Behind the Camera with Joe Dammel
Behind every amazing photo is an even more amazing photographer — and Joe Dammel of Dammel Photographic Works is no exception to this rule.
Joe is our lead photographer on FWMN and is a key part of the core Fashion Week team. The Minneapolis-based editorial fashion photographer has been interested in the field since he was a child — read our Q&A with Joe to learn more about his passion and talent!
Joe via Dammel Photographic Works
Q: How did you get involved in photography? What inspired you to start?
A: I've always been fascinated by photography going back to bringing disposable film cameras with me on family trips as a kid. My interest was rekindled when I was in law school and my classmate (and friend of Fashion Week) Priyanka Premo lent me her DSLR camera to play around with. I was hooked, and spent the next few years trying out all of the standard photography styles and types, from landscapes and long exposure cityscapes to family and wedding photography. Most of it was not great! But it helped me understand photography better and learn how my camera worked.
For a long time, I only shot film and developed and printed my work at home. I can't imaging shooting Fashion Week on film, but it would be a fun challenge (as long as I didn't have to develop and scan every frame myself). Anyway, fast forward to 2018 or so, and Priya asked me to shoot a few different fashion looks for her "for the internet," and the rest is history. I found out that I loved fashion portraiture!
Q: What are your favorite — and least favorite — things to photograph?
A: I love photographing people. Back when I was just shooting film, one of my favorite project was a series of portraits of strangers (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jadammel/albums/72157629366396851). I think that's when my love of photographing people began. I think it's just a really special thing to photograph someone else, especially when they give you something that comes from a really vulnerable place. It doesn't happen too often, but when it does, there's really no other feeling like it in the world and it's something I'm eternally grateful for when it does happen.
I don't know if I have a least favorite thing to photograph, but I always try to find something unique about a location or situation I find myself shooting in. For example, during Fashion Week, I love having the freedom to find unique perspectives or use techniques like dragging the shutter or using flash. Anything to create something different!
BTS at the FWMN Lookbook Shoot
Q: What are some of your favorite projects you’ve worked on?
A: Fashion Week is definitely one of my favorite things to photograph. I was especially excited to shoot this year's lookbook. I can't wait to see it in person. Over time, I've also found people that I really like to shoot with and it's always fun to create with them. I'm always adding to my list, too!
Q: What do you do in your free time when you’re not behind the camera?
A: Oh, I always find something fun and geeky to do when I'm not photographing something. I've been really into coffee lately, and have fun experimenting with different roasts and brewing techniques. I also like to listen to music (people who follow my stories on Instagram know how much I like "sad girl songs" from Phoebe Bridgers, Billie Eilish, or Japanese Breakfast, haha). I also like to check out new places to eat.
Photos by Joe Dammel for FWMN Lookbook - view gallery here
Q: What’s next for you, Joe, and for Dammel Photographic Works?
A: Well, Fashion Week! I think I'm shooting a show every day during that week. It's really fun to see the shows and to hang out with people, but it's always a massive effort to get everything edited. I'm looking forward to it though! I'm also looking forward to the summer, when I can go out and shoot with some fun folks and find that good summer light.
Q: How can we as a fashion community support you?
A: I love seeing my work out in the "wild"! I feel a lot of support when folks post my images (with attribution to the whole team, of course!). I can't wait to see my Fashion Week images out there, it's always a boost.