Ian Kobylanski
Principal Photographer
Hi there! I’m Ian, a fashion and lifestyle photographer based in London, UK. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, I’ve spent the past decade honing my photography skills. In October 2023, my fiancée and I departed from Canada to travel through Australia and Asia, finally settling in London in May 2024—a goal we’ve had for years to grow our careers and for me to reach global brands.
I’m thrilled to collaborate with brands and creative individuals in London, capturing striking images in my new space, Cloud Theory Studio. With an EU passport arriving soon, I’m excited to accept opportunities across Britain, Europe, North America, and beyond. Throughout my career, I’ve had the pleasure of working with a diverse range of clients, including:
My Journey
My career began with mentorship from my high school photography teacher, who was also Vancouver’s top concert photographer. His guidance drew me to fashion photography and inspired me to pursue it professionally. While studying for my Bachelor of Commerce degree, photography became a means to support myself and express my creativity.
After university, I worked in software sales for five years. This experience gave me a deep understanding of the corporate world and the importance of communication, aligning on expectations, and respecting deadlines. Photography remained my passion, growing from a side hustle to my full-time career.
My Photography style
I love shooting outdoors, using natural light, bold colors, and architectural elements to create compelling images. I’m a Canon photographer, currently using a Canon R5 and Fujifilm X100V. My approach involves matching subjects with environments that tell their unique stories, whether in fashion, lifestyle, headshot, commercial, or advertising photography.
For indoor shoots, I bring my equipment onsite to make creative use of available spaces or recommend studios tailored to each project. I enjoy exploring different areas with my subjects, capturing diverse backdrops both planned and discovered spontaneously.
Cloud Theory Studio is my new, permanent studio space where I’m excited to expand my creativity, explore new concepts, and have a space sheltered from London’s unpredictable weather (a luxury I didn't have in equally rainy Vancouver). For portrait sessions, the contrast of indoor and outdoor images, whether in someone's environment or a location that complements their personality, creates an eye-catching visual and tells compelling stories.
Before the shoot
I believe personal connection is key to great photography. Meeting face-to-face or over a video call helps us understand our mutual goals and ensures comfort during the shoot. I aim to make sessions engaging and worry-free, guiding you through poses and angles while capturing candid moments.
I love shooting in new locations, and being new to the city, recommendations are warmly welcomed—especially unique areas off-the-beaten-path or only a select few have access to. If not, location scouting is one of my favorite activities, and I'll share my shoot plan in advance to help prepare complementary outfits and eliminate any guesswork on the day of the session.
In session
During shoots, I focus on communication and direction to ensure you feel relaxed and natural. My 80:20 rule means 80% of my attention is on interacting with you, and 20% on capturing the perfect shot. This approach results in candid, authentic images.
For commercial projects, I creatively direct and work with a team that includes assistants, videographers, stylists, and more, working together to achieve outstanding results. Collaboration with agency producers and creative directors is always welcome. I love coming together to execute and deliver a shared vision.
