Samantha Milligan talks 'Living in a Ghost Town' in Osaka

Unagi speaks to Samantha Milligan, a documentary photographer based in Osaka, Japan, on her most recent feature in the Rolling Stones new music video ‘Living in a Ghost town’ and her plans for the rest of 2020 post lockdown.

Congratulations on your most recent feature in Rolling Stones new video 'Living in a Ghost town'. How did you become involved in the project?

Sam: Thank you so much! It’s still pretty surreal but it’s been a privilege to be involved in this project. I was introduced to the director of the video by email via my friend and fellow photographer Andy Hughes, who has worked with the director on previous shoots back in the UK. They were looking for someone based in Japan and that’s how the job got passed in my direction. I’m grateful that I built a pretty solid network in the UK before moving to Japan so, when projects like this come about, all that hard work really does pay off.

For someone that hasn't seen your work before how would you describe it?

Sam: When it comes to shooting I feel I have a 50/50 split with my work using film or digital depending on the circumstances. I would love to be shooting on film more; I feel like I still have a lot to learn in that area but I guess that will come over time. I like capturing moments of light, colour and movement. These are key elements for me whenever I’m taking any kind of photograph, whether I’m using my DSLR, my film cameras or even my iPhone. I would say all of my work is a fusion of those details.

You are currently based in Osaka, Japan, how does that inspire your work?

Sam: In the 2 and a half years that I’ve been living in Osaka, I’ve been fortunate enough to, again, build a solid network of people around me. Having friends, acquaintances and fellow creatives from all different walks of life is very inspiring; collaborating with people and sharing ideas is a great way to keep yourself motivated. Living in a foreign country really allows you to explore new challenges; ones that you won’t necessarily encounter when living at home. New environments present you with new ways of thinking; they allow you to adapt and think outside of the box, so to speak, which is something I’ve found myself doing since I made the move out here. I’m a very active person so I tend to be outside a lot. I find myself constantly drawn to different shapes, colours and textures around the city. Osaka’s cityscape is very diverse; there is so much great architecture and amazing locations. The locations I scout around the city are a catalyst for most of my shoots. I tend to build my concept around the location, not vice versa. This process works best for me and it’s enabled me to explore many different areas of the city.

Your work spans from portrait photography, great architecture shots, events and film. Where do you see your practise evolving?

Sam: At the moment I really want to focus my energy on portraiture. I studied fashion design and textiles for 6 years at college and university. It’s a subject that has inspired me a lot over the years, although, I never considered shooting fashion photography until about a year and a half ago. Exploring editorial photography and having the opportunity to work closely with different brands, clients and magazines would be very exciting. I see this as my next step but in the meantime, I’ll continue to build my portfolio in that area, until I’m ready to take the leap. I also love telling stories through my images; I think delving into the practise of photojournalism would be great too and something I know I would be passionate about.

Have you been greatly affected by coronavirus in your work and if so, how?

Sam: Unfortunately, yes. I’ve been massively affected by coronavirus, like many people around the world. I was supposed to be going back to the UK for good at the end of May but those plans have now changed. I had a summer of work lined up with my photo team, Fanatic, but sadly most of that work has now been cancelled. I also work full time as an English Teacher here in Osaka so I decided to stay longer, during the pandemic, knowing that I have the security of a job. It wasn’t a decision I took lightly but I felt like it was the best decision for me at the time. I’m putting my dream of being a freelancer again on hold for a little while longer. It’s a tough pill to swallow but my reality could actually be a lot worse; I’m just grateful that I still have a job and a roof over my head.

Do you have any exhibitions coming up? Where can someone see your work?

Sam: I don't have any exhibitions coming up but I am planning my first solo exhibition in Osaka this year at some point. I post most of my recent work via my Instagram account and I also have my website showcasing my favourite works; www.samanthamilligan.co.uk

What are your plans for 2020?

Sam: My plans for 2020 include packing up my life here in Japan and preparing for the next chapter. I think, with everything that's happening in the world right now, my main focus is to keep my body and mind healthy. I really want to make the most of the time I do have left so there are quite a few things I want to accomplish before I leave. Probably too many things to list but I’m always busy and I always have something that I’m working on.

Unagilife is a site for those inspired by Japanese aesthetic and lifestyle. What would you recommend to our readers?

My recommendation would be to leave the city behind and explore the countryside. I grew up camping, hiking and exploring the outdoors with my family in the UK and that's something I’ve never grown out of. I think we can all agree that the Japanese countryside is pretty spectacular. They have it all here; mountains, volcanoes, beaches, valleys, rivers, forests. Something I’ve always admired is Japan’s respect towards nature and how deeply rooted it is within their culture, lifestyle and belief system. This appreciation made me feel at home here straight away. I’ve never felt more at peace than when I escape the city and explore the wonders of the countryside; it is a truly magical place.

For more information on Samantha’s work - Samantha Milligan Photography