ESCAPE Lookbook Photographer: Diego Campos

This past weekend, the Fashion Show Lookbook Committee had the pleasure of working with the amazing Diego Campos. Diego is a Chicago based fashion photographer and did us the honor of shooting our exciting Lookbook project. He has an astounding photography portfolio ranging from editorials to street style, and even runway from his trip to New York Fashion Week last fall. What makes this all most amazing is that he’s only 18! Read our interview with him below and find out more about what goes behind his beautiful photography.

How long have you been doing photography?

I’ve been doing photography for two and a half years and fashion photography for two years.

Where did your interest for fashion photography start?

My interest for fashion photography was more so discovered by an experimental approach. I was always interested in fashion but never really studied it or was passionate about it as much as now. When I had my first fashion shoot in a studio, I was overwhelmed with the amount of work it took to produce a successful shoot, but I suddenly gained a new, firm passion for it.

What has been your most fun/interesting project?

The UW Fashion Show Lookbook actually! I definitely tried newer things this time around as far as creating setups for each shot. Every shot was so different from each other and it challenged my innovation to a whole new level in a good way. It made me grow as a photographer by experimenting with ideas I’ve always been afraid of doing. I realized overcoming fear in that aspect allowed growth to take place! It was also the most physically exhausting project I’ve done but it was great anyway because I had fun working with such creative, professional, and fashionable people!

What’s the most difficult part about being a photographer, especially in the fashion scene?

The toughest part of being a photographer, and even for a fashion designer, is finding your personal style! Personal style has to be present and consistent in all works created. A style will set you apart from everyone else and it’s a unique factor that will distinguish you as yourself and only yourself. Clients will book you for your style. Many fashion photographers in the industry know how to take a beautiful photo, but having that unique style in your work will set you apart. I think I’ve found my style but it’s something that takes a while to discover; it’s a very intimate and personal process. I personally have found it through meditation, through music when images literally pop in my head and my visions transform from one to another, and by literally asking myself who I am. Self-identity is definitely key in establishing your style!

You’re only 18 yet you have such an impressive background. You had the opportunity to go to New York Fashion Week last fall! Tell us about that.

Yes! Well, I shot runway for Emerson Spring 2012 and backstage for hair and makeup last fall. I had entered an international fashion photography contest, held by Kelly Cutrone, in which I placed third. Several months later I met Kelly Cutrone, a fashion publicist and owner of People’s Revolution, at a book-signing event at Macy’s. We spoke about fashion photography and my passion for it and she realized how passionate I was that she gave me the opportunity to go to NY Fashion Week. I was absolutely ecstatic!

What are your future plan both career and education wise? Where do you want to see yourself in the future?

I have so many plans and goals as a fashion photographer. The ultimate goal is to shoot for high-end fashion magazines such as Dazed and Confused, i-D, Vogue, Elle, and Flare to name a few. I also want to be signed with MANAGEMENT+ARTISTS, a photography agency that represents some of the top fashion photographers. Before all of that though, I hope to attend Parsons this fall.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to be a fashion photographer until I die! I will never be sick of it. It’s simply my life and to remove it from my life is comparable to dying.

We want to thank Diego SO MUCH for all his hard work and dedication. We can’t wait to show everyone this project! 

Below are just some examples of Diego's previous work :D

 

*Interview by Lucy Angel