Meet Lily Bertrand-Webb
Daisy Teal Esme Dress
First of all, your photography is amazing! You have such a natural eye and beautiful way of capturing your subjects. What is it that first drew you to photography?
Thank you! It was my godfather who first introduced me to the magical world of the camera at a young age. I was immediately captivated by the desire to capture and freeze time through the shutter of my analogue cameras - nothing quite beats the feeling of shooting on film. I intuitively chase natural light and settings in order to depict the most honest version of my sitters.
It is through photography that I am able to visually accentuate my other senses – from the way I observe my surroundings, to my affection for colour. I always strive for my work to be a visual representation of my experience of the world as a half deaf and half hearing person. As an artist, I am constantly searching for the imitation of sounds in my daily life, through both silence and the electronic sounds that my cochlear implant gives me.
You’ve worked on a real variety of projects - which recent shoot has been your favourite and why?
You’ve overcome a lot to get to where you are, it’s very inspirational. Can you tell us a little bit about your journey from losing your hearing at a young age to pursuing your dreams in a very tough and competitive industry?
After losing my hearing from a young age I now wear a cochlear implant which replaces acoustic hearing with electric, allowing me to hear sounds I’d never heard before. I also have a special superpower… lipreading!
It has and will always be challenging for me in the industry, but I believe it has shaped me and my photography style today. From the beginning I have always shot on film, and it is a constant battle to persuade the client to allow me to do this. I like to think that my passion and commitment makes me stand out.
