Little Shao (Thinh Souvannarath)

Dance Photographer and Cultural Storyteller

Little Shao is one of the most influential photographers in global breaking culture, recognised for his distinctive ability to capture movement, energy, and emotion. Born in France and raised in the suburbs of Paris, he discovered hip hop culture and breaking in the late 1990s, becoming a b-boy himself and immersing deeply in the scene. It was through this lived connection to the culture that his photographic eye was formed. Self taught and driven by instinct rather than formal training, Little Shao began documenting dance events in the early 2000s, sharing his work online long before social platforms became central to the culture. His images quickly gained international recognition, establishing him as the most widely recognised photographer in breaking. Despite graduating with a Master’s degree in finance and spending five years working in banking, he left the corporate world in 2012 to fully commit to photography. Over the past decade, Little Shao has travelled the world photographing dancers at the highest level, teaching workshops, and collaborating with globally recognised artists, athletes, and institutions. An ambassador for Nikon, Profoto, and Samsung, his client list includes Red Bull, Nike, Paris Saint Germain, Yves Saint Laurent, Kenzo, Kia, and Adobe, with recent work created in collaboration with Opéra National de Paris. In celebration of his tenth year as a professional photographer, a major outdoor exhibition was organised with the City of Paris, showcasing his work in one of the city’s busiest public locations. Alongside his creative output, Little Shao remains committed to sharing knowledge, mentoring emerging photographers, and contributing back to the culture that shaped him.

Achievements

Represented by Tribe Talent, a culture-led agency connecting world-class talent with brands and live experiences.