These 21-year-old identical twins are discovering how to make their passion for photography flourish
By Julia Che
Born on October 10th, 1986, Lily is older than Lilac by a mere five minutes. The two spent their childhoods on the south shore of Montreal, playing the piano and watching their father and grandfather photograph. “We aren’t exactly sure at what age we first picked up a camera, but for as long as we can remember we've always been shooting,” recalls Lily, “even if it was with our old point-and-shoot film camera.”The girls graduated from the photography program at Montreal’s Dawson College in May 2006. However, says Lilac, their education didn’t stop there. “School gave us the flexibility to shoot whatever we wanted. We had creative freedom and it taught us the technique we needed to pursue our creative ideas. However, there’s nothing like going out there yourself, experiencing the real world, and dealing with the industry.”
Dealing indeed. Since moving to Toronto after graduating, Lily and Lilac Nguyen have shot regularly for Ford Models, Elmer Olsen and Next Model Management. More recently, they landed last month’s Vervegirl cover and a feature editorial in Strut magazine. And although they love fashion photography above all else, they also shoot architecture and food.
The way the sisters work together is as unique as their relationship. While one stays behind the camera and takes care of shots and composition, the other adjusts lighting and works with models on posing. The girls communicate with each other constantly, and change roles frequently. “When we were younger we wished to be considered as individuals,” says Lilac. “But now with photography, we think it’s working to our advantage. Two heads are always better than one.”
Owing largely to that attitude, any sort of sibling rivalry between the two is practically nonexistent. “We hardly get into fights. Most of the time we just have disagreements and we easily work them out,” says Lily. Sharing everything from a cellphone to a wardrobe, the girls have had twenty-one years of practice living side-by-side. It’s no wonder that blossoming into the world of photography together comes naturally.
Don't want to be a photographer - find out other careers that Vervegirls want!
Find out other careers that Vervegirls want.
Lily vs. Lilac
Fave Colour
Lily: Blue and White
Lilac: Lavender
Fave Designer
Lily: Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano, Alexander McQueen
Lilac: Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano
Fave Photographer
Lily: Mert & Marcus
Lilac: Craig McDean
What-to-Look-For-In-a-Guy quality
Lily: Sweetness
Lilac: Charm
Fave Pair of Shoes
Lily: MaxStudio wedges I bought for $5 off a stylist
Lilac: My round-toe pumps
Fave Accessory
Lily: Heart necklace my mom gave me
Lilac: Lucky-charm turtle necklace with wiggling limbs
Fave Place to travel
Lily: Anywhere tropical or with a lot of culture
Lilac: Anywhere, depending on my mood. It's not about where I am—it's about who I'm with.
Fave Book
Lily: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Lilac: Sans Famille by Hector Malot
Fave Perfume
Lily: Vera Wang
Lilac: Euphoria Blossom by Calvin Klein
Fave Magazine
Lily: Vogue, Numero
Lilac: Vogue
Behind the scenes as Lily & Lilac shoot our cover! Photo by Davide Bagnarol.
One of their creative images.
