Zoe Lee on Bridging Cultures Through Photography, Fashion, and a Passion for Asia

Zoe Lee is more than just a photographer and videographer; she's a visual storyteller, a cultural bridge-builder, and a branding innovator. With a background deeply rooted in Media Communication and Film Production, this multifaceted creative professional has carved a niche for herself in the competitive worlds of fashion photography, content creation, and branding consultancy. Her experiences span across continents, from the bustling runways of Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks to the vibrant landscapes of Asia, making her a highly sought-after talent with a unique global perspective.

Lee’s journey as a professional photographer had started five years ago and has been collaborating with a diverse range of clients, elevating their businesses through her distinct artistic vision. Her work transcends mere image-taking; it's about capturing the essence of a brand, enhancing its visual appeal, and driving customer engagement. Whether it’s through impeccably styled product shots, compelling marketing visuals, or expertly captured event moments, Lee’s photography has fervently boosted her clients' market presence. Beyond the art of photography, Lee possesses extensive knowledge in video editing and cinematography, complementing her prowess as a producer and coordinator. Her ability to manage complex projects, balance budgets and timelines, lead diverse teams, and effectively allocate resources makes her a highly respected figure in the film industry.

Having spent over five years immersed in the entertainment industry across Asia, North America, and Europe, Lee has developed a keen understanding of diverse cultural nuances and creative styles. This global exposure has not only enriched her personal artistic vision but has also ignited her passion for fostering collaboration across borders.

The connections she has made around the world help bridge the different cultures and creativities, leading to inspiring works and more collaboration opportunities for various artists. "As you know, I am not only just a photographer, but a videographer and filmmaker,” she said.

“I actually made a film in 2023 in India and by working with other colleagues in countries such as Taiwan, Italy and the United States. Our project talks about how photography can transcend the language barrier, so we don’t need to speak the same language in order to understand beauty and joy. We worked with local students and teachers, who came from a very underprivileged background,” she adds.

Lee explains: “Being able to bring all of the camera equipment and people from around the world to such a small village is actually much more difficult than expected. However, we were able to overcome all of the challenges and complete the mission successfully. For the local teachers and students, it was an unforgettable and rewarding experience to see how a film is made, and to learn how to use cameras to take photos!"

This dedication to cross-cultural collaboration is evident in her work, which often carries a message of unity and understanding. As a fashion photographer and videographer, Lee has captured the essence and artistry of major fashion brand runway shows, including Moschino, Antonio Marras, and Atelier Eme.

She has also lent her talents to commercial photography for companies like Coffee and Chill, Gelson Market, 99 Ranch, and Kyana Beauty. Currently, she is working as a photographer at Paris Fashion Week with a production company known as The Lab, further cementing her position in the international fashion scene.

Lee's unique perspective as a female photographer brings a distinctive aura of sensibility to her fashion work. She possesses an innate ability to capture the ethos of her subjects, conveying not just simply their outward appearance but also channeling their inner confidence and style.

When asked about the most inspiring city or country she has ever photographed, Lee doesn't hesitate to exclaim: “I think the most interesting and inspiring country that I’ve ever been to is definitely India! The place just offers so much culture and energy that every corner of itself has an unspoken story just yet to be discovered."

The vibrant colors, traditions, and energy of Asia have profoundly influenced her aesthetic. Having traveled extensively throughout the continent, including Japan, India, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, China, and South Korea, Lee has developed a deep admiration for the region's unique visual landscape.

"I think what makes Asia so remarkably different compared to all the other continents around the world is due to our rich, cultural tapestry and the many diverse religions that resonate with our ethnic groups, societal attire and everyday city life which are far more vibrant and lively compared to the rest of the world’s populace." Lee proclaims. "This has definitely influenced me on my outlook towards the standard of beauty and what I find beautiful in a photograph."

While she still hasn't yet interconnected the association between travel and fashion photography, Lee is quite eager to explore the bond of these two passions in the future, very much in places like Japan or India, where fashion styles are often deeply intertwined with religious traditions.

Currently, Lee is funneling her creative energy into a relative project that combines fashion and environmental awareness. "I have been recently working on a project that combines fashion and environmental ocean pollution at the moment," she explains. "Because I was born in an island country, which is Taiwan, I’ve always felt deeply attached to the ecological environment that I grew up in, so I am very excited to collaborate with different artists on this venture!" This project reflects Lee’s commitment to using her art as a platform for social commentary and positive change.

For aspiring photographers hoping to break into the mold of the fashion industry, Lee offers some inspiring advice: "My advice to everyone is to don’t just limit yourself in fashion photography. Take photos of anything that interests you. Learn how to interact with your subjects, no matter if they are human, pets, landscapes or just a few cans of beer. Learn how to be creative with the basic elements and techniques that you have available with you and just enjoy the gratification that is photographic art."

Zoe Lee's story is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and cultural understanding in the artistic fields of creativity. Her global experiences, artistic talent, and commitment to collaboration make her a rising star to watch, as she continues to bridge cultures and inspire audiences through her captivating imagery.