In November 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to work with my favorite singer, Ryu Sera. Having been a fan since her debut with the K-Pop group, 9 Muses in 2010, she has grown from just a singer who’s music I’ve admired, to becoming one of my personal heroes. Her story is one of resilience, pain, perseverance, bravery, strength, joy, and faith. Someone who’s been hard done by, yet and still, one would be hard-pressed to find a kinder, more giving person. Not to mention a magnificent talent.

For this shoot, I wanted to capture her in the most authentic manner. Not posed or overly glamorous, but real. Whilst aiming to highlight the variety and depth in her personality. It was already a surreal experience for me, just sitting across from the Ryu Sera, but what shocked me most was how kind, helpful, and collaborative she was throughout the shoot. She sorted and selected clothes with us, made suggestions, had chill conversations, cracked jokes, and just made the entire atmosphere relaxed and fun. She even broke bread with us afterwards. I was initially nervous and anxious, but her calmness throughout, set the tone for the shoot and the pressure I felt quickly turned to excitement. It was truly a joy and honor to work with her.

These are my favorite photographs. Both creatively and personally.

I’m not one to praise the things I create, but: I’m proud of our work. We did good.

A special thank you to makeup artist Soyeon Park and a huge, heartfelt thank you to the one and only, Ryu Sera!