Donald Chambers is an incredibly talented fashion photographer who's worked with us since Elite Model Look 2012 and has watched our shy young contestants develop into amazing professional models. In this exclusive interview for Elite London he talks about his influences, early years as a photographer and the ups and downs of life in the fashion industry.
Featured models: Nancy Serle, Henry Shoebrook, Paul Kerr, Tom Watts
Hair and make-up for Tom Watts is Francesca Perren.
Hair and make up for Paul, Henry and Nancy is Tamara Tott and styling by
Kyanisha Morgan
Hair and make up for Paul, Henry and Nancy is Tamara Tott and styling by
Kyanisha Morgan
Tell us a bit about your background. Where do you come from and why did you start shooting photography?
I'm originally from Trinidad and Tobago, grew up in Jamaica, did my under-grad in the US and soon after, came across to the UK to experience a different part of the world. It's been almost nine years since I made that move and I've loved every bit of the London life since. It's hard to beat relaxing in the pub with good friends over a pint of extra cold Guinness, after you've just spent the day doing what you love doing. And for me, that's photography.
I was interested in photography for a long time but certainly did not take a traditional path to becoming a photographer. I left Jamaica for the States to do a BA in International Relations. I was an ok student but it's fair to say I was more interested in the life experience of being at university than just the books. I met a lot of great people from all over the world, many of whom are great friends to this day. We created so many good memories in those four years and my fascination with photography started when we began to document these memories with disposable cameras. They weren't posed but honest images showing the madness of yesterday's party or the near defeated faces of long library vigils. I fell in love with photography's ability to capture the moment and tell the story. Stories that told the truth, but what that truth was, was dependent on who it was viewing the imagery. I liked that. To me it was art and the only art I actually liked.
What first inspired you to become a photographer?
I was passionate about photography for quite some time but could never shake the self-doubt of whether this was something I could actually do and be ok at. Whilst holding a regular 9 - 5 job, I took lots of pictures of family members and friends and spent hours watching youtube tutorials. I went home to Trinidad one year and photographed our Carnival. If you have not been, the colours and energy of this event make it a photographer's dream. A year later I attended a Canon photo fair in Angel, London, and took a portfolio made up mostly of those Carnival images. It was seen by Susie Gregson, who was then an editor at Getty Images. I was expecting constructive criticism and guidance. I got a bloody contract! I was shocked, excited, and what I guess felt most important at the time...validated. I thought, screw it. I'm going to go for it and soon after I left my job. That was two years ago.
Who’s your favourite photographer? Or have you got a particular photo that you saw and fell in love with?
That's hard to say. I've been inspired by many photographers, some from different genres as well - Tim Hetherington's documentary photography, Annie Leibovitz's and Darren Filkins portraiture work, and the lifestyle work of Michael Heffernan who I've learnt a lot from. I'm a huge fan of Mario Sorrenti and I've recently come across the work of Guy Aroch who I think is fantastic.
What inspires you on set?
The connection with the model, I love what I do and when I get the same feeling back from whoever is in front of the camera, that energy or synergy gets me going on set.
What’s your best technique or tip for making models feel at ease/happy on set?
I'm a pretty relaxed person so no matter how frenetic the pace of a particular shoot may be, I try to keep that tone constant. A happy set is a productive set I think. And also, it may sound silly but once you keep in mind that it's a person in front of the camera and not just a subject to be photographed and properly positioned, then there's a much better chance of good chemistry between you which serves the shoot well.
Who would you most like to work with/photograph in the world and why?
Liv Tyler, she’s a gorgeous woman with stunning features who comes across as having a very dynamic spirit and it would be a dream to capture all of that on camera and in my own way.
What cameras do you use and why? Do you have a particular technique that’s your favourite when taking fashion pictures?
I use a Cannon 5D MarkII. No favourite technique. It's still early days is my journey as a fashion photographer and I'm loving that process of learning and trying out new things.
Do you work alone or with a team? And why?
In fashion photography it's all about the team. Having on board a really good hairstylist, make-up artist and stylist is essential. For the shoots I've done so far with Elite, I've been lucky enough to have Kyanisha Morgan do the styling, while Francesca Perren and Tammy Tott did the hair and make-up. Once you find people whose work you value and of course who you like working with, I think it's great to keep that same team going. It builds a good understanding between you and you know what you're going to get.
If you could go back in time and teach yourself something that would have made your career as a photographer easier, what would it be?
How to use a camera by the age of 12, I wish I started photography a lot earlier. It's a great feeling, finding something to do that you absolutely love, so why not wish to have that from a lot earlier in life. I was 20 when my eldest brother Randall gave me his camera, my first film camera, and started to show me the ropes. He, like my parents and my other brother Marc, is one of those bastardly creative types that is great at whatever he tries his hand at, and photography was just one of those things. Luckily for me it was one of those lessons that seeped in. My father is still trying with me on the cooking.
What tips do you have for aspiring photographers?
If it's what you love go for it. Don't waste a second longer doing what you don't want to.
What do you have planned next?
I would love to sink my teeth into a few great editorial projects. So if there's anyone out there who would like to give me a go please get in touch :) There's one editorial that I am working on now that I am very excited about….
What appeals to you about fashion photography?
I started off thinking that I wanted to be the next Tim Hetherington and specialise in documentary photography. After spending more time learning the nuances of photography I was drawn towards fashion photography. I was attracted by the creativity it offered to photographers and all the elements of production, art and lifestyle that went into the making of a fashion image. I was advised by many however, that fashion photography was something to stay clear of - too hard, unrewarding, too many people already making a stab at it. I took that to mean that I was not good enough to inspire confidence in them that my goals were achievable. I did not like that, so I worked towards changing it.
Still today I'm often told of how hard it is to make it as a successful fashion photographer. It's true, it is hard but working towards that goal is a journey that I'm loving being on.
Do you have any advice for photographers that are starting out in their career?
Make a good business model at the very start; spend hours researching and learning and at the same time find a good photographer to assist see what you learned and more being put into practice; don't let self-doubt keep you back. I'm not sure that mine will ever leave but I guess I use it to keep pushing me to get better and better; you have one life to live - live it, love it and enjoy it; and try a scotch with coconut water before you die.
Donald is an absolute joy to work with and an incredible talent. Check out his full website here with more work featuring our gorgeous models and watch this space guys, his photos are going to be everywhere…
Follow Donald on twitter at: @DonaldMChambers
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