source: 1883magazine

Sometimes a good interview icebreaker is to shock your interviewee -after a succession of serious questions- with a few silly numbers. When I should be discussing the importance of photography as a creative outlet, 22-year-old Briton Arron Dunworth and I find ourselves discussing the benefits of eating cereal and listening to motivational albums (Arrons favourite happens to be The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill).
Moving on…. Describing the individual talents of a photographer is not the easiest task in the World; photography, like art is highly personal and sometimes if you get a modest interviewee like Dunworth here, it can be tricky finding out why, in their opinion, their work simply ‘works’. Lets start at the beginning…What ignited your passion for photography, I ask? ‘The beautiful shots from my first camera- a simple pin hole version made from cardboard.’ He was also spurred on from the encouragement of his GCSE teachers and friends, he later tells me. ‘The whole process of photography was so ‘instant’ to me- I wanted to explore what I could do with it, and see how it worked.’ Is it hard to try and capture a signature style, and yet still keep your images original and surprising, I ask? ‘I have swapped between monotone and colour over the years- I think that controlled, pared down colour is now my signature. They key thing is to never sacrifice your own creativity in fear that it may not meet someone else’s expectations.’

Dunworth shows a real ability to capture portraiture in a unique and visually exquisite way. He often plays with traditional ideals of masculinity and femininity- with exotic and visually revealing results. His subjects are elegantly poised, producing beautiful curves and patterns of light. The flawlessness of his photographs shows that he is a true perfectionist: ‘I look at the whole picture and I like to make sure the clothes sit right, the hair and makeup are fixed, and the model is focused’. This professional approach sets him apart from other photographers and is sure to be a catalyst to further success.

‘My favourite subject to photograph is someone who has a story. The people I shoot inspire me, especially those who have done and go on to do amazing things. It sounds cheesy, but to me modern beauty is about accepting who you are and being truthful to yourself.’ Maybe this belief in pushing the boundaries of fashion led him to his discovery of muse Rob Evans. He explains: ‘My greatest achievement so far has to be discovering Rob, aka ‘Givenchy No.20’. He has gone on to do some groundbreaking work in his small time in the industry so far, and frankly with a model of his size its unheard of! I think my discovery of Rob and using him as my muse, regardless of being told countless times ‘’he’s too big’, only for him to be snapped up by Givenchy, is a very inspiring story…especially because I knew Rob when he was a local Banbury boy…and now he’s signed to Storm and Major in New York. Its amazing.’ Dunworth’s confidence to go against the fashion grain is what is so refreshing about him as an artist.
He believes strongly in the power of fate and also that talent is a God given right. ‘I look for signs to make sure I am always on the right path; for example, I recently worked with Faith Evans, and even her name ‘Faith’- I think it says a lot, or maybe that’s just me?!’ He laughs, slightly embarrassed. With photographers like Dunworth catapulting on to the scene, fashion is sure to be shaken up by this new generation of talent, in a fantastically good way. Words by Ginny Weeks