Get to know photographer Margaret Zhang, who shot Kate Bosworth for Tory’s latest Gemini Link campaign. The multi-hyphenate creative — who’s also a writer, stylist and the blogger behind Shine by Three — shares some behind-the-scenes scoop, style tips and, in the spirit of the Gemini Link, talks about the myriad dualities in her life.
Building a visual representation of modern women and their dualities, aligned with the Gemini collection.
The inspiration behind the location in L.A…
I didn’t want to shoot forced lifestyle imagery or sterile studio imagery. We wanted to build a story around Kate’s evolving character in an intimate environment with a visual reference to film stills. The clean lines of this house in the hills in Los Angeles complemented our storyline perfectly.
A fun behind-the-scene fact from the shoot…
The owner of the home we shot in had two gorgeous Hungarian Vizsla dogs who were everyone’s favorite crew members on the day, for sure.
What’s in my Gemini Link bag…
Film camera, phone, credit card, Lucas’ Paw Paw ointment, coins of about four different currencies and probably a few stray earrings!
What I love about the style…
It’s a very practical size. I find most bags today to barely be able to fit a phone, or they are just so overwhelmingly large that you feel obliged to fill it with unnecessary things just to justify its existence.
My style tips for wearing the bag during the day…
Slouchy boyfriend blazer, high-waisted trousers, pointed flats with a small block heel.
And at night…
Nineties-style slip dress, matte dark lipstick, skintight boots.
Outfit first. I usually start with outerwear and work my way in, then reach for the closest bag in sight.
The two sides to my personality…
Obsessively meticulous vs. turbulently emotive.
Being in front of the camera vs. behind it…
I love being behind the camera as this really is the control seat for any imagery produced. However, I’ve learnt so much being in front of the camera and having the opportunity to work with so many other talented creatives that I might not have otherwise.
Left brain vs. right brain…
I think the only way I stay sane is to bounce between using both — for instance, the difference in mindset between consulting on digital marketing strategy and writing a treatment for a fashion film, is refreshing and necessary to sustain inspiration.
The key to balancing the creative and business sides of fashion…
I think they naturally balance each other so well. When you come up against a road block in business, you need creativity to solve it, and vice versa. It’s hard to make an impact without your creative ideas flexing a bit of business muscle.
My zodiac sign…
As it happens, I’m a Gemini.