Interview with fashion photographer Damon Baker – one to watch

Actually I never really had a particular favourite fashion photographer. Well this changed when I discovered the pictures of young British photographer Damon Baker a couple of weeks ago. I went through his portfolio over and over again and I absolutely fell in love with his work. In all his photographs there is something wild, mysterious and dark incorporated – something Damon describes as being part of his personality. So I couldn’t help but ask him for doing a little interview with me. Despite of his early age he already made himself a name in the british fashion industry and  fashion-scene insiders describe him as super talented. So better remember his name, I guess we’ll definitely hear a lot from him in future!!

But at first here are some basic informations about Damon Baker: The 20- year- old  is originally from Worcestershire, but he now lives and works in London. Since he started shooting two years ago, he shot for I-D, Sheer Magazine and for Fiasco Magazine. Currently he is also working with topmodel agencies such as Select, Models1, Storm, Premier and Next. Furthermore Damon is a popular celebrity photographer. For example he recently did shootings with Shingai from The Noisettes, Daisy Dares You, Clara Paget, Jade McSorley and Summer Rayne Oakes.

sources: 1) Clara Paget in Precipitation, Sheer Magazine #1 2) Portrait Alys Hale both via fashiongonerogue.com

Well, now I hand over to Damon talking about himself, his sources of inspiration, and his work:

F&R: Damon, how would you describe yourself in just a few words? 
Damon Baker: Dark, Weird, Energetic and Focused

Did you always want to become a photographer or was there one defining moment when you knew you wanted to take pictures professionally?
Fashion photography is me, I don’t live for anything else but to transform my mind into pixels.

What does it take to be a fantastic photographer in your opinion?
It takes passion, it takes drive and it needs a fresh mind, a strong mind, no barriers.

What profession would you like to attempt, if you wouldn’t be a photographer?
Creative direction or styling.

Who was the most interesting/inspiring person you have worked with?
Everybody I work or meet in this industry inspires me.

Where does your main influence and inspiration come from? 
My mind.

 How do you decide on subjects and locations of your shoots?
I figure out my ideas and start from there, the best part is drowning in model cards.

sources: 1) Iris van Berne 2) Alexandra Carl in Creature both via fashiongonerogue.com

In general during a session, how many pics do you take to find “the right one”?
It varies. You can never have too many pictures of beautiful people, enjoy it.

Do you have your work critiqued by someone else before you put it “out there”, or do you just go with what you think is right?
I critique my own work and then by putting it ‘out there’ it get’s critiqued by others.

What advice would you give young people, who are interested in pursuing a career in photography?
Never give up! Ignore all the negativity! You can do what you like, have no barriers, be wild and have fun, this is your life, live it exactly how you vision it.

What do you love most about your job as a photographer?
Having no barriers, expressing myself and being able to be surrounded by talented creatives.

sources: 1) Iris van Berne in Domestic Disturbia 2) Poly Brown 3) Brynja Jonbjarnadottir for Fiasco Magazine 4) Poly Brown all via fashiongonerogue.com

Thanks to Damon for answering my questions!
If you want to know more about Damon and his work, visit his blog: damonbaker.co.uk/blog or his official website:

This interview was conducted by Pia Birk from www.frock-and-roll.com with Damon Baker.

words by: Pia Birk