HBZ: Hey there, Andrew Lam! Congratulations on the success of Ilus Photography. We’re eager to dive into the depths of your professional journey. Could you enlighten us with the tale of one of your most unforgettable projects?
ILUS PHOTOGRAPHY (ANDREW LAM): In February 2023 I worked for JCA, Jimmy Choo’s fashion academy, covering the royal visit of Queen Camilla. This was a tremendous honour, working for Jimmy Choo again and a unique experience of covering a royal visit. Working alongside BBC royal reporters was an eye-opening experience!
The JCA London Fashion Academy is an amazing organisation that is nurturing the future pioneers in fashion. I am always blown away by the dedication and ethos behind all their inventive designs. A special mention to the director of JCA, Stephen Smith, whose passion for fashion is one of the reasons he is one of my favourite individuals to work with. His leadership is inspiring.
HBZ: What ignited the spark of inspiration that fueled your magnificent shoot for Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam?
ILUS PHOTOGRAPHY: My team and I wanted to shoot somewhere special, out of the ordinary, to create memorable images. Marrakesh has always had a special place in my heart, and I have travelled there many times in the last decade. It is something about the landscape, the culture, and the people there that make it special. Our location was the Agafay Desert, about 40 minute drive outside Marrakesh.
For a photographer the light was amazing and, combined with the fantastic models Nicole and Amie, it made for a very special shoot that helped create wonderful images. For anyone who hasn’t travelled to Marrakesh I cannot recommend it enough, especially for photographers.
HBZ: In the ever-evolving world of visual artistry, could you enlighten us with the three most captivating trends shaping the landscape of photography this year?
ILUS PHOTOGRAPHY: Three major photography trends that stand out:
- AI in photography. This is both an exciting and scary step forward in photography. It is getting harder and harder to distinguish an AI image from one taken with a camera! Personally, I think this will open up many new creative avenues.
- Mobile Photography Boom: The best camera is the one you have with you and mobile phones are getting so advanced that the quality is outstanding. I have even filmed several projects just using my iPhone!
- Aerial Photography: the cost of flying drones is getting cheaper and more accessible. Some of the imagery I am seeing, and the creative nature of the footage is inspirational.
HBZ: Could you share your journey of how you honed your skills and acquired your photographic expertise?
ILUS PHOTOGRAPHY: Like many photographers and videographers, I am self-taught. After picking up a camera nearly 2 decades ago I have had many amazing shoots that has brought me to where I am today. I am always learning, every single day I look to improve my skills and my creativeness to create better images and videos.
With the internet and social media, it became a lot easier to be inspired and learn from the best around. I am always looking at inspirational photographers and models to see how I can evolve my own creative style. Everyone learns differently and everyone is on their own path, and I am enjoying every moment of it.
HBZ: Who are the awe-inspiring models that fuel your creative fire and leave an indelible mark on your artistic vision?
ILUS PHOTOGRAPHY: It would be very easy to name famous models such as Coco Rocha and Kate Moss as inspirations, they are both top of their game and successful. However, for me, inspiration comes from closer to home.
Two models, whom I have worked with for many years, have become genuine friends and they inspire me every day. Nicole Spice (@nicolee.spicee), one of the models featured in this shoot, and Tara Sumner (@tarakirstysumner_) are both full time models and actors based in London.
This is a hugely competitive and hard industry, and we rarely see the grind and hard work behind the scenes. Both Nicole and Tara are the hardest working and most dedicated individuals I have had the privilege to meet. Both are self-made success stories that are built on hard work and self-belief. They are both inspiring and an example to those wanting to succeed in the industry.
HBZ: Amidst countless elements that contribute to a captivating image, what do you believe is the ultimate key that unlocks the realm of extraordinary photography?
ILUS PHOTOGRAPHY: Communication! Without doubt is the most important element. Clear communication sets expectations, explains the vision and ultimately creates a fun environment to shoot in. I have shot in hundreds of shoots over the last decade and the best shoots always are the ones that have great communication.
HBZ: How one can step into the spotlight and become a valued client of yours?
ILUS PHOTOGRAPHY: I am always welcoming new clients and love working with people who are passionate about their interests, business, and life. To work with me please reach out on my Instagram @ilusphotography or better yet just drop me an email on ilusphotography@outlook.com.
HBZ: As you peer into the horizon of possibilities, where do you envision yourself five years from now?
ILUS PHOTOGRAPHY: This is a great question! Whilst I live every day as it comes, I want to be able to travel more and take my photography to different countries. Travelling and photography are my two biggest passions in my life and the chance to combine the two would be a dream. Personally, I would love to live in Bali for an extended period, it is a dream location.
HBZ: Behind every remarkable name lies a captivating story. We’re eager to delve into the depths of your brand’s identity. Andrew Lam, can you share with us the inspiration that underpins the choice of the name Ilus Photography?
ILUS PHOTOGRAPHY: “Ilus” is Estonian for beautiful. Like with many good stories it starts with a bit of romance. When I first started photography, I had this crush on an Estonian lady who, despite not being a model, was one of the first individuals I shot with. She taught me a lot about photography and was my creative inspiration for many years.
HBZ: As your artistic voice resonates far and wide, what message would you like to convey to our readers?
ILUS PHOTOGRAPHY: Celebrate the success of those around you, with joy and with positivity. It is too easy to compare in this industry. To me the success and triumphs that my friends achieve is one of the best feelings in the world, an inspiration for me to make tomorrow always better than today.
Photography: Ilus Photography @ilusphotography.
Models: Nicole Spice @nicolee.spicee & Amie Hampsheir-Gill @monamiepicsmodel.
Wardrobe: Model’s own and The Hippie Shake @thehippieshake.
PR: Mariia Borovenska @mariborovenska.
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
