LPA WINNERS INTERVIEWS / MATTHEW HO

Next up in our LPA Futures interviews is interiors, travel and fashion photographer Matthew Ho. Drawing on a background in architecture, his work is shaped by a deep understanding of form, space and visual narrative — elements that translate seamlessly into his photography. What stood out at this year’s LPA Futures was Matthew’s strong visual voice; you see an image and instantly recognise it as his.

As a British-born Chinese creative, he is committed to amplifying underrepresented voices, with a particular focus on visibility and representation within the BESEA (British East and Southeast Asian) creative community which shines through within his work.

We spoke to him about his journey so far and explored the influences, ideas and personal details that shape his practice.

LPA: Tell us a little about your journey up to now…

MH: Photography has always been an interest to me. I started taking photos on a iPhone 4S when I was 15 and then I got my first camera at 18. At university, I started taking portraits of all my friends and I remember it was then, that I got my first paid gig. After university, I moved to London just after the pandemic in 2021 where I experimented more with photography but wasn’t able to do much since I was working in my old job - architecture. Two years ago, I decided to leave the architecture world behind and follow my passion and calling of going freelance as a photographer.

LPA: How does your background in architecture influence the way you take images?

MH: I think my architecture background has heavily influenced the way that I shoot (and I notice it in my work) where my framing has become more intentional than I realise. I usually say that my shooting style is a little too rigid but I think we’re all our own worst critics…Architecture in itself has trained my eye to notice attention to detail, something I don’t think would be as strong had I not studied it.

LPA: As a British-born Chinese creative, how does your own lived experience inform your work?

MH: This is such a good question. Being someone from first, an Asian background (where your parents don’t really support your creative career), but also someone that is of an ethnic minority group in the UK, I really strive to become an active voice as an artist and photographer. As we (British-born Chinese) are already under-represented in the UK as whole, let alone in the creative industry, I think it’s all the more important for me to become the best at the craft to help and also inspire others like me.

LPA: Are there themes you find yourself returning to again and again?

MH: Definitely! I think as a photographer, I’ll always be amazed at how capturing less can be more impactful than having a busy frame. I always try to look at light behaves as I believe that without good lighting, your photos cannot be the best they can be. I’m not sure if this counts as a theme but I love to photograph people and spaces - I’m not sure if this is from my time in architecture or elsewhere, but I’ve always gravitated towards an individual’s story, albeit a stranger or otherwise.

LPA: Has there been a project that fundamentally changed how you see your own work?

MH: I think one that has fundamentally changed the way I see my own work is capturing life in Hong Kong. It’s a personal project of mine to one day release a photo book which encompasses all of my work taken there. As I was born in the UK but never grew up in Hong Kong (where my parents are from), it sparked my interest in the every day, as I would find the simplest of things worth photographing - like a red taxi for example or the way the sunlight interacted with a boat etc. Personal projects like these made me realise that: the simpler the setup, the better.

LPA: How do you know when a personal project is ready to be shown to the world?

MH: My take on this is that a personal project or any type of art is never completely 100% finished. It just gets to a point where you’re happy with and although there’s still a little bit of doubt, I think when I like something enough, that’s when I’m ready to share it. As artists, it doesn’t matter if other people dislike or even hate our work…We will and always be the first audience and as long as you like it, you will find your people and they will naturally gravitate to your work.

LPA: How has your relationship with confidence evolved as your career has grown?

MH: To be completely honest, I still doubt myself most days but I think this is normal. I think I’ve grown more confident as I’ve realised that anything is actually possible. I saw a quote recently which said ‘good things take time’ and I’m a firm believer in this. I’m only at the start of my career but at the same time, I just turned 27. So, in some ways, it feels like I should be further along than where I am right now but as I said before, ‘good things take time’, so that’s okay. I’m definitely more confident than when I first started but I think I still have a lot to learn!

LPA: What would be your dream location to shoot?

MH: A dream location of mine to work on is in Japan. After visiting Tokyo in 2024, no place has drawn me back like Japan has. To add to this, I think exploring new countries I’ve not been too is a dream too. Come to think of it, I think shooting in Switzerland with the mountains would be amazing.

LPA: Are you a planner or someone who thrives on spontaneity?

MH: I am 100% more spontaneous than a planner. However, I would argue that you need to have a bit of both in life. You can’t control every single thing in life but you also can’t be too spontaneous that you don’t plan anything. So, to answer your question, maybe I’m a 70:30 kinda guy.

LPA: How do you approach collaboration with other creatives?

MH: I think it’s really important to collaborate and work with other creatives because nothing can be done by you alone. Working with other creatives allows room for a, not only a bigger network, but it can also be place to learn from one another.

LPA: What excites you most about working on more commercial briefs?

MH: I think one thing that excites me is being able to work with people and brands I’ve only dreamed of working with. I’m excited about learning new skills but also seeing how it will challenge and improve my current style of photography.

LPA: Now that you’ve been selected for LPA Futures, what are you most excited for?

MH: I honestly did not expect to be selected at all when I entered the competition…Now that I’ve been selected, I’m most excited to meet new people and connect with others in the industry but mainly, grow as a photographer and my career also.

LPA: Who is your all-time favourite photographer?

MH: I don’t think I could pick a favourite. But one of my favourites is Fan Ho. He was a Hong Kongbased documentary photographer who shot mostly black and white and his use of light was incredible - all shot on film. Another one of my favourites in today’s time has to be Nirav Patel or Joe Greer. Their work is amazing.

LPA: What’s a habit you’re trying to build (or break)?

MH: One habit I’m trying to build is to better my craft. And one habit I’m trying to break is to sit longer when editing photos. I tend to want to edit straight after a shoot, but I’ve realised that my editing is better if I give it the time it needs.

LPA: What’s your idea of a perfect day off?

MH: On my perfect day off, I usually edit haha. Hmmmm, it would be hanging out with friends, eating some good food (and dessert of course), shopping and then a nice film with a cup of Chinese tea. Just spending quality time really with people who are near and dear to me. It’s always the simple things

We can’t wait to see what Matthew’s luxury flair brings through the LPA doors.