First of all, could you introduce yourself to the Exposed readership?
Hi, my name is Lili (Lilian). I am a 31-year-old female photographer with a passion for following and documenting the UK music scene, particularly the underground culture across the North. My work spans from natural club settings to portraits of artists.
Lili specialises in documenting UK club culture, particularly underground events across the North.
What initially sparked your interest in photography, and how has your style evolved since you started?
From a young age, I’ve been fascinated with photos. One of my favourite things to do was going through family photos with my grandad. I have fond memories of watching slideshows featuring images dating back to the 70s and hundreds of Kodak film photos of various family members. I used to make little booklets for imaginary viewers, and I still have a photo album from my toddler years. Inside the album, there’s a message I wrote in the year 2000 (when I was eight-years-old) welcoming readers, which still makes me giggle now.
My grandad gifted me an old Praktica camera that he used to use, and I still treasure it to this day. Throughout school and university, where I came to do Creative Art Practice in Sheffield, photography remained my preferred medium. However, following university, I suffered a confidence knock creatively. For a long time it was an idea I used to voice, that I wanted to start taking photos again, and it was only last year – eight years later – that I sucked up my fear and picked up my camera again. I started pushing myself and have been blessed to have people around me supporting me and believing in my work. I haven’t looked back.
My style is still evolving; I don’t think it ever stops and I find myself on the path to where I have a clear idea as to how I would like to execute my images generally. My images used to mainly be based on capturing a clear image of the face/body as a portrait. Nowadays, I try to think more dynamically, to incorporate the surrounding scenery and bring out the intimacy of the subject. I love to use darkness to bring this out and amplify aspects of the subject, which is why I love to shoot within a club environment. There’s always an intimately personal moment to capture on a floor shared by strangers.
“I try to think more dynamically, to incorporate the surrounding scenery and bring out the intimacy of the subject.”
Could you share the story behind your favourite shot to date?
One of my favourite shots to date is taken at Forge nightclub. Ross From Friends is playing, and the shot is of people on the front barrier, rising up to the drop setting in. Each face has a story to tell whilst they’re all collectively on that barrier together, soaking that shared moment in their own personal way.
“Each face has a story to tell.”
Another favourite has to be of Alex Turner at an Arctic Monkeys gig. Like many other Sheffielders, I grew up listening to that band, and the nostalgic value – memories I have attached to key moments in life – made the experience of shooting them in June at Hillsborough all the more poignant. I was stood in that pit, taking photos, soaking up that atmosphere, and feeling all the emotions while clicking away. Afterwards, I sat outside having a nice reflect on how special it was. That whole set of images will always connect me to that experience!
“I grew up listening to that band, and the nostalgic value – memories I have attached to key moments in life – made the experience of shooting them in June at Hillsborough all the more poignant.”
How do you adapt your approach to suit different genres of photography – from portrait to live shoots, for example?
I prefer my subjects to be candid. I feel true authentic emotion is best captured this way. Luckily for me, events where people are experiencing their favourite sounds hit their core is teeming with moments filled with energy to be caught. I like to blend in and try to be an invisible as possible, almost to give room for that moment to happen before the subject notices me. Generally, I quite like angles and symmetry present in my shots. I like things to line up in large shots.
Personally, I think the sign of a really great photographer is if you convey a posed portrait in a candid manner. I think a variety of factors lend themselves to capturing the essence, so to speak, such as how you interact with the subject, how comfortable you make them feel, their personality, equipment, techniques, lighting you use and, essentially, your creative eye. This is something I continue to build on myself.
I prefer my subjects to be candid … I like to blend in and try to be an invisible as possible.”
What would be your dream event to document?
We’ve all got to have dreams! I have certain venues and people I would love to shoot. If we’re talking people, Billie Eilish is up there for me. I love everything she stands for. Venue-wise, I would love to shoot Rolling Loud, Kappa, Primavera and Coachella abroad, and I would love to go on a tour with an artist. For those of you who know me, I live in Nike and would love to work with them. UK-wise, it’s got to be Glastonbury.
Toddla T DJs at legendary Sheffield rave Kabal.
What advice would you give to aspiring photographers who are looking to refine their craft and find their own style?
I’m still on this journey myself, and I don’t think it ends. My advice would be to work through any fear, and creatively follow what speaks to you the most and give you that buzz over any speculation of what people may think. Chances are people thrive off refreshed approaches and will love it, and that’s the only way you will continue to follow the right direction towards a style true to yourself.
Lili’s debut exhibition opens 22-24 September at Mondo, 7 Smithfield. On the opening evening an array of artists featured in her work will perform between 7pm-midnight. These include Mondo Resident Dan G, Kabal residents, Ashley Holmes, Zubs, and Cicely. Donations are encouraged to support the Mondo fundraiser. Free entry.
