Harper\'s bazaar Malysia September 2018

HARPER’S BAZAAR SEPTEMBER 2018 189

COMPILED BY ANNE LEE. PHOTOGRAPHY: IMAXTREE

Albert Nico, celebrity hairstylist and now

photographer, discusses his new book,

‘The Soul of Portraits’, with Natasha Kraal.

What sparked your first photography book,

The Soul Of Portraits?

It started with Elaine Daly, when we did a photoshoot with her two weeks before her

delivery date. It felt like a calling from God, and I realised I needed to do it now. But

I also didn’t have a studio and I’m not good with lighting ...

Right, because you’ve been doing street photography. But you’ve

also been winning awards!

Yes, and that’s where I got my inspiration from—capturing moments. I didn’t want

to look like I was imitating anybody so I took the time to do my research—thank

God for technology!—and was inspired by this beautiful photo of a pregnant lady

who had a robe wrapped around her. Orson [Liyu, bridal wear designer] was also

there, and so I asked him to come on board to do the styling and make-up.

Just like Venus, right?

It turned out to be so beautiful. Orson is such a creative and talented individual. I

don’t have any formal training in photography. My mentor, Elliott Koon, taught me

the basics and also advised me to work on portraits for my upcoming book.

The initial plan was to photograph 50 people, now you have 90!

Everyone has a different story, so I told my publisher we have to include more. The

journey has been interesting and I’ve taken so many portraitures of people from all

walks of life, including a baby.

You’ve also reconnected with old friends in the process. And more

importantly, when will your book be available?

Exactly. Eventually, everything happens for a good reason. It will be available after

September 12, with proceeds in support of the children’s charity Give Malaysia.

@albertnicophotography

AGE OF GLORY

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AGE OF GLORYAGE OF GLORY

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SH A DOW

PL AY

Albert

Nico

Cilla Foong

Elaine Daly

Datin Paduka

Marina Mahathir

E in Ta n

Signs of ageing are a

thing of the past

Melissa Ong

Tinie

Amber Chia