MA Fashion Photography graduate Sampson Wu used his LCFMA18 project to discuss the use of ‘theatrical style’ imagery in fashion photography. He explored the concept through his practice, outlining the conflict between personal and group values. We find out more about the Chinese-native photographer below.
MA Fashion Photography graduate Sampson Wu for LCFMA18.
Tell us about your final project…
My final project is about theaterical style imagery in fashion photography and the concept ‘photo as theater’. I explored the concept in several ways through some practical works. In my Final Major Project ‘Man in the sea’, I wanted to present a story about the processes of an individual getting into a group, self-defense and the struggle of the character, the conflict between personal value and group value.
What would be your top tips for new students…
Time management, keep reading, keep thinking, explore yourself and your own way.
Editorial: The daily life of Charlie shot Exclusively for @fgukmagazine Photographer: @sampson540 Stylist: @miss_leeeee Makeup Artist:@laura__gioia Model:John Meadows (SUPA) Pieces from Designer: Maksymilian Gorockiewicz #FGUK #fgukmagazine #EmergingTalent #MensFashion #MaleModel A post shared by Sampson Wu (@sampson540) on Oct 17, 2017 at 11:18am PDT
Editorial: The daily life of Charlie shot Exclusively for @fgukmagazine Photographer: @sampson540 Stylist: @miss_leeeee Makeup Artist:@laura__gioia Model:John Meadows (SUPA) Pieces from Designer: Maksymilian Gorockiewicz #FGUK #fgukmagazine #EmergingTalent #MensFashion #MaleModel
A post shared by Sampson Wu (@sampson540) on Oct 17, 2017 at 11:18am PDT
What made you chose LCF and London…
MA Fashion Photography is what I was always looking for. LCF also has a wide range of fashion degrees, this meant I met lots of different people from different courses and therefore got to know more about fashion. The resources of London also attracted me.
What were the highlights and biggest challenges of your course…
Highlights: From the first project to the final project, the whole MA has made me rethink what is photography and fashion photography through theory and practice. Also, we got to meet alot of amazing experts during the whole course in different lectures and lessons in different places (PCA, SVA and so on). Challenges: In my point of view, fashion photography could be seen as a teamwork, to look for the suitable team members was one of the biggest challenge for me in this brand new environment. Also, it is important to find my own direction during the whole course.
Highlights: From the first project to the final project, the whole MA has made me rethink what is photography and fashion photography through theory and practice. Also, we got to meet alot of amazing experts during the whole course in different lectures and lessons in different places (PCA, SVA and so on).
Challenges: In my point of view, fashion photography could be seen as a teamwork, to look for the suitable team members was one of the biggest challenge for me in this brand new environment. Also, it is important to find my own direction during the whole course.
MA Fashion Photography graduate Sampson Wu.
What song or album are you currently listening to?
Almost Blue – Chet Baker
Have you been in a work placement or internship…
Yes, I worked as a photographer before I came to London.
CENSORSHIP for FUCKING YOUNG MAGAZINE. Photographer: Sampson Wu, Stylist: Sophia Lee, Makeup Artist: Alice Swindells, Pieces by Textile Designer: Nan Hu, Models: Matheus Busatto Plentz (PRM) & Matt Cooper (PRM) and Assistants: Kehong Le & Yi Zhou.
My biggest inspirations and muses are…
Movies, anime, things around the theater, things about psychology and sociology.
What are your plans for life after your MA…
I don’t know yet, but I will keep working and look for new opportunities.
LCF is moving east. What do you think about the move…
I think it is good to have a large campus. The move has the opportunity to gather all the subjects together which might push all the students and create better communication and collaboration.
Alumni can connect with LCF in the following ways: