Check Out John Fawkes’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Fawkes.

Hi John, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I bought a camera back in 2020 to take photos for my personal training business that I had at the time, so I actually got my start doing men’s fitness photography. I shot portraits as a hobby for a few years, then a few years ago I started getting offered the occasional paid gig shooting events, social media content for local brands, or professional headshots and portfolio photos. I started seriously marketing myself last year, and as of this year I’m full-time as a photographer, shooting a mix of professional

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t really. The biggest struggle has been learning how to market my business, and getting over my fear of selling. I’ve learned that nothing really substitutes for in-person networking.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
A couple things. I’m definitely known for favouring a high-contrast look in much of my work because I’m so inspired by film noir, horror and cyberpunk fiction. I’m also known for my creativity– in coming up with unique shoot concepts, finding unusual angles, and most of all for my Photoshop compositing.

I’m particularly proud of a piece I did called Red Sector, which is cyberpunk-inspired edit of one of the very first street photos I ever took. I think what sets me apart is the way I blend genres– boudoir with fine art compositing, high fashion with horror, portraits with landscapes, and so on.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Practice every type of photography at least for a while, at least initially. Look for tricks and techniques you can borrow from one genre and add to another. And look for sources of inspiration outside your own art form. My favourite musicians take inspiration from movies, TV shows, books, plays, poems. As a photographer, I’ve taken. lot of inspiration from music, film, and even renaissance paintings. Having broad sources of inspiration gives you the repertoire to ultimately develop your own unique style.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.johnfawkesphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialjohnfawkes

Image Credits
Models: Kate Lake, John Fawkes, Jaedra DiGiamarino, Ann Gotti, Thomas Pacheco