Having been told by her tutor “Your raw talent can only get you so far”, Lily has picked up the pace and thrown herself into her craft, creating honest and untouched photos of youth culture.
She's shot for brands such as Nike, New Balance and VICE, and it is clear that Lily is taking the right steps to pave her way through the urban landscape with her 35mm. We predict big things for this fresh-faced talent – so we caught up with her to find out more.
Who inspires you?
Self-made people, I’m really driven by seeing people who sacrifice money and security to make a go of their aspirations.
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Disney, GOT, food.
Worst food?
Celery. I added it to a salad once and it was gross.
Sticks and Stones Agency - Model: Eliza Franks - Styling: Rachel Thom - MUA: Grace Vee
Why photography?
I just kind of fell in to it, I always loved taking photos but I only really decided to progress with it when I was doing an Art Foundation course and found that’s what I was best at. On a personal level I’m very nostalgic so I like to keep memories of everywhere I go.
What camera do you use and why do you love it?
Canon A1 and Canon 5d Mkiii. I love the Canon A1 because it’s easy to use, looks good and has never let me down!
How would you describe your photography style?
Not perfect, honest and light-hearted.
What subject matter are you drawn to the most and why?
People, I guess because you can connect with the person and get more emotion behind the image. Also buildings with cool angles and interesting colours which I’ve found abroad, I wish I could take more travel and documentary style images.
The Debrief - Model: Emily Bador - Styling: Chemmie Squier - MUA: Dominique Hawkes - Art Direction: Natal Bagniewska
Digital or analogue?
Analogue! I just love the way the photo looks, the colours and the grain. I feel with digital a lot can go into the photo which takes the subject further and further away from what it actually is. I’m not a fan of all the fancy stuff, probably because I wouldn’t know how to do it if I tried, haha. I also like the excitement that comes with getting your film back, although it can be pretty nerve-wracking depending what the shoot is for!
Who are you dying to photograph?
The Halpin sisters! They keep popping up on my Instagram, they’re both so beautiful.
What motivates you?
To be the best I can be and to live a happy and comfortable life.
What’s been your proudest moment?
There’s been a few in my working career but as sad as it sounds I’d probably have to say getting my degree results. Final year was insanely stressful, even though I put the pressure on myself It was such a good feeling to know it all paid off in the end.
Stanton Street Sports for By The Level - Model: Dexter Daniels - Art Direction: Kieran Sills
Who’s a photographer everyone should know about?
There’s so many! I’ll say Christina Paik. I really love her work from the colours to composition it’s always amazing.
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
My tutor at uni once said to me “Your raw talent can only get you so far” which made me feel stupid at first but then made me want to work harder and do my research so I could progress. Without that I feel like I would have got lazy. It kind of reminds of a phrase RuPaul says: “You owe it to your talent to do your homework”, which is also a wonderful bit of advice.
If you could hang your work anywhere where would it be?
Leonardo DiCaprio’s living room so he can invite me over for dinner some time.
What has been your toughest experience in the photo world?
Learning the ways of Copyright. It’s happened to me a couple of times where my photos have been printed in magazines and billboards etc, without me knowing. Which should have been a proud moment for me, but instead It just made me so angry that I wasn’t even aware of it until someone sent me a picture.
New Balance - Model: Daili Perez - Styling: Lottie Warren
If you could chill with anyone for a day who would it be?
The Kardashians. Including Kanye and Scott Dissick, the whole clan.
What makes you happy?
Tea and biscuits.
What would you say to your 15 year old self?
Get off MSN and don’t stretch your ears!
Last song you played?
Frank Ocean - 'Self-Control'.
If it wasn’t photography what would it be?
My boyfriend said I would be one of those people that wrap your presents in the shopping centre at Christmas. But maybe something in film industry, that would be cool - or just something where I can travel.
Who else are you rating on the photographer scene right now?
There’s so many but I would probably say Rebecca Naen and Vicky Grout as they’re both doing amazingly and I can relate my work to theirs the most.
Urban Industry - Model: Danny Handscomb
To stalk Lily’s work on Instagram you can follow her here!
