Rooms
Rooms is an editorial that emphasizes the experience of uncertainty through the dream-like state the character is caught in. Through dreams, the viewer learns about the inner layers of the unconscious. We enter the rooms, no longer closed for observation, into the inexplicable experiences of what seems to be descriptive of a more authentic self.
Through black and white images the team presents the incomprehensible, allowing us to get closer to the transcendent experience. Peculiar closeups and angles the camera captures, the closed and open eyes of the model, walk us the line between reality and a dream.
In our conversation with Michael Cheung, a producer and stylist, and Tyler Yeung, a photographer, we discuss how Camus’ L’Étranger ignited the work with the central guiding theme. Tyler explains the turmoil of the character, “The main character seems to be caught between two worlds: the world of dreams and the real. What is out there for this person to discover in the spaces?” We speak about the manifestation of the state the character is exploring and the stylistic decisions of hair and makeup with the visual impact created.
Producer & Stylist Michael Cheung Photographer Tyler Yeung Makeup Kidd Sun Hair King Lee Photography Assistants Davy Tang and Anthony Au Styling Assistant Cissy Chan Model Yukee Wang at Sun Esee Wardrobe Chance, EDIT, Rickyy Wong, Vann Jewellery
‘During the mood boarding stage, I came across L’Étranger by French novelist Albert Camus. He offers a personal insight into the absurdity of human life.’
— Tyler Yeung
What is the story Rooms about, and how do you approach the concept of different available rooms?
Tyler: During the mood boarding stage, I came across L’Étranger by French novelist Albert Camus. He offers a personal insight into the absurdity of human life. Often do societies and religions help people rationalize the meaning of life and offer comfort. Camus objects to the idea by encouraging people to accept the ambiguity and rebel by rejoicing in what life does offer.
Rooms at a mental and figurative level act as one's line of defense. Within these spaces can a person operate freely from unwanted bypassers. The main character seems to be caught between two worlds: the world of dreams and the real. What is out there for this person to discover in the spaces?
‘There are some experimental stylistic decisions for hair, which have a direct connection to the current inner emotional state of the character.’
— Tyler Yeung
The main character seems to be caught between two worlds: the world of dreams and the real. What is out there for this person to discover in the spaces?
Tyler: The series of photos convey her various emotional states. She sets out to address the absurdity in reality and question her purpose in living within her dreams to unravel a new love for life. There are some experimental stylistic decisions for hair, which have a direct connection to the current inner emotional state of the character and take us through the process of thinking about the styles suitable for the shoot.
There are some experimental stylistic decisions for hair, which have a direct connection to the current inner emotional state of the character. Take us through the process of thinking about the styles suitable for the shoot.
Michael: Her emotional turmoil was echoed in the clothing, makeup, and hair. From the start, I have been brewing this character with an unkempt appearance which includes having tangled hair. There were two looks within the series of photos. The deconstructed bun later developed into organic branches for visual richness.
‘The diffused light helped create that void people often associate between a dream and reality.’
— Michael Cheung
Let’s speak about the work with light on set to create a feeling of outer space disconnected from the familiar.
Michael: Tyler and I have thought of routing towards black and white for its timeless quality from the start. The diffused light helped create that void people often associate between a dream and reality.
‘We approached this as a fashion editorial but came out with a set of stunning portraitures that transcend fashion.’
— Michael Cheung
Which moment from this project is most precious to you?
Michael: That sense of relief and excitement seeing the first look being previewed on the screen. That indescribable sense of gratitude I have towards the entire crew for their trust. It's not easy to leave glamour behind and do something that's a bit more stripped-down. We approached this as a fashion editorial but came out with a set of stunning portraitures that transcend fashion.
