Vancouver-based photographer and director Lindsay Siu’s portfolio is a seamless fusion of fine art and commercial photography with a signature style that’s as thoughtful as it is striking. Her work spans A-list entertainment shoots, high-profile ad campaigns for brands like Netflix and Toyota, and poignant personal projects, all infused with her keen eye for detail and storytelling. With an impressive roster of clients and international accolades, this Graphis Master continues to prove why she’s one of the most sought-after names behind the lens.
Introduction by Jocelyn Wong, Art Director, Here Be Monsters
As a Chinese Canadian who also makes an impact from behind the camera, I greatly admire Lindsay’s contribution to representation in media—not only in her dedication to shooting diverse subjects and themes but also in allowing us to view people through an authentic lens that honors who they are. It’s clear she takes her role and responsibility seriously, as it’s woven with care throughout her impressive portfolio. I had the pleasure of witnessing firsthand how she connects with everyone on her set intentionally and effortlessly. Her incredible skill with the camera is rivaled only by her ability to make people feel seen, both in front of the camera and by experiencing the stories told through her masterful work.
What inspired you to have a career in photography?
I have always been someone who likes to imagine, make, and create. Growing up, I was initially drawn to painting and drawing, and I also loved writing and reading poetry. In high school, I enjoyed theater and improv.
It wasn’t until university that I really got into photography. It was so different from the other studio art classes I was taking at the time. I loved the mix of the technical and the creative, as well as the immediacy of the results in the darkroom. I also enjoyed the experimentation. I remember incorporating my parents’ old black-and-white negatives with the film I had just shot and developed.
My degree was in art history, and I was really inspired by the work of Jeff Wall. I loved the cinematographic style of his large-scale work, especially the clever nods and references to history and his social commentary. I also loved Cindy Sherman’s “Untitled Film Stills” series and the portraiture of artists such as Diane Arbus, Richard Avedon, and Herb Ritts.
I was also obsessed with pop culture. I devoured fashion magazines and was drawn to the ads and celebrity portraiture. Work that mixed fine art with high commerce seemed like a fascinating challenge to me.
What about photography are you most passionate about?
It may sound cliché, but I’m passionate about capturing those perfect yet fleeting moments in time. I pored over photos when I was a kid—old family photos, National Geographic, fashion magazines, or posters in Teen Beat. Those images are burned into my mind. The idea of creating imagery that lasts as a memory of a person at a particular moment in their life feels important and meaningful.
Who is or was your greatest mentor?
Many people have influenced me and my work. In the early part of my career, I was lucky to work as a digital tech for celebrity photographer Art Streiber, who has since become a mentor and friend. He has greatly influenced my career and its trajectory, and I’ve learned so much from him about lighting, technical problem-solving, managing relationships, and how to lead.
My family was also a huge influence. I grew up in a home with no shortage of books, where curiosity was encouraged, and I was taught that learning never ends.
What is your work philosophy?
I love working hard, problem-solving, collaborating with talented people, and paying attention to details. I genuinely believe in treating others well, caring for your crew, and surrounding yourself with good people.
Most of my shoots require the efforts of many people, from digital techs and lighting assistants to my agents and producers, wardrobe stylists, hair and makeup, prop-makers, and production designers—and my clients, of course! My best work has always been a result of great collaborations with people I respect and care about.
Whose work among your contemporaries today do you admire?
There are so many incredible photographers I could name! Off the top of my head: Julia Fullerton-Batten, Brooke DiDonato, Ramona Rosales, Dan Winters, and Art Streiber.
You’re primarily known for your portraits. What draws you to this type of photography?
I spent my formative years living in a relatively small town in Saskatchewan. As a first-generation Chinese Canadian, I was an obvious minority. Though I couldn’t articulate it then, I constantly yearned to see someone who looked like me or had similar life experiences in mainstream culture. But my feeling of otherness also made me interested in hearing other people’s stories. I’m really inspired by people and learning about their experiences in the world. Having the opportunity to sit with someone, capture their photo, and share their story can be an incredibly bonding experience.
You also shoot a lot of entertainment work. How is this different?
Entertainment jobs come with a different set of logistical challenges. You’re working around the (very tight) schedule of the talent and the production, often on their working stage. Creatively, there are all the typical aesthetic aspects to manage, but when it comes to celebrities, there is a need to instill confidence and trust. That means using my people skills to work with big and occasionally intimidating personalities. For me, it’s about reading the emotional room. It’s about finding a way to relate and engage with my subjects while inspiring and managing my crew and having open and fluid dialogue with my clients, all at the same time. It’s about getting the very best that I can out of everyone in a very limited period of time.
Ultimately, the goal is to help tell a story by connecting with my subjects and directing them to bring a personality or character to life.
Who have been some of your favorite colleagues or clients?
I won’t name names because there are too many, and I’d hate to leave someone out. I’ve been fortunate to work with many great, talented people. Generally speaking, I was initially drawn to advertising photography by the energy of the creatives. I appreciated how thoughtful, diverse, and funny most of them were. I really appreciate those with a great sense of humor.
What are the top things you need from a client to do successful work for them?
In advertising, great creative concepts, strong visions, and clear briefs win the day. When I know and understand the client’s and agency’s overarching objectives and the parameters of the production, it informs the decisions made along the way (lighting, mood, compositional approach, etc.) that will bring it to life and make it great. I aim to always stay true to my vision while ensuring the client’s message is clear and compelling.
With editorial, portrait, or entertainment work, having as much background information as possible about the subject is critical. I always do my homework and learn everything about any job before stepping on set, but being able to read a script or the first draft of an article sets me, my clients, and my subjects up for success. Really understanding the nuances of the story I’m trying to bring to life can lead to interesting and meaningful choices in front of the camera.
What is the most difficult challenge you’ve had to overcome professionally?
Finding my way as a young woman in a male-dominated industry that I knew very little about was quite a difficult challenge.
When I first started out, I had the opportunity to assist with many different types of commercial shoots. I was pretty naive back then and quickly found myself in some eye-opening and occasionally uncomfortable situations. It could be frustrating to be one of the only female assistants in Vancouver when the type of jobs I wanted to experience were big ones, but some of the photographers I worked for assumed I lacked physical strength.
It took a long time to be taken seriously, but eventually, I figured out how I best contributed to successful productions (it wasn’t by being the strongest). In the end, these experiences helped me to focus on my strengths and to find my voice.
Having won multiple awards for your work, which one is the most meaningful to you?
It’s really an honor when my personal work is well received. My self-portrait series meant a lot to me because of the link to my family’s history. It’s gratifying when people ask about it and want to learn more.
What about your work gives you the greatest satisfaction?
I love that every day on set is different and that there are new and different challenges with every job. I get an immense amount of satisfaction bringing an idea or concept to life, especially when I’m pushed outside my comfort zone or encounter challenges to work through and problems to solve along the way. Seeing the first sketch and the finished product side by side is really, really satisfying.
What professional goals do you still have for yourself?
I’d love to direct a short film one day.
What interests do you have outside of work?
I love great design, interior decor, fashion, and film. My husband and I both run our own businesses, and we have two busy teenagers, so my time outside of work is limited these days. We spend a lot of nonwork time driving our kids to sports and activities, but it’s awesome watching them discover and chase their own dreams. When we can, our family loves traveling, cheering on our favorite teams (go Dodgers!), going to live music, and checking out galleries and new cool restaurants.
How do you define success?
Work-wise, success is creating and executing ideas I love and collaborating with people I like and care about. In life, the goal would be to give back more than I’ve taken and maybe inspire others to do the same.
Lindsay Siu is a Vancouver-based photographer and director specializing in advertising, portraiture, and entertainment. Her thoughtful imagery conveys a distinct vision, combining the nuance of fine art photography with the clarity and purpose of commercial art. Some of Lindsay’s clients include ABC, CBS, NBC, Netflix, Nickelodeon, Paramount, Pfizer, The New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, Toyota, and Warner Bros. Studios. Lindsay has been recognized internationally for her work by American Photography, Graphis, The One Show, Applied Arts, Communication Arts, and Lürzer’s Archive’s “200 Best Photographers Worldwide.”
