Mady for TU, 2022

Name: Chyna-Lily  
Instagram handle:  @chyna.lily
Other Social Media: ____chills
Website: chynalily.com 

 
Self-portrait, 2023

How did you get into film photography?
During my first few months of uni in 2017, I was gifted a point-and-shoot from a friend who found it for $2 in an op shop. I started documenting everything and was hooked after a few film electives with the Massey photo team. I’ve been shooting consistently ever since.

I’ve had a lot of encouragement from my past lecturers, the splendid team and my partner who is a secret film advocate. I’ve been lucky enough to borrow one of his many cameras for years and I recently bought my own Nikon F3  🤩

Liliana the half length bather, 2020

How would you describe your photography practice?
I have a fear of forgetfulness and started documenting as an archival process. I want to be able to remember my most formative years for my own reflection and future storytelling. I wouldn’t say I’m the most knowledgeable, and I’m far from a commercial photographer. I use photography personally, alongside it being a helpful medium for my artistic practice, which is always informed by my ancestral research.

Sav for Consider the lillies, 2020

Fran, 2021

As a multi-disciplinary artist, does one practice inform the other? Or does each practice sit quite independently?
Everything informs each other, photography, sculpture, jewellery and all, they all thread together. I work for myself, my jewellery brand Chills gives me the excuse to wear a lot of hats from design, making and photographing my friends wearing my jewels. 

Crystal Chen’s Love letter bts, 2023

Stella for Chills, 2023

You’ve produced incredible work with Simon L Wong, a photobook called Territory Unknown. How has photography helped you connect deeper with your Chinese heritage?
Simon and I started this project years ago when we connected over our isolated cultural experiences. We were able to bring together a team of asian creatives to create more representation and reach by using our book, exhibition and talk to speak honestly on how lost we felt between it all. The project continues to evolve and spark conversation which is really heartwarming.

Cam & Matt for TU, 2021

What excites you about picking up the camera?
Film is unpredictable and has taught me to be a more intentional photographer. With only so many chances to get what you’re after, I’ve learned to be more patient with myself & use it as an opportunity to experiment. 

Jing CPC bts Emma Jing, 2022 

Glenorchy, 2022

What is your favourite thing to photograph?
Forever my whānau, precious moments with friends, my grandmother’s beauty and my baby nephews' cheeky expressions.

Fetu, 2019

Quick-fire ten questions

1. 35mm or 120?
   35mm (for the moment, mostly the cost)

2. Colour or B&W? 
   Colour 

3. Zoom Lenses or Fixed?
   Fixed 

4. Portrait or Landscape (Orientation)?
   Portrait

5. Flash or Natural Light?
   Natural light

6. SLR (or TLR) or Rangefinder or Point and Shoot?  
   SLR

7. Must be razor sharp or more about the aesthetic?  
   Razor sharp!

8. Favourite Camera?  
   Nikon fm 🫦(until I can handle the F3) 

9. Favourite Photographer?
   Historically - Fan Ho / Recently - Pia Guilmoth

10. Favourite Photo Book?
    An oldie gifted by my Grandad, Masters of Starlight, by David Fahey & Linda Rich and a recent one gifted by my partner, The New Photography by Anthol McCredie 

Fetu, 2024