The talent: fashion photographer Jesper Mcilroy

Canadian-born, Hong Kong-based fashion photographer Jesper Mcilroy talks about the highs and lows of the industry, and why only fools try to be cool.

"Modelling played a large role because it immersed me in an industry with which I was hitherto completely unfamiliar. By the time I came to Hong Kong, I had done shows for brands like Missoni, Gianfranco Ferre, Diesel and Gucci, and had worked with top photographers and publications from around the world. Because I loved photography, I absorbed everything I saw like a sponge. It was a crash course and my instructors were the world's best. Hong Kong proved to be a perfect place for me to develop as a photographer … and I was surrounded by friends in the industry who encouraged my development. Meeting [my wife] Cara [Grogan] was also a turning point for me, and probably a huge reason for deciding to stay here. She is my muse - an endless source of inspiration."

"At its best, fashion pushes boundaries and offers an opportunity to explore the spaces outside of our comfort zone. I love the creative and eccentric side of the industry, but I hate how most people in it are concerned about being perceived as 'cool' and unapproachable. Most people I know that are really 'cool' are actually d***heads. I'd prefer to be around people who inspire and who have absolutely no interest in what others think of them."

"Each person I photograph is different. I used to get really nervous when I was preparing to shoot a celebrity I didn't know. I once had five minutes to shoot Pharrell [Williams] and he didn't even look me in the eye. How I engage each individual varies from person to person, and I think that is what I love most about shooting people - finding ways to understand and relate to someone is a very complex thing, and I thrive on it. Taking pictures of my wife, on the other hand, is a very natural thing; there are no pretences and it is very easy for us to achieve beautiful images. Because we are both perfectionists, we constantly look at ways that we can improve."

"Being a dad is the greatest gift that has ever been given to me, I am in complete awe. I am such a proud, happy father."