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Kenneth Lam

Profession
Photographer
College
London College of Fashion
Person Type
alumni
Kenneth Lam

Biography

Kenneth Lam is a Fashion Photographer who studied BA (Hons) Fashion Photography at LCF. Now he shoots for Harvey Nichols, GQ and Sunday Times among many others.

Interview

Could you introduce yourself and what you do?

I'm a fashion Photographer, working in London and Hong Kong.

You studied BA Fashion Photography at LCF. Why did you choose to study at LCF?

I chose LCF for a number of reasons. Firstly, it's in London and I knew London was the place to be to get into the fashion industry - I would be surrounded by art, culture, fashion and history and would be fully immersed in it. Secondly, the University had very impressive alumni, and offered many opportunities, and finally UAL itself is renowned across the world.

How was your time at LCF?

My time at LCF was busy, especially final year. It was intense to start off with. I'm from Northampton and being surrounded by fashion students, of all races, and backgrounds I loved it. I felt free. Being in an arts university, you run into some characters and I met some great people who I am still in touch with, and who have become partners in work. The course was good, and there were certain terms where I learned so much, and still refer back to this when doing projects.

What were the biggest challenges, and the highlights?

FINAL MAJOR PROJECT, was a killer. The work load was tough. I remember being up until 5am and waking up at 9am to continue work, but it taught me so much on how to approach the industr. Highlights were the people I met at university, and the friends I made, and the work I got from being in London and at university. As soon as I started, I was already working with London's top modelling agencies, photographing their models, and that was purely by the agencies contacting the course directly.

What skills did you learn and continue to use today?

I learnt how to prep for editorials, and how to create work and research for it, which is what I continuously do today when creating a project.

How did the course prepare you for industry?

It taught me certain skills in research, creating content, concept and narrative within my work. How to create interesting work, and I had numerous guest speakers giving me advice.

What are you currently working on?

Right now, Im currently editing many editorials. Since graduating I've worked with GQ, Harvey Nichols, Sunday Times and many menswear magazines. I find it a bit crazy how two years ago, I was buying clothes from high street shops and shooting them on models in my bedroom, and now I'm working with stylist using Versace, and Gucci. I'm still doing the same thing, but on a far bigger scale!

What advice would you give to people who want to get into roles like yours?

  • My advice is be nice, kind, be yourself. In my opinion you don’t get anywhere by being a nasty, treat everyone with respect. Make contacts and just be yourself. People will appreciate that.
  • Treat this as a business. When I started at LCF, I was constantly emailing, getting work and content out there. I wouldn’t keep my relationships through email, i'd meet people in person, make up excuses to shoot in their offices. I was constantly working, and moving forward, and pushing myself.
  • Create work, and a website which will appeal to the market or magazines you're aiming for. At the same time, don’t put too much pressure on yourself, we're all young, and all starting out, so I never compare myself to others but really just focus on yourself and what you want to achieve, and finally just have fun.

Links

London College of Fashion

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 7400

Address

105 Carpenter's Road
London

E20 2AR