“As a photo assistant, I’ve worked on several Glamour cover shoots with celebrities like Emmy nominated Sydney Sweeney, and I took on additional roles for Grammy nominated performer Halle Bailey and celebrity Paris Hilton. My roles have also included campaign shoots for clothing companies such as Chico’s, Meshki, and more. Overall, I bring several valuable assets to the set. My proficiency in manipulating lighting, coupled with my extensive knowledge of various lighting equipment and camera systems, allows me to contribute effectively to achieving the desired aesthetic envisioned by the client and also photographers, like Jeremey Choh, for actress Sweeney.”—visual artist Chir Yan Lim
Photo Assistant and also First Assistant Camera/Focus Puller Chir Yan Lim has a growing list of clients from famous celebrities to major commercial clients, along with international feature and documentary films. Being a storyteller through images and such a studied creature of the visual medium. Chir Yan admits to grappling with the “limitations of verbal communication,” explaining, “Words, for me, sometimes fall short of encapsulating the depth and complexity of thoughts. So, it's in the realm of visual imagery that I discover a profound sense of liberation—a means through which I can articulate my innermost thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. Through the act of creating visual compositions, I find myself transcending the constraints of language, allowing my imagery to serve as a conduit for self-expression.”
Malaysia-born Chir Yan has a broad range of education, including a degree in Film Production with a Minor in Sociology (Cum Laude from California State University), and also an Associate Degree in Film Studies, from Santa Monica College in Los Angeles.
And, this in-demand visual artist has been inspired by both filmmakers, like prominent Malaysian director Yasmin Ahmad, and by celebrated photographers like Italian Paolo Roversi, who has been famously known as the "painter with light and shadows."
Chir Yan, who has also worked on podcasts, documentaries (PBS), and promotional videos, says Roversi’s photographic techniques are extraordinary, and they speak to her own visual style, suggesting, “What stands out the most is the soul behind his photos. His works are often dreamy and timeless. He once said, ‘I think style is not something defined, logical or arithmetical. For me, the style of an artist is his soul. It shines through in his work.’ This inspires me to not get distracted or caught up with technical aspects, but rather to focus on the essence, soul, and message behind the creation.”
Chir Yan Lim says that with a dual interest in both lighting and camera work, her industry goal is to work toward future opportunities in both cinematography and photography. For example, she’s found that moving images and still photography share commonalities in their creation, explaining, “What's intriguing about still photography is that, despite its static nature, you can manipulate time and light within that frame to evoke a plethora of emotions and convey diverse messages. Integrating my knowledge of both mediums allows me to explore their unique characteristics and push creative boundaries.”
She also talks about her strengths, including her dedication to team work, and her desire to continue working on projects that help break down stereotypes.
What do you bring to the table for clients and what makes you unique?
What sets me apart is my authenticity and dedication to hard work on set. I prioritize being genuine in my approach and consistently strive to deliver my best effort, believing in giving nothing less than my absolute best. Furthermore, my appreciation and understanding of various visual styles and storytelling techniques allow me to connect with photographers on a deeper level. By comprehensively grasping their vision, I can effectively contribute to bringing their creative concepts to life, ensuring alignment with their artistic vision.
Explain how you contributed in various roles you’ve had on Glamour magazine shoots?
Cover shoots are typically editorial, and offer a delightful opportunity for creativity. As the photo assistant, I need to understand the different prompts, visions, and directions for the different looks we have for the day. For the Sweeney shoot and with the photographer’s vision in mind, I chose the suitable lighting setup and equipment to achieve the desired look. Overall, my job is to help the photographer getting the shots that we need, and sometimes that may include some photo tricks like fanning the hair of the talent or even flicking the wardrobe for additional movement in frame. Additionally, I was the First Assistant Camera on the Halle Bailey shoot, and my job was setting a camera for an interview, including focus pulling. I also worked on the behind-the-scenes video for Paris Hilton’s cover shoot. In the video, I show the Paris’ day during the photo shoot and also a short interview of her sharing her experience with the audience.
Can you tell what your responsibility was on a commercial like Chicos?
The objective of a campaign shoot for clothing companies like Chico’s is twofold: to showcase and sell the garments while preserving the brand's identity. Whether shooting on location or in the studio, various challenges arise. As the photo assistant, my role involves selecting appropriate equipment tailored to diverse weather conditions, terrains, and lighting scenarios. This ensures that we capture images that maintain the high quality synonymous with the company's brand.
Generally, what else do you bring as a photo assistant?
I serve as a liaison between various departments during production. My responsibilities include translating the photographer's vision into tangible aesthetics, ensuring client satisfaction with the resulting images, and facilitating seamless communication between the photographer and digitech. Therefore, it is imperative to embody qualities of both a team player and a problem solver. In addition to offering my technical expertise, I recognize the importance of providing positive energy during the shoot, particularly when working closely with both the photographer and talent. Creating a positive atmosphere on set can significantly enhance the creative process.
How can your own goals help better the industry?
My overarching goal is to continually grow as a photographer, staying updated on the latest tools and techniques in visual creation. By embracing innovation and learning, I aim to produce impactful work that not only reflects societal and humanitarian issues but also inspires positive change. For example, I’m working on a series of photo projects that delve into the complexities of our modern world. Through my visuals, I aspire to initiate meaningful conversations, challenge perspectives, and foster greater empathy and understanding within our global community. Ultimately, I see photography not only as a creative outlet but also as a powerful tool for social commentary and advocacy.
What are 5 invaluable “Do’s” that you’ve learned in the business?
Do stay humble and hungry—continuously explore new avenues and challenge yourself; Do persevere and work hard—consistency is key to everything; Do keep trying even if you fail—every setback holds within it a valuable lesson; Do go wild and have fun—in today's world, we're bombarded with influences, but embracing creativity means breaking free from limitations; Do keep it real—staying genuine and truthful is a timeless principle.
Drop in on Chir Yan Lim’s website, and on her pages on IMDb, LinkedIn, and Instagram. And, check out Chir Yan’s credit on the Sydney Sweeney/Glamour Magazine shoot.
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