Gillian Chan has a passion for slow photography that captures depth of feeling to create emotive images that go beyond the predictable. That “slow lane” is a process of creating magic in the camera using vintage style manual lenses or optics and hand held tools to create special effects. It was during the pandemic that she discovered the true joy of photographing in this way.

Her photographic journey began with a Kodak Instamatic when she was just 8. During her years of Teachers’ College, she had the opportunity to study film photography with black and white darkroom development. Prior to having a family, her focus was on travel photography. Motherhood meant capturing those  precious moments one never wants to forget, but over time, film became less popular and she very reluctantly made the switch to digital with a simple pocket “point and shoot” while still clinging to the analog “real gear”.

It wasn’t until 2015 that Gillian decided to invest in a digital SLR camera and a year later, she joined a photography team of volunteers shooting community events. Despite studying several photography courses, this new venture was the fastest learning curve. It was fast photography that documented moments and stories in all kinds of environments.

In 2020, the lockdowns of the pandemic made her world shrink. It was during this time that she discovered a love of Lensbaby lenses, optics and creative tools that create unique images in the camera with endless possibilities.

She found great solace in capturing the beauty of flowers and plants in every stage of their life. Travel restrictions drove her to plant her own seeds and bulbs throughout the seasons while consistently chasing the light for unique images with an unusual quality and look that she had never seen with any mainstream lens. 

This style of photography has been a game changer for Gillian’s creative heart and soul. While she still loves her fast paced photography shoots for community events, an afternoon with a camera and a creative lens, amongst a bed of flowers is her happiest place. It’s a soulful therapy that’s priceless and without creative borders.

Gillian’s images are regularly featured by the Lensbaby Company. Her images have been published in  four of the annual photography yearbooks for “Click Love Grow”. She has been a successful contributor to the charitable work of the Incognito Art Show since 2024.

Her love of nature motivates her to support wildlife conservation projects through the production of greeting cards and calendars.

Gillian is based in Sydney Australia.