Using flowers and colour, photographer Giseok Cho documents his generation of Koreans

Giseok Cho grew up knowing he wanted to be a creative. His career began working with Korean fashion brands as a graphic designer, art director and set designer but “in my mind, I wanted to use all that to create my own images” he explains, “so I started doing photography”. Today, Giseok works in Seoul, and his myriad creative interests are apparent across his multifaceted portfolio.

“Photography is attractive to me because it is a medium that can coordinate and synthesise the whole thing,” he explains. Giseok’s images are a testament to the fact. His series’, although sitting largely in the world of fashion photography, are rich thanks to his employment of props, and set design. “There are many possibilities [in photography] to be used, such as clothing, fabric and installation etc.”

It’s an approach which has seen the photographer work with clients like Adidas, Dazed Korea, Vogue Korea and Crash magazine.

When asked where the inspiration for his beautifully-lit, perfectly-composed imagery comes from, Giesok names two juxtaposing places: The internet and flea markets. “I think I’m the internet generation,” he remarks. “I first got to know many images by surfing the internet but I often go to flea markets to see old antiques or books and things. Unexpected items inspire me.”

When working on a project, Giseok always begins by picking apart its theme or topic, searching for references which align with the brief, but also his interpretation of it. Once he’s gathered enough information and visual resources he can begin shooting. “I will always focus on portraits. My aim is to try to express the characteristics of Seoul and my generation in my work.”

In terms of visual motifs, Giseok’s portfolio features a few consistent elements. Firstly, a soft use of light, often accompanied by washes of colour. And, secondly, flowers of all shapes and sizes. These form a large part of Giseok’s compositions, dictating the aura of an image.