“Fashion photography isn’t just about the model, it’s about everything in the picture, and everything in my images is there for a specific reason”
Australian photographer Dakota Gordon captures more than a pretty face. Inspired by architecture and colours everything in her pictures has its place and you can tell by looking that she is thinking about the proccess in detail. The colorful and natural images radiate vibrancy and power on the one hand and on the other hand, a maverick peace.
What fascinates you about fashion-photography?
I’m not really sure, I never expected to be a fashion photographer. I just love the whole process of finding clothes to use, finding the perfect model and finding the perfect location, it’s really exciting, although I’m not really into fashion that much myself.
I read you are living next to the beach. I have to admit that this is my big dream to achieve one day:) Waking up next to the sea – is this something that inspires you in daily life?
Not at all, I’m not a beach person! If you knew what I looked like, you’d be surprised that I live where I do and I don’t remember the last time I went! I’m more inspired by architecture, however not much in architecture Australia inspires me because it’s so modern, so I’m constantly searching for things online and going on trips.
How would your friends describe you?
Haha I just asked a friend because I wasn’t sure, her response “Sarcastic, dry, dark and brooding”, not sure if that’s a good or bad thing…
Your images transmits something very special and for me they feel very calm and a bit nostalgic. What do you want to capture in your work?
I try not to fixate on the aesthetic beauty of JUST the model, obviously that is an important factor if you’re talking fashion photography, but it’s certainly not everything. A lot of people tend to take photos of pretty girls and make it all about them whilst not even bothering to utilise their surroundings, and it doesn’t make the clothing or location come alive. Fashion photography isn’t just about the model, it’s about everything in the picture, and everything in my images is there for a specific reason. The clothing, the location, it all works together, and that’s what I want to capture; something that just works.
Also I see lots of models with long hair in your images – sometimes the hair is kind of the focus in the image. So when is a woman beautiful for you?
That’s certainly not on purpose, I don’t tend pick girls just because they have long hair (maybe subconsciously because I wish I had long/nice hair, haha), but sometimes I can be quite picky about who I shoot, I couldn’t tell you my favourite types of girls to shoot because it always varies, they just need to have that special something, I can’t really explain it.
What is the essence of a good picture?
As I mentioned already…. something that works! A good picture (to me) is something that is perfectly put together, whether it be intentional or not.
The most important thing in life? Music.
Where can we find you on a saturday evening?
Editing photos in my bedroom, listening to Neurosis.
Where do you see yourself in a few years?
Hopefully travelling the world. 9 – 5 isn’t for me.
