Photoshoot + Interview: 'Winter Blush' by Cathryn Mok
We’re very happy to be publishing “Winter Blush” by longtime Whim contributor Cathryn Mok.
This shoot is an atmospheric and beautifully styled shoot featuring a more colourful take on a traditionally “white winter.” Cathryn explains: “I wanted to stick with my feelings…not dominated by the colour white. I transformed…all images into my favourite violet and mulberry colours.”
Cathryn’s capture of this stunning Hong Kong location is anything but stark, with some choice lighting and editing work transforming her frames into their own world – a world where magic could be real.
Models Taki Lau and Phoebe Chung feature as regal, mystical pillars of feminine energy in this shoot, interacting effortlessly with the location – Cathryn’s cites Lord of the Rings as an influence and it shines through powerfully here.
Cathryn is a self-taught fine art photographer – born and raised in Hong Kong, she creates work with a strong narrative, often based in magical realism. We’ve been very proud to feature her as she grows as an artist over the years, and we were lucky enough to interview her about her work!
Q: How do you think your work has changed since we last featured you in 2016?
A: It was a big change since 2016. I build up more cohesive style of my collections and keep clear and consistent throughout my images. More defined my unique style and using palette of colors to enhance and evoke mood and feelings to my images. And also, be brave to make mistakes and learn from the mistakes.
Q: What media inspires your photography? Are you inspired by any books, films or paintings?
A:
I inspired by many things, music, films, paintings, books and daily life. I love watching science fiction
and
set in Middle Earth films (such as The Lord of the Rings) and I love to listen music when I am editing photos. Jennifer Thoreson, Brooke Shaden, Erik Johansson & Chris Orwig has inspired my passion for photography by driving me to achieve more with each image. Also, I finding an artistic inspiration from Alexei Harlamoff, Thomas Wilmer Dewing & Dante Gabriel Rossetti of they're painting art.
Q: You're based in Hong Kong - how does the beautiful natural landscape there inspire you as a photographer?
A: Natural landscape is always be a driving force of my creative inspiration. I love nature and love to take a walk in nature to haunting their beauty. I always get inspired and feel connections between things and seeing something inside the nature. Their movement, a piece of wood , element rocks and tree shape in light to keep the interest and inspirational for me. I think if the images lacking in feelings and connections, the images got nothing.
Q: What are you working on next?
A: One of my next will be an unique ideas of spy project to collaborate with my friend. It will be whimsical inspiring and still working on a lot of concepts with my friend. At the same time, I learning and trying to make more short film project in the future. Always stay inspired and stay curious :)
For more, visit Cathryn on her official site, like her on Facebook, or follow her on Instagram - @cathrynmok. We want to thank Cathryn for taking the time to answer our questions and encourage you to check out the individual work of each talented creative below!
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Full credits: Model: Taki Lau & Phoebe Chung | MUA & Hair: Cherry Lau by Cherry's Makeup Workshop | Photo, Editing & Wardrobe Styling: Cathryn Mok | Photo Assistant: Ho | Special Thanks: Kenneth
.Cecile isa writer from Brisbane, Australia. She writes and edits at The Creative Issue and hoards vintage clothing – follow her adventures on Instagram at @saintcecile.