About Windmup

Hi, I’m the founder of Windmup. The photo above is of me when I graduated from University in 2001.

My love for photography began over 27 years ago when I entered University. After graduation, I became a photojournalist, a job I’ve been passionate about for the past 24 years.

Back in 1999, I started using a Nikon F3 borrowed from my photography teacher. I loved the camera—but not its strap. It was strong, yes, but completely lacking in style or personality. For years, I dreamed of creating camera straps that were not just functional but beautiful, meaningful, and unique.

Zhang Xiaoshuang is making a handmade rope camera wristband in the studio.

12 years ago, I finally decided to act on that dream. I began experimenting with different materials—leather, climbing rope, paracord—and crafted my first handmade camera strap. That was the beginning of Windmup.

Today, what you see in our shop is the result of years of trial, error, and dedication. Our camera straps aren’t perfect—they’re personal. Each one carries the spirit of craftsmanship and care. I hope you’ll love them as much as I do.

⸻

Our Studio

Since 2013, Windmup has been handcrafting camera straps and wristbands for over 5,000 photographers worldwide.

We specialize in:
 • Leather camera straps
 • Rope camera straps
 • Braided wrist straps
 • Custom handmade photography accessories

All our products are made using high-quality materials like vegetable-tanned leather, crazy horse leather, top-grain leather, climbing rope, and paracord. Each strap goes through a detailed, manual process: dyeing, punching, gluing, stitching, and weaving—entirely by hand.

Currently, our studio is run by just two people: myself and my amazing assistant, Zhang Xiaoshuang. We work seven days a week and produce 25–35 straps per week. In 2017, we officially registered the Windmup trademark, marking a new chapter in our journey.

Every strap tells a story. Thank you for being part of ours.