The Isolation Diaries: Imogen Wilson

Images via Imogen Wilson
By Christina Karras

We know isolation can get a little lonely.

In honour of staying home, we’ve decided to take some time to chat (via the internet) to some of our favourite creatives to find out how they are dealing with this (not so) new and strange state of being.

Not everyone can claim the job titles of photographer, director, stylist and casting agent – but Imogen Wilson does it all. The multidimensional creative has worked with some of the best local and international talent, including Acclaim Magazine, Holiday The Label, Lazy Oaf, Adidas and Depop. Her work is equal parts ethereal and vibrant, capturing fashion and people with a sense of fresh beauty.

While Melbourne is finally emerging from it’s long-held cocoon of lockdown, being based in Sydney, Imogen was lucky enough to get back to businesses a little bit sooner. Find out how she got her start in the industry, and how she spent her downtime during isolation.

Hi Imogen! Tell me a bit about you and how you got started in the industry?

I’m Imogen, most of my friends call me Immy, or Mimi. I’m from Aotearoa but currently based in Sydney! I left school really young and promised my parents that I would start working elsewhere right away, so I worked as an intern at at local label for a long time.

It lead me to styling work and various in-house fashion jobs. From styling and certain creative frustrations, I started shooting my own stuff. It took off and was not planned at all. When I was 23, I launched The Others Agency which lead me to casting and management for a few years, which was nuts to think about now, and it was a lot to take on. Now I’m juggling a few different roles; casting, styling and taking flicks.

Doing it all seems weird to a lot of people, but it’s how it’s naturally happened for me and means I get to work across a huge range of jobs – stills, motion, runway shows, events, music videos. My role is determined by the brief and the team, whatever works to get the job done the best is cool with me.

Do you have any inspirations or influences on your work?

Colours. The way light reflects and falls. Contrast of nostalgia versus today. Clashing. Unexpected moments. My friends and the circle of people around me.

What’s one of your favourite things about shooting?

Meeting people and bringing everyone together is something I love. Having the right team is important for me, as well as having a fun and fresh cast.

Do you have a career highlight? What's one of your favourite shoots you’ve done so far?

Everything’s been exciting or significant in its own way. However I took some crazy photos over in Japan and Australia last year that are special to me! I’m working at exhibiting them early next year. I just directed Depop’s debut campaign, shot by my friend Ben Sullivan. That was cool to do as it was the first Australian campaign ever!

Talk us through your daily routine and how it’s changed due to COVID-19.

It’s been a good time to reflect and slow down. I’ve been creating a lot more for myself, less for others, taking a step back from everyone and everything and reflecting on why I am actually doing any of it and making sure it’s right for me, right now. I’ve been re creating those social and workload boundaries we often blur with ourselves due to constant work load and lack of personal space.

How have you been staying busy during isolation?

Lots of quiet time! I was very lucky to be able to stay in Sydney over this time. It’s been a unexpected beautiful time to slow down and rest, I find it hard to usually. I have been doing as many things as possible to level my mental health: exercising, cooking, napping, reading, making art, jewellery and ceramics.

Follow Imogen on Instagram on @imogenwilson_