Having known Angella Choe since 2017, her photography works are no stranger to us. We could say that we’ve been captivated by her work since the first time we’ve seen it. It has its specific charm, and for us, we feel like Angella’s photographing is a visual materialization of Los Angeles; the vibrant and diverse culture she grew up in.
Based on the fascination with her work, we thought that it’d be great to have her photograph our latest Spring/Summer collection. As you can see, we couldn’t ask for cooler photos; it just feels right in so many ways.
Yet, it also grows our curiosity about her even more. Join us as we delve into what’s on Angella’s mind, her photography, slices of her life, and beyond – which you can read below.
What keeps you busy these days? Are you working on anything?
I split the way I spend my time into things that fuel my passion and things that fuel my future. Right now, my passion for photography is everlasting and will always push me to stay current and ahead of what’s next. That, to me, is special. For my professional side, I work in fashion and tech – understanding how companies, brands, and professionals in my circle think, allows me to develop in ways I didn’t think I could. It also allows me to compound my experiences to be a better person.
My dream is always wanting to redefine beauty and allow people to see the best in others
If you weren’t a photographer, what else would you do?
I would be doing something where I could put others in the spotlight. One thing that I have a knack for, and also like to do, is casting. I really love to connect with the person and put them where they can succeed, be their best, and finding out what their best is, is such a fulfilling quest.
How did LA influence your works?
The diversity and cultures here really give me perspective, and allow me to empathize to be in the shoes of others. It allows me to think differently and get comfortable with the uncomfortable. The city also has a good combination of ambition and pleasures. LA is a natural juxtaposition.
What are you trying to say and capture in your photography?
My dream is always wanting to redefine beauty and allow people to see the best in others. If you look at my body of work, I’ve always been an advocate of unconventional beauty and highlighting those who may be seen as different. I think being different is so beautiful and I love casting people who are not the norm in beauty. It’s so cool to finally see the narrative changing in fashion and beauty. We still have a long way to go, but I feel like we’re making progress in changing the beauty standards to be inclusive and celebrate self-expression in 2021 and beyond.
Who do you look up to, as a person and as a photographer?
I look up to my mom – she raised me and framed my thinking. She made so many sacrifices for me that it almost makes everything I do look like it will come nowhere near what she has gone through and sacrificed, but also drives me to be my best so I can make her proud. Photographers I look up to are Harley Weir, Nick Knight, Carlijn Jacobs, Rafael Pavarotti.
When I first began documenting everything I did and taking photos everywhere – I realized that this is what I love to do
What inspires you lately?
My new Mamiya camera, gifted to me by someone special.
You can’t be you today without these three things:
Love, family, & Sweetgreens.
What is a moment that changed your life?
When I first began documenting everything I did and taking photos everywhere – I realized that this is what I love to do. That I had found my passion.
LA is a natural juxtaposition
What’s the first thing you think about when you wake up?
Work. How can I make today better?
What advice would you give to the people around you?
Take risks! Be kind to yourself. Life is too short to care about what others think about you. Learn to say no. Learn not to apologize for anything. Do what makes you happy.
What are you waiting for so much this year?
New experiences. I’ve learned not to wait, just let it come.
Take a look at all the Angella Choe’s works here.
