Archive: Framing Beauty Through Culture, Fantasy, and Light

At only 27, Hong Kong–based photographer Michelle Lau has already carved out a voice that feels both intimate and transportive. A multimedia graduate of PolyU, Michelle’s journey into photography began in a simple, personal way. Back in 2011, she and her then-boyfriend would spend their days taking photos together. What started as a shared pastime opened a door she never closed. Over the years, that early spark grew into a deeper pursuit of storytelling through images.

For Michelle, Asia holds a defining place in global fashion. She sees the region’s influence rooted in its beauty and culture—elements she believes continue to shape how the world looks at style. That same mix of depth and identity is reflected in Hong Kong’s own fashion scene, where Chinese traditions stand beside Western influences. The result is a blend of heritage and modernity that feels uniquely alive.

When she’s searching for inspiration, Michelle wanders through Hong Kong’s older streets. She has a soft spot for the city’s 1950s to 70s architecture, especially around Sham Shui Po. The worn textures, narrow alleys, and character-filled corners fuel her imagination, giving her settings where memory and artistry meet.

Michelle describes her photographic style as romantic and dreamy, with touches of fantasy woven throughout. In her latest set, she drew inspiration from a Chinese poem and shaped the shoot around that emotional landscape. She leaned more heavily into interacting with the surroundings and used light in a more experimental way. The result, she says, is a body of work that feels closer to her own artistic voice.

Looking ahead, Michelle plans to expand her storytelling even further. She hopes to shoot film stills and eventually create a short love-themed movie. Her long-term dream is simple but profound: to find beauty in every corner of the world and capture it through her lens.

Her personal motto reflects that same spirit—“Take your broken heart, and make it into art.” It’s a reminder of how creativity often grows from the most human places.

ON OUR ARCHIVE: BLNC THE ASIAN ISSUE Read here: https://www.magzter.com/share/mag/7280/212210/6

To see more of Michelle’s work or get in touch:

Facebook: facebook.com/hongkong.michelle.lauInstagram: @michellelauphotoWebsite: michellelauphotography.com