They say it's better to get into your career at an early age and 16 year old fashion photographer David Urbanke is doing just that. For about a year, the animal loving fashion prodigy has been racking up some of the best models agencies have to offer.
Model Experience: So, you're 16 years old. About how long have you been shooting for?
David Urbanke: I've been shooting fashion for about a year, and was taking pictures for about a year before that as well. I first started taking pictures at 14 with a little point and shoot camera from my uncle.
ME: What made you start?
DU: I was really interested in taking pictures of blythe dolls, inspired by the work of Gina Garan.
ME: What camera do you have?
DU: I was using the rebel xti for a long time, but recently switched to the 5d mark II.
ME: Do you feel you focus has shifted through your time working in the fashion industry? Or if fashion photography is what you wanted to do, has the industry changed your opinion of it?
DU: It's still something I struggle with regularly. I do love the clothes, but for me working in "fashion" actually isn't about the fashion. I really love capturing beauty and working with the models, that's my favorite part!
ME: What has been your favorite photoshoot so far?
DU: My personal favorite is "Brooklyn Bound" for The Ones2watch, it's just really simple and easy.
ME: What has been your hardest photoshoot so far?
DU: Hm, probably "Headlights On" for Cake Mag. It was my first shoot working with real designer clothing and a full team with makeup and everything.
ME: What do you want people to take away from your work?
DU: A sense of simplicity. Not everything has to be over the top with lots going on!
ME: What or who inspires you most?
DU: The sunset! A little cliche, but it's always beautiful and simple. It never gets boring to me.
ME: What do you love photographing most?
DU: People. No person is ever the same. They all look different and have different personalities, I find it really interesting!
ME: If you could have the perfect photoshoot what would it be?
DU: This is such a hard question! SO many options. I would love to shoot Lily cole in Paris, or Lindsey Wixson in an old broken down factory. There are so many more!
ME: What is the most common misconception about you or your work?
DU: That because of my age, people have assumed the only reason I'm shooting is because I must have family connections or something. This is not true! Nobody in my family works in fashion. I started everything by myself. My parents are very supportive, but I do everything myself, from meetings to shoots.
ME: Is the business as hard as it seems?
DU: I actually don't think so! If you really have a vision of what you want to do, you're driven, and you treat everyone with respect, things can really take off. People seem to think you need to be cold and try to make yourself sound like you're the best thing in the world. So not true! If you're polite, modest, and honest, it really impresses people.
ME: If you could go back in time and give yourself advice when you were first starting out, what advice would you give?
DU: Don't shoot every model offered to you based on their status in the industry, stay true to yourself and make sure you love everything you shoot.
(I just have to pause here to agree. This is some pretty good advice!)
ME: Finish my sentence. The best part about being a photographer is....
DU: Taking pictures!
ME:The worst part about being a photographer is....
DU: the stress can be overwhelming.
A very special thanks to David for taking time out of his busy schedule to talk to us! He's a force to be reckoned with and we just know he's going to go far. Keep up the amazing work.
To see more on David:
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