Party Queen was the thirteenth studio album for Japanese singer-songwriter Ayumi Hamasaki.
Photographer: Leslie Kee
Client: Avex / Good Films
Locations: London
Location Brief: English style partly-ruined Manor House
London, 2011: Party Queen photoshoot with Ayumi Hamasaki at Copped Hall
Back in 2011, we had the incredible opportunity to work with Japanese icon Ayumi Hamasaki on her 13th studio album, Party Queen. This dance-pop and J-pop hybrid was released by Avex Trax in March 2012, composed of fourteen tracks ranging from upbeat party anthems to heartfelt ballads—all with lyrics penned by Ayu herself. Notably, it marked the first time she recorded an album entirely in London, giving it a vibrant international flair .
Setting the scene: Copped Hall, Essex
We chose Copped Hall, just outside London near Epping, as the perfect backdrop for Ayu’s shoot. This Georgian mansion has stood since the mid-1700s and once boasted lavish Italianate gardens and a grand conservatory. Though gutted by fire in 1917 and left in ruins for decades, restoration efforts have been underway since the ’90s, drawing hundreds of volunteers to revive its formal gardens and glasshouses. The juxtaposition of classical architecture and emerging greenery offered a dramatic, ethereal canvas for our visuals.
The man behind the lens: Leslie See
Our photographer, Leslie See, is renowned for blending editorial sophistication with candid flair. Leslie’s portfolio includes high-fashion editorial work and location shoots that seamlessly match subject with setting. On set with Ayu, Leslie captured everything from intimate portraits to dynamic movement across the hall’s interior and grounds—highlighting both her delicate elegance and bold persona.
Back-stage credits: Avex Trax
Avex Trax, the powerhouse behind Ayumi’s global success, managed song release. As pioneers in J-pop, Avex carefully curated Ayu’s legendary image. Party Queen came in several premium formats all contributing to both its high production value and distinct visual narrative .
Looking back on the Party Queen campaign fills me with pride. It wasn’t just a photoshoot—it was a creative fusion of art, music, history, and architecture. Ayumi, Avex Trax, Leslie See, and the revitalised Copped Hall each added their unique brushstroke to this unforgettable London-based project.
Here are some of my original location scout photo’s for the project:
Party Queen campaign images:
Party Queen Film:
