Return of the Genius Photographer - Chapter 89

“Congratulations! You’re in first place!”

“Woooaaahhh!”

With Jung Yoon-joo’s announcement, Woojin’s teammates embraced each other, cheering before they began to tear up.

“Sniff…”

“I’m so glad… I’m really so glad…”

They had been regarded as one of the weakest teams among the contestants. Considering the emotional rollercoaster they’d endured, one could only imagine the relief they felt. After all, most of them were barely past eighteen or in their early twenties, so achieving their first top score must have been overwhelming.

“Yeonhee, stop crying,” one teammate said.

“She’s always crying,” another teased.

Maybe that was why they had always seemed so close.

Watching them comfort each other, even the spectators felt a warmth blossom in their hearts.

The judges, who’d been watching with gentle smiles, finally took the mic and started their feedback.

“The photos were truly amazing! The group photo, in particular, made me think right away, ‘This is first place!’”

“I felt the same. Taking the paparazzi theme and turning it around to show the stars hounded by the press—it was brilliant!”

“While other teams captured the paparazzi’s perspective, Gray Team flipped it entirely. They made the models feel like the stars, which was fantastic.”

“Honestly, these photos are magazine-worthy. I’d love to feature them in our next issue.”

“The teamwork between the photographer and the models really shone through.”

“The quality was top-notch across all teams, but we gave you high marks for the strong message in your shots.”

Amidst the flood of praise from the judges, MC Jung Yoon-joo turned to Gray Team.

“Gray Team was made up of members who were in the lower rankings during the previous mission. I bet this win means a lot to you. Could we hear your thoughts?”

Still sniffling and overcome with emotion, Gray Team huddled around the microphone, with Kim Yeonhee, who had teared up from the moment they were called, stepping up to speak.

“Well… we really thought we were going to be eliminated this time,” Yeonhee managed, wiping her tears.

“We were all ready to give up, but Photographer Nam Woojin kept encouraging us and gave us his all…”

Then she couldn’t hold back anymore.

“If it weren’t for Photographer Woojin… we wouldn’t have won… thank you so much… waaah…”

The judges chuckled as she broke down in fresh tears.

“You should be laughing after a win, not crying! Someone might mistake this for an elimination,” one judge joked.

“Photographer Woojin, you must be proud of your team,” said another, turning to him.

Naturally, Jung Yoon-joo followed suit and asked me to share my thoughts as well.

To lighten the teary mood, I slowly began speaking.

“First of all, I’d like to thank my team for their passion and dedication during this shoot.”

I made eye contact with each of my teammates.

“From a photographer’s perspective, this was a great opportunity for me to grow as well. I’m grateful to the Doshuko production team for offering us this wonderful chance…”

I looked around at the production team, and then, with a sheepish smile, I glanced over at Kim Jin-goo.

“But I feel a bit sorry for Photographer Kim Jin-goo,” I said, earning curious looks from the judges.

“Why is that?”

“Sorry? For Photographer Kim Jin-goo?”

Even Kim Jin-goo glared at me as everyone waited for my answer.

“He spent so much time thinking about me that maybe that’s why things didn’t turn out the way he’d expected,” I said, smiling with sincere appreciation.

“I hope that one day, if I have a junior photographer, I’ll be as helpful to them as Photographer Jin-goo has been to me.”

At this, the judges exchanged understanding glances.

“Wow, Photographer Woojin is so considerate, showing respect to his seniors like that.”

“You must have learned a lot from him, then?”

“Jin-goo may look tough, but he’s got a soft heart. They say people who look fierce are usually the kindest.”

“Photographer Kim, it must feel good to be appreciated by your junior.”

Kim Jin-goo forced a smile, though the slight tremor in his jaw suggested he was barely holding back his frustration.

“Yes… of course…”

I gave him an innocent, beaming smile. It was, after all, a no-risk game for me. Even if I’d lost, I would’ve come off as a gutsy young photographer. But for Kim Jin-goo, it was different—this would be a stain on his reputation. Being outdone by a fresh, young photographer? It was a blow he wouldn’t soon forget.

‘Your expression is priceless,’ I thought, wishing I could capture it. I’d hang it on my wall to look at whenever I needed a laugh.

Amused by his reaction, I turned back to my teammates.

Winning first place in a mission may have been a small victory, but to them, it felt as if they’d conquered the world.

Seeing their pure joy warmed my heart, too. It felt like I’d done a good deed, even if it was just fulfilling my role.

Survival shows are harsh, and someone has to go home each time.

But for now, I could take pride in knowing I’d protected the people within my reach.

That contentment settled deep within me.

*****

After wrapping up the Doshuko shoot, I went over to chat with the models as the set was buzzing with the cleanup.

“Thank you so much for helping us avoid elimination. The feedback you gave during the shoot will be a huge asset in my modeling career.”

“I’ll never forget today.”

“I can’t thank you enough, really. Thank you, photographer.”

The models kept bowing, full of gratitude. Smiling, I bowed back in return.

“I learned a lot from you all as well.”

There was no need to say it out loud—the atmosphere was warm and cheerful. We’d only met for a meeting, a shoot, and now this, just three times in total, yet it felt as comfortable as if we were old friends.

“Wasn’t our shoot a bit of a burden on your budget?” one of them asked.

“Right. I doubt our appearance fee alone would cover the cost of that one episode…”

They recalled the massive setup we’d used and seemed genuinely concerned.

“It’s fine. It was a valuable experience.”

I answered calmly.

“And thanks to that, I’ve connected with all of you, who will soon become famous models.”

“Haha, you’ve got a good sense of humor, photographer.”

“We’ll make it big and pay you back for sure.”

“Oh, if you ever need me, I’ll model for free!”

“Could I get your contact info, by any chance?”

The models laughed, thinking I was just making small talk, but I meant it—it truly was a valuable experience.

In photography, the relationship between a client and a photographer hinges on trust. Clients can review a photographer’s portfolio, but it’s challenging for them to fully gauge the photographer’s actual abilities. If a photographer were to deliberately manipulate their portfolio, there’d be no way for clients to know… at least until it came to light.

That’s why well-known photographers tend to receive more work. Their reputation and popularity act as a kind of endorsement for their skills. For a client, choosing the famous photographer of two equally skilled ones often feels like the safer bet.

Now, if clients had a chance to observe the entire shooting process up close? Having my work and approach aired on TV would allow clients to see me in action, providing them with tangible reasons to trust me.

Put simply, it’s like offering a trial version or sample of a product. Or like the free chapters of a novel.

There was no doubt it would serve as powerful marketing.

As I was deep in thought, a junior staff member approached with a polite bow.

“Thank you for all your hard work, photographer. I’m sure the first filming session must have been challenging?”

“Not at all, it was fine.”

“Oh, and our filming wraps up in about a month.”

“Does it?”

“Yes. Around that time, this episode should also be airing. To celebrate the end of filming, we’re planning a small gathering. Would you be able to join us?”

The junior staff asked politely about my availability. I nodded willingly.

“Of course.”

One month from now, once today’s shoot airs, I was certain things would get very busy.

*****

For the next month, as he waited for the show to air, Woojin focused on refining his portfolio. He updated his personal website and blog, re-edited his photos, and added recent awards along with details of his upcoming TV appearance. Once the episode aired, he expected a flood of work, leaving no time to organize these things later.

One evening at Jung Woong’s studio, as Woojin worked away with his usual diligence, Jung Woong himself stepped into the workspace, an expression of surprise crossing his face.

“You’re here late again today,” he remarked.

“Oh, Photographer Jung Woong. I’m nearly done now.”

“Working on your portfolio?”

“Yes. I’d been putting it off, so there’s a lot to do.”

“Shouldn’t you take it easy?”

“Once the show airs, things will get even busier. I’m trying to have everything ready beforehand,” Woojin replied calmly.

Watching Woojin, Jung Woong seemed quietly impressed.

‘What an intimidating sense of foresight,’ he thought.

He had always known Woojin was extraordinary, but the way he’d prepared for Challenge! Supermodel Korea was on a completely different level.

Woojin had boldly taken on a televised project that could have easily backfired, risking his reputation and investing fifty million won—all without knowing if the results would pay off. And here he was, confidently gearing up for the next steps without missing a beat.

How could someone be so sure of everything?

Even a centenarian wouldn’t know what to expect when facing something new—that’s just how the world works. Yet this young man moved forward as if he could see his future clearly laid out before him. And so far, everything had happened exactly as he’d predicted.

It was enough to give anyone goosebumps.

‘Will things unfold according to Woojin’s plan this time too?’ Jung Woong wondered, watching him meticulously refine his portfolio.

‘Has anyone ever built their career and grown this quickly on their own like Woojin?’ he thought, reflecting. Not among his predecessors, peers, or even the most talented juniors—no one he’d known had achieved such calculated, steady success.

‘How…’

Incredible.

A fleeting thought crossed his mind: in just a few years, Woojin might reach an astounding level of fame and status.

‘If that happens…’

Even his own well-established name might become even more widely recognized, thanks to Woojin. The thought made Jung Woong smile to himself.

“How can I help you, by the way?” Woojin asked after some time had passed.

“Oh, right,” he said, as if just remembering his reason for coming by. “It’s about Kang San.”

“Yes?”

“He came to me with a request,” he said, looking thoughtful.

Woojin tilted his head in curiosity. “What kind of request?”

“He wants to borrow you?”

The odd phrasing made him furrow his brows.