Dante Camp (Delaware) |
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Dante Camp is a freelance photographer and model (click here to see Dante's modeling portfolio) from Newark, Delaware. Submerging himself into both perspective of the camera, in front of and behind it, he's discovered a happy medium that has ultimately strengthened his vision. He's worked with countless models and photographers and values the personal connection he has built with each during the shoots.
For inquiries please click here...
You seem to be very unapologetic when expressing yourself… explain the value in living with your level of creative and expressive freedom?
I’ve always been very passionate about my perspective of things but it’s taken a long time to approach expressing myself in a healthy and constructive way. I think with social media people are quick to attack others and then it just snowballs into a screaming match that helps no one. It’s important to approach these conversations as just that; conversations. By removing anger from the equation I think we would learn a lot more from each other and collectively grow. |
What started what? Did modeling spring you into photography or the other way around?
Click here to see Dante's modeling portfolio...
I started photography first. Prior to starting at Delaware College of Art and Design (DCAD), I had only taken one photography class. It was a black and white film course and I was in my junior year of high school. I decided to take it because I’ve always loved movies growing up and as I got older I realized what I loved most about them was the cinematography. A movie could have the most mundane plot and uninteresting characters, so long as it was framed well, I was entertained.
So I took this class as it was the closest opportunity I had to learning that art. The program was cut the following year which was very discouraging to me. Subsequently I struggled the hardest with my depression the following year. I continued with the fine art classes I had been taking and constructed a portfolio that would later get me accepted into DCAD.
Once I started college, I began to start modeling as well. In between classes, me and some fellow photography majors would utilize our access to a studio and do photoshoots for fun. This made me realize how much I loved being in front of the camera.
Click here to see Dante's modeling portfolio...
I started photography first. Prior to starting at Delaware College of Art and Design (DCAD), I had only taken one photography class. It was a black and white film course and I was in my junior year of high school. I decided to take it because I’ve always loved movies growing up and as I got older I realized what I loved most about them was the cinematography. A movie could have the most mundane plot and uninteresting characters, so long as it was framed well, I was entertained.
So I took this class as it was the closest opportunity I had to learning that art. The program was cut the following year which was very discouraging to me. Subsequently I struggled the hardest with my depression the following year. I continued with the fine art classes I had been taking and constructed a portfolio that would later get me accepted into DCAD.
Once I started college, I began to start modeling as well. In between classes, me and some fellow photography majors would utilize our access to a studio and do photoshoots for fun. This made me realize how much I loved being in front of the camera.
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Has your experience modeling helped improve your photography or vice versa?
Yes and yes! Being a photographer aides in my experience of being a model because it allows me to envision what the image will look like in real time. This grants me a lot of confidence and comfort in what I do, so much so that I’m not afraid to offer suggestions to the photographer. The power dynamic when working with me is very much so a mutual collaboration. In turn, my experience as a model allows me to better direct and connect with the models I work with as a photographer. I really honor and value that connection because I am going to shoot fashion editorials one day, and in that world, the model should be equally valued and respected as the photographer. Which cartoon character would you use to describe your personality? A cross between Marceline from Adventure Time and Amethyst from Steven Universe. |
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What has been the toughest aspect about modeling or photography that you have had to face?
Both have pushed me out of my comfort zone, but in different ways. Photography has forced me to be more social and unforgiving in my presence. Which was a great feat for me to overcome as someone who’s had social anxiety for years. I started out doing street photography, often times taking pictures of strangers without ever exchanging words. That takes a certain level of confidence that not everyone, myself included, has. The more I did it, the more I cared about capturing a great moment and less about the possible consequences. And modeling forced me to accept how I look. There are still things that I’m insecure about, but modeling and the feedback I’ve received from doing so have really helped me come to terms with them. |
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First State is here to represent the photographers, models, and all other artists of Delaware - we’ve met with Xander whom you seem to have a pretty close relationship with. Could you name a few of the fellow visionaries you have worked with in the area?
Xander is great! I love his style, he’s definitely going to be big. Through him, I’ve collaborated with Rachel Silver and Rachel Tallant. I loved working with each of them and thoroughly enjoyed both experiences. I’m looking forward to working with them again in the future.
My go to model to shoot with is Acie Barry. We’ve been friends for years but only began shooting in March. She’s one of those people who just has it, shes been comfortable in front of the camera from day one and has only improved since. I’m really proud of her.
Xander is great! I love his style, he’s definitely going to be big. Through him, I’ve collaborated with Rachel Silver and Rachel Tallant. I loved working with each of them and thoroughly enjoyed both experiences. I’m looking forward to working with them again in the future.
My go to model to shoot with is Acie Barry. We’ve been friends for years but only began shooting in March. She’s one of those people who just has it, shes been comfortable in front of the camera from day one and has only improved since. I’m really proud of her.
What words of wisdom could the world use right now?
The thought patterns you create and the words you speak on a daily basis determine how you experience life as a whole. Remember your power.
The thought patterns you create and the words you speak on a daily basis determine how you experience life as a whole. Remember your power.
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How does working with other people impact your own work?
Like I said earlier, the power dynamic when working with me is very much a mutual collaboration. That being said, I definitely have my own style and vision. But when working with other creatives, you can’t help but to be inspired to push that style and vision into new territory. It’s a very rewarding and satisfying community to be apart of. I’ve never been so welcomed, valued, and respected before; it’s beautiful.
Like I said earlier, the power dynamic when working with me is very much a mutual collaboration. That being said, I definitely have my own style and vision. But when working with other creatives, you can’t help but to be inspired to push that style and vision into new territory. It’s a very rewarding and satisfying community to be apart of. I’ve never been so welcomed, valued, and respected before; it’s beautiful.
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