The most commonly discussed topics in today’s society are “gender” and “self-identity,” as well as daily life during the pandemic. At the same time, there is a desire to analyze and study these subjects from different perspectives. Through the lens of local emerging photographer Issac Lam, it is easy to see photography works related to gender and other issues, exploring how the photographer examines the relationship between gender and self-identity through the lens.
Following the widespread response to the “ODE TO ROUGE” captured by iPhone 13 Pro, Issac Lam recently collaborated with the gender equality organization PrideLab to explore identity beyond gender identity. “Us Beyond Flash and Bones” uses the 48MP ProRAW main camera, quad-pixel sensor, 2x telephoto lens, Photonic Engine for enhanced low-light photography, and other features of the iPhone 14 Pro to interview Issac about the shooting process. Through visuals, it tells the story of the personalities, lives, and post-pandemic routines of the four subjects, reflecting the question that lingers in the minds of the public amidst the changes brought by the pandemic – are you happy?
ZTYLEZ: What is the connection between “Us Beyond Flash and Bones” and “ODE TO ROUGE”?
“ODE TO ROUGE” directly discusses gender identity and contemporary aesthetic definitions, and Gender Fluid should be included in the “minority” in today’s society. The four subjects in “Us Beyond Flash and Bones” are also considered “minority” by society. Through this series of photos, I want to focus on the unique and ordinary experiences and personalities of the four subjects under the “minority” label. In fact, every individual in the mainstream group definitely has their own minority side – it could be the music they listen to, the movies they like, or their sexual preferences, etc. I hope that “Us Beyond Flash and Bones” can provoke everyone to think about the meaning of labels such as “mainstream” and, more importantly, self-identity, hoping that mainstream thinking can progress a little bit.
ZTYLEZ: What surprises are there when comparing shooting with iPhone 14 Pro to iPhone 13 Pro? How do you feel about using iPhone for photography again?
When editing the 48MP ProRAW format photos taken with iPhone 14 Pro, both the clarity of the photos and the range of color adjustments can rival many entry-level professional cameras, showing significant improvement! Additionally, the details captured in low light are richer compared to the previous generation! Compared to film photography, iPhone allows me to be smart and lazy, specifically, it allows me to abandon the consideration of technical control of a professional camera, freeing me from professional habits and focusing on the story of the subject. Furthermore, the 4 subjects photographed this time are all amateurs, iPhone is not unfamiliar to them, allowing them to relax and interpret themselves faster in front of the camera.
ZTYLEZ: When it comes to shooting portraits, do you have a specific way of communicating with your subjects (especially strangers)?
I increasingly enjoy expressing my concepts and then imagining a scenario for the subjects to understand and immerse themselves in. Cultivating emotions is really important in the shooting process.
ZTYLEZ: Why did you choose to release “Us Beyond Flash and Bones” in black and white?
When I first conceived of shooting this series of photos, I decided to use black and white because each color carries its own stereotypes; for example, pink represents femininity, boys prefer blue, gold represents wealth, etc. Impressions can be very rigid. By removing color, I hope the audience can approach it with a neutral mindset. After processing it this way, before you even delve into the story behind the subject of the photos, it is simply a series of fashion shots.
ZTYLEZ: Can you share an iPhone photography technique?
Because the Adaptive True Tone Flash on the iPhone 14 Pro is very impressive, even in sufficient lighting, photos with flash have a better mood. The technique is to focus and then lower the exposure (reduce brightness) by one or two degrees, and then activate the Adaptive True Tone Flash for the shot. Finally, in the Album, edit the photo and restore the normal exposure, and you will see a noticeable effect.
Photographer: Issac Lam
Stylist: Nieki Chan
Hair and makeup: Jovy Chai
Photography assistant: Ivan Chan, Jason Li
