Conversations in Light | Annyck Benth
At LILYA, creativity and storytelling are at the heart of everything we do. This month, we're celebrating the art of photography - that beautiful merging of light, movement, and emotion. We’re so excited to feature photographer Annyck Benth, whose work we’ve admired — and had the joy of collaborating with — for years now. With roots that stretch between Europe, Australia, and Bali, Annyck captures beauty in a way that feels intimate, grounded, and completely effortless. Her photography tells stories that go beyond fashion — dreamy light-filled moments, soulful portraits, scenes that feel like memories. We sat down with Annyck to chat about her creative journey, life behind the lens, and the simple joys that fuel her work.
Q: Annyck, how did it all begin? How did you become a photographer?
A: Like many creatives, my path into photography wasn’t traditional. I never studied it formally, there was no roadmap — just this quiet pull toward capturing the world in a different way.
It really started when I was 18. I inherited an old analogue camera from my grandfather, just as I was finishing my A-Levels in my tiny hometown in northern Germany, near the Baltic Sea. I felt this deep restlessness — a need to explore, to see more than what my village life could offer.
In my early 20s, I moved to Berlin — this vibrant, chaotic, creative city. That’s where I really began taking photography seriously, working freelance for department stores. It was fast-paced and ever-changing, and it taught me how to adapt, to trust my eye, and to keep evolving.
It really started when I was 18. I inherited an old analogue camera from my grandfather, just as I was finishing my A-Levels in my tiny hometown in northern Germany, near the Baltic Sea. I felt this deep restlessness — a need to explore, to see more than what my village life could offer.
In my early 20s, I moved to Berlin — this vibrant, chaotic, creative city. That’s where I really began taking photography seriously, working freelance for department stores. It was fast-paced and ever-changing, and it taught me how to adapt, to trust my eye, and to keep evolving.
Q: How would you describe your style of photography, and what inspires you?
A: I’d say my style is rooted in fashion and editorial storytelling. I’m always chasing authenticity — I love clean compositions, natural light, and capturing a kind of quiet elegance that feels lived-in, not staged. It’s all about creating something beautiful, but also real.
Q: We’ve had the pleasure of working with you on many campaigns now. How does LILYA align with your creative philosophy?
A: Honestly, working with LILYA has always felt easy and inspiring. Your approach — timeless, feminine, relaxed — aligns so well with how I see and shoot the world. It’s fashion, yes, but it’s also about emotion and lifestyle and that effortless sense of self. What I really appreciate is the team — the women behind the brand. There’s such a strong sense of trust, creativity, and collaboration. It makes the work not just creatively fulfilling, but genuinely joyful.
Q: What’s one of the biggest life lessons you’ve learned so far?
A: The biggest one? Stay true to yourself. Hold onto who you are — that’s the thread that weaves your story.
And also, surrender. I’m learning to let go of what I can’t control and meet life with softness, with grace. There’s such freedom in that. The future is unknown, and I’m okay with that. I want to meet it with an open heart.
And also, surrender. I’m learning to let go of what I can’t control and meet life with softness, with grace. There’s such freedom in that. The future is unknown, and I’m okay with that. I want to meet it with an open heart.
Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in a creative field?
A: Creativity isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being brave enough to express yourself and to trust your perspective. Stay curious. Let yourself explore, get it wrong, get it right, and grow through all of it. The most powerful work comes when we stop fearing failure and just make — play, experiment, evolve.
Q: This year at LILYA, we’re diving into the idea of community and friendship — especially for women in today’s world. How have you built your own community, and what advice would you give to someone searching for their tribe?
A: Real connection isn’t about how often you see someone — it’s about depth, presence, and care. My closest friendships have stayed strong through time, distance, and change, because they’re rooted in intention and love.
We can go months without talking, but when we finally reconnect — whether in a new city or on a midnight phone call — it’s like no time has passed.
There’s something beautiful in that kind of quiet knowing. We hold space for each other to grow, evolve, live — and when we come back together, the bond is still there. That’s true community. That’s what matters.
We can go months without talking, but when we finally reconnect — whether in a new city or on a midnight phone call — it’s like no time has passed.
There’s something beautiful in that kind of quiet knowing. We hold space for each other to grow, evolve, live — and when we come back together, the bond is still there. That’s true community. That’s what matters.
Q: You recently shot our latest campaign in Byron Bay. What was the vision behind it — and what was it like working with Shannon Fricke and Helena Vestergaard?
A: Helena has been one of my dream muses for years — she’s just so natural, earthy, and effortlessly beautiful. When I brought her name up to Lisa, she immediately said, “Oh my god, it’s so tempting. I’ve always wanted to work with Helena — always!”
And a few days later… we made it happen!
As soon as Helena was confirmed, I started piecing together the visual story. Lisa had already found this magical location in the Byron Bay hinterland, and everything just clicked into place. We worked on a Pinterest board together — and as usual, we kept pinning the same images. It’s such an intuitive process between us. The shoot was at Shannon Fricke’s farmhouse, Graciosa — it’s perched on a hill, surrounded by the most beautiful gardens. I’m a big gardener myself, so I felt instantly inspired. When I arrived, Shannon was zipping around on a ride-on mower and I just turned to Lisa like, “Okay… I get the girl crush now.”
And a few days later… we made it happen!
As soon as Helena was confirmed, I started piecing together the visual story. Lisa had already found this magical location in the Byron Bay hinterland, and everything just clicked into place. We worked on a Pinterest board together — and as usual, we kept pinning the same images. It’s such an intuitive process between us. The shoot was at Shannon Fricke’s farmhouse, Graciosa — it’s perched on a hill, surrounded by the most beautiful gardens. I’m a big gardener myself, so I felt instantly inspired. When I arrived, Shannon was zipping around on a ride-on mower and I just turned to Lisa like, “Okay… I get the girl crush now.”
Q: Your work takes you all over the world, but you often return to Bali. What keeps drawing you there?
A: Bali gives me a kind of peace I haven’t found anywhere else. My husband and I live in a little surf and fishing village — quiet, slow, real. It’s a world away from the energy of Berlin, and it’s where I feel most grounded.
Over the past four years, I’ve been growing my own garden from scratch, right next to our Japanese-inspired home. We live with six rescue dogs (plus a few friendly neighbours’ dogs who’ve adopted us too). I love the rhythm of our life there — tea on the veranda, a simple dinner, the stillness. It constantly fills my creative cup.
Over the past four years, I’ve been growing my own garden from scratch, right next to our Japanese-inspired home. We live with six rescue dogs (plus a few friendly neighbours’ dogs who’ve adopted us too). I love the rhythm of our life there — tea on the veranda, a simple dinner, the stillness. It constantly fills my creative cup.
Q: Outside of photography, what else brings you joy and keeps you inspired?
A: Oh, I love this question!
Cooking is a big one — especially Asian food. I love playing with flavours, techniques, and creating dishes that remind me of my travels. A friend recently brought me the most incredible Dashi from Japan, and it totally transformed my soup game.
I’m also obsessed with flea markets. I’m always on the lookout for unique, soulful pieces — and I usually end up gifting them to friends.
And tea. I recently treated myself to a charcoal-roasted Oolong from a little shop in Bangkok. It’s become a daily ritual — slow, quiet, grounding. Every cup feels like a pause… and a little moment of inspiration.
Cooking is a big one — especially Asian food. I love playing with flavours, techniques, and creating dishes that remind me of my travels. A friend recently brought me the most incredible Dashi from Japan, and it totally transformed my soup game.
I’m also obsessed with flea markets. I’m always on the lookout for unique, soulful pieces — and I usually end up gifting them to friends.
And tea. I recently treated myself to a charcoal-roasted Oolong from a little shop in Bangkok. It’s become a daily ritual — slow, quiet, grounding. Every cup feels like a pause… and a little moment of inspiration.
Thank you, Annyck, for sharing your heart and creative journey with us — it's always such a joy working with you. Your vision continues to inspire us, and we feel lucky to have you as part of the LILYA story. Next stop Sumba, Indonesia- stay tuned.
To explore more of Annyck’s work, visit her website www.annyck.com
See our latest campaign “Garden of Memories” AW25 — photographed by Annyck — here.
And if you’re dreaming of a beautiful life, take a peek inside Shannon Fricke’s home, Graciosa, in the hinterland here.