Get to know the latest Artist to join DMB, Photographer Alex de Mora…!

Alex de Mora is a London based photographer, who’s work is punctuated by a bold, colourful and raw aesthetic. Working across portraiture, fashion and documentary, his pictures are inspired by the characters he shoots. Whether conceptualising studio shoots, or working on location, bringing out the subject’s personality is the key to what makes Alex’s photographs tick. This week we caught up with him to find out more about the man behind the images…

Summarise your photography in 3 words…

Honest, Dishonest and Confusing

First photo you ever took?

It might not be the actual first ever, but the first photo that I actually remember taking on a 35mm SLR was a time when it was snowing, a friend and I dressed up my cat in a hat and scarf to create a “snow scene”. I have always been creative like that.

How has your style of photography developed over the years?

My photography started out quite lo-fi and raw, which probably reflects my taste in general. I grew up listening to a lot of punk and heavy metal, so have always been drawn to a more rough around the edges aesthetic. My work has evolved to become more colourful and bold, the more I have played with lighting.

Favourite shoot to date and why?

Perhaps the time I shot an editorial with a whole different selection of dogs wearing sunglasses. Life doesn’t get much more fun than that. Getting to work with my childhood hero Slash from Guns ‘n’ Roses was also pretty amazing. I’ve done loads of shoots with musicians, but this felt special as he came to my studio and hung out for hours afterwards.

Inspiring people/ places or things?

Probably a cliché, but I definitely get inspired when I get out of London. Just getting out of your bubble does wonders for the soul. I grew up in the countryside, and am more likely come up with an original idea in the peace and quiet of nature, than I would falling into the trap of algorithms on my phone.

Your creative process?

I love getting involved in all aspects of my shoots from conceptualising and art directing, to casting, to set design. The most important part for me though, is the team of people that I work with. Finding people that you are on the same wavelength as, and can be honest with is the ultimate key to a good shoot!