea myself, since it’d take more time to receive feedback from my first customers in addition to the research and development.
Actually in the beginning some of the people who I’d call my mentors gave me critical feedback on the idea; they basically thought it would be “creepy” to make a figurine of oneself. Though in my opinion, I believed 3D Photo Figurines should be the next progression of photography.
I decided to continue working, despite my nerves and uncertainty of the vision. To my delight, once the demo figurines were finally completed, they convinced the customers all by themselves. In fact one of the mentors who previously doubted the idea, gifted one set of figurines to his engaged relative. He shared his thoughts with me saying, “From first hearing your idea to seeing the first 3D Photo Figurine, I couldn’t imagine it to be so life-like and delicate. After seeing it in person, it’s now something I love too!”
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about 3D Bean – what should we know?
We freeze the special moment of your life in 3D. Customers schedule an appointment, attend their photoshoot, and then we delivery the 3D Photo Figurines. 3D Bean is the portrait photographer of the future, transforming 2D photography into its next progression 3D Photography.
We are truly proud of the smiles, laughter, and heartfelt tears our customers share with us when they receive their “tangible memories” in the form of 3D Photo Figurines for the first time. As many of us have already learned from experiencing the world, we realize the special moments that truly matter are those with extraordinary people who make a difference in our life. Every customer who is a part of 3D Bean, brings a special moment, which we have the fortune of being included.
As Boston’s first 3D photography studio, we help you capture those moments in one second. It’s incredibly fast even your pets and children can do it easily! In the blink of an eye 94 cameras and six additional light fixtures click at once in order to save the moment. If you’ve ever had your photo taken by a professional photographer or at school, it’s pretty similar to those examples. We’re expanding on what traditional photography has done for so long but in a brand new, much more vivid representation–3D.
With the help of the world’s most advanced full-color 3D printing technology, all your 3D moments can later be turned into your very own lifelike 3D Photo Figurines. Remember your weddings, your children’s growth, and your lives through 3D moments you can collect and share with the whole family and your friends.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’ve definitely received help from many people around me along the way. Especially my wife, who encouraged me to follow my heart from the very beginning of the project. We are both young graduates. Running my own, new venture at our age based solely on an idea, (which hadn’t yet been proven in the market), is a lot harder than choosing work that’s already been proven out. She had every reason to ask for an easier life, but she believes in my vision and took the challenge with me. She and I are a team working together to support one another in our obligations to each other, family, and our different work goals. We are in it together, supporting one another, and I couldn’t be more thankful of her tremendous support.
Pricing:
- Anyone can come in for a free photoshoot!
- Photo Figurines per person start at $139
Contact Info:
- Address: 460 Harrison Avenue, Suite C15, Boston, MA 02118
- Website: www.3dbean.com
- Phone: (857) 233-2528
- Email: info@3dbean.com
Image Credit:
Samantha Barracca Photography
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