Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Bowery.
Hi Dawn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey toward becoming a professional working photographer has been an unusual one. With a passion for both creativity and technology, I found the perfect balance in computer graphics and started my professional career as a software engineer at BBC Television, creating graphics for Elections, Weather, News and Sport. My path soon led me to the exciting world of movies and TV as a visual effects artist, where the pressure was high. This was a fabulous training ground for colour treatment, composition and post-production.
Looking back, I can see how my journey and love of travel have come together to make me the photographer I am today. I’m fascinated by people’s stories and enjoy using portraiture and fine art as a way to share a story with the viewer, to draw them in and leave them wanting to know more.
Photography gives me the privilege of getting to know so many people from all walks of life and seeing the joy on their faces when they see their portraits! I enjoy portraiture and fine art photography equally – but love street photography is where my photography journey started. Not knowing what I will discover around each corner and sharing my unique perspective through my work is where I am in my element.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There were many obstacles and bumps in the road and lots of challenges along the way. I don’t recommend moving countries and changing careers at the same time, but somehow through sheer determination and refusing to give up, I made it work!
I’ve been in business for over ten years now but the challenges don’t stop, they’re just different. I don’t take anything for granted and am aware that it is a privilege to be commissioned and make a good living in a creative field. To help stay successful, it is essential to adapt to the constant changes in my profession – especially in technology. I’m still excited by each shoot and even though I am an experienced photographer, I always experience some apprehension which keeps me on my toes!
My professional photography career started with the minimum of equipment, no contacts and a new country. I was starting from scratch having moved from London to LA, transitioning from my visual effects artist career to photography. I remember a friend asking me what was my plan b? The truth was that I had no plan b – this had to work!
With a fledgling business and very few bookings, I decided to create a project for myself. – to take fifty editorial portraits of my fellow Brits in LA and tell their stories. I decided to gauge interest by putting up a post on Facebook. To my surprise, I was inundated with messages the next day and so “California Dreaming: Real Life Stories of Brits in LA” was born! I had no money or sponsorship to support my project but I had plenty of tenacity to make up for it. Thanks to Bafta LA and the Brits in LA breakfast group I got to know some fascinating people and my network quickly grew. Someone said to me, “When is the book coming out?” I had no plans for a book and had no idea what was involved. Before I knew it, I found myself committing to producing a book. Once I had taken the portraits, gathered the stories, and designed the book, I then set about raising the money for the printing of the book. Crowdfunding was the only option and this proved to be the best decision I could have made. The campaign generated so much media attention that I had a two-page feature in the Mail on Sunday magazine, a BBC radio interview and a TV segment on the Lorraine show. I’m so grateful to everyone who encouraged me and helped me along the way to make this project a success. There are still a few books available for sale so please get in touch if you would like to purchase a copy!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My specialty is in creating beautiful storytelling portraits. I’m instinctively drawn to strong composition, geometry, muted tones and dramatic lighting. I equally enjoy the creative process of a controlled environment where I am designing the lighting of a portrait for my client and the joys of documentary-style photography. Both involve having a good eye and noticing what many people miss! Taking the time to find the best angles and finding beauty in the most unlikely situations. I like experimenting and am open to trying new ideas. Personally, I love that every shoot is different and each brings unexpected problems to solve and sometimes there are happy accidents!
My goal is to make the portrait process a fun experience for my clients and to feel more like having a relaxed chat with a friend that happens to result in a beautiful portrait! My process is a combination of giving clear direction and being open to suggestions. Sometimes, the shoot changes direction unexpectedly and we go down a different route to what had been planned. Often my clients are a little apprehensive about being in front of the camera. To help put them at ease, I explain what I am doing and why – showing them the results as we progress. It is a creative collaboration! Keeping them involved means there are no unwanted surprises later when they view their online proofing gallery.
My clients consistently emphasize that what distinguishes me from other photographers are my authentic portraits, distinctive lighting style, and meticulous approach to color treatment. It was reaffirmed just today when an unexpected inquiry came in from a prospective client who shared that they had conducted an extensive search for photographers but chose to exclusively reach out to me. I am deeply humbled by this recognition and appreciate the trust they have placed in me.
I’m fortunate to have received several honorable mentions from the International Photography Awards, recognizing my portraiture and street photography that captured the Black Lives Matter march in Hollywood amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among all my accomplishments, the one that fills me with the greatest sense of pride is the selection of my fine art photograph, capturing a lively Moroccan street scene, for the esteemed Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in London. I am immensely proud of having my work displayed in such a renowned gallery. This world-famous exhibition not only enabled my art to reach a vast audience but also opened doors to selling my fine art to clients worldwide and having exhibitions in both London and Los Angeles.
When I’m not shooting portraits, my focus is dedicated to refining my fine art portfolio. Presently, I am in the process of updating my website to showcase and offer my fine art creations for purchase through an online shop.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
In my photo shoots, there are several core values that truly matter to me. First and foremost, it is essential for me to establish a strong connection with my clients and create an environment where they feel comfortable, heard, and valued. I believe that building a rapport and understanding their unique personalities, requirements, and stories allows me to capture their authentic essence in the most genuine way possible.
Another key aspect that matters greatly to me is attention to detail. I strive to ensure that every element, from composition to lighting, is meticulously considered to craft compelling and visually captivating images. I believe that these finer details play a significant role in enhancing the overall impact of the photographs and creating a remarkable visual experience for both my clients and viewers.
Moreover, I deeply value the power of storytelling through my images. I aim to go beyond merely capturing a moment and instead weave narratives that evoke emotions and resonate with the viewers. Whether it’s through portraiture, fine art, or any other genre, I see each photograph as an opportunity to convey a story, spark curiosity, and leave a lasting impression.
Furthermore, I am committed to delivering a high level of professionalism throughout the entire process. From the initial consultation to the final delivery of the images, I strive for clear communication, reliability, and a seamless experience for my clients. I understand the significance of their trust in me, and I endeavour to exceed their expectations by providing exceptional service and exceeding their vision.
Lastly, continuous improvement and growth are paramount to me. I constantly seek to expand my creative horizons, embrace new techniques, and refine my skills. Staying inspired and pushing the boundaries of my artistry allows me to consistently deliver fresh, innovative, and captivating photographs.
In summary, what matters most to me in my photo shoots is establishing a genuine connection with my clients, paying meticulous attention to detail, telling powerful stories through my images, upholding professionalism, and fostering continuous growth as an artist. By embracing these values, I aim to create a truly meaningful and unforgettable experience for each and every client I have the privilege to work with.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dawnboweryphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawnboweryphotography/
- Facebook: https://wwwfacebook.com/dawnboweryphotography/
Image Credits
Jeff Pinette took portrait of Dawn Bowery
