Behind the Label

Han Lee De Boer - Photographer

Could you tell us where you're from and how you got started in photography?

I'm a proud Londoner, and Arsenal fan….sorry ! I was originally doing a degree in English Literature at Goldsmith’s College, London University. then i was given a 35mm camera by my stepfather and instead of going to lectures and doing essays and reading (it seemed just like more school !) I was spending a lot of time taking photos. I didn’t even finish my first year ;  the next year I enrolled at Salisbury College of Art to study photography and it’s been my passion ever since.

Colour, black and white, do you have a preference?

I think that some photos naturally lend themselves to B & W. It is sometimes very hard to take a colour photo - generally most things looks cool in B & W

There is the debate amongst photographers on the use of digital or film, which do you prefer?

I don’t mind - I think there is plenty of room for both. when shooting fashion, digital is immediate and that makes it helpful, especially in creating a ’story’. It is also cheaper ! but there is something special about having an image captured on film - it’s not disposable any more, whether it’s a worthy image or not.

A lot of your work is fashion orientated. Have you, or would you consider architectural or interiors photography?

Not really, because I want to be surprised

Your subjects always appear relaxed in your photo shoots, how do you put them at ease?

I've never really thought about it, maybe because I'm so enthusiastic about what I do that it’s infectious….?!

I prefer to take photo's either in the morning or late afternoon as I find the lighting for me is better when shooting especially outside. Do you have a preference?

No because if you only have a day to do a story, you have to work with what’s there…however yes, light is better at both ends of the day

What shoot/session are you most proud of?
I'm  especially proud of the menswear shoot for Schon magazine with stylist Indigo Goss (http://schonmagazine.com/i-want-to-be-the-sky/) as my aunty died two days before it.
I was in a bit of turmoil as she was like my second mum - I wasn’t sure whether to go ahead.
but I dedicated it to her and the events are inseparable now.

Outside of photography what do you do to relax?

Playing football every tuesday night, reading, the theatre and exhibitions - I love art

Your work has been published in international magazines such as Schon. One of my recent favourites is where you did the 'Blue hair, blue jeans' Indigo Goss Shoot. What's next for Han Lee De Boer?
There's another shoot for Schon coming soon and other than that I'm always looking to stretch myself photographically.