by Amber Elle
David “The Electronic Owl” Booker is a 20 year old Fashion & Beauty Photographer located in the Metro-Detroit area. His work can be described as vibrant and unique. While edgy, his photos are polished with professionalism. His editorial looks and creative concepts show versatility while still remaining true to his brand. I sat down with David after working with him on a shoot to get to know the man behind the lens.
How did you get started in photography and how long have you been shooting?
I actually started photography when I was a junior in high school back in 2011. I took the photography class just because I needed an art credit to graduate, and I thought that it would be an easy blow-off. Somewhere in there, I just started loving the whole craft and everything that went into it. And now here I am.
What type of photography do you shoot?
Conceptual fashion, editorial, and beauty for the most part.
How would you describe your photography aesthetic?
I would say that my work is vibrant, bold, bright, full of contrast, and has a little bit of an edge to it. I really like for colors to pop and for everything to just be very in your face and loud.
Where do you find your inspiration for shoots?
Most of the time, I find my inspirations in electronic music. Which is part of where the name "Electronic Owl" came from. I'll hear a certain beat, or a certain line in a song, and I just get this entire concept in my mind, and I have to create it right away.
Who do you look to as a role model in the industry and why?
I really like Mario Testino for the fact that his work is so clean, Steven Klein because all of his work is very bold and edgy, and Tim Walker because every shoot he creates is really elaborate, and the images look like 3D paintings.
What do you look for in the casting of your models?
The whole package. I'm not going to lie, I can be very picky. Modeling to me is not all about being cute. If you're someone who just wants to be seen as the "pretty girl" I'm not interested. I love models who are not afraid to step out of their comfort zone, not afraid to be in awkward positions, and who are willing to get a little messy to get the shot. You also have to be able to pose, not stand there and tilt your head, POSE; and show emotion to my camera.
Where do you see your photography going in the next few years?
Well, I'm planning on moving to NYC hopefully by the end of this year. I want to connect with as many people as I can in the industry, and hopefully have my work seen on posters, major magazine pages, and billboards.
If you could be published in any editorial magazine what would it be? Why?
I really like W magazine. A lot of the images in their magazine bring edge, and originality. I don't like flipping through magazines where every editorial looks like they were copy and pasted onto the next page.
Who is your perfect model? Why?
Someone who is brave, can pose, show emotion, and can take any direction that I give them. One of my favorite models that I've worked with is Julia Miller. She doesn't even need direction. I just tell her what I'm looking for, and BAM she's got it down.
What is the thing you love most about the photography and fashion scene in Detroit?
The fact that everyone puts so much effort into creating what they love.
To book David and see more of his work, visit his website www.davidelectronic.com .
