Bio Bit: David Bailey

A Healthy Helping of Elbow Grease

"A positive attitude can really make dreams come true - it did for me." - David Bailey

Despite a difficult childhood with limited opportunities David Bailey still followed his dreams, worked hard and has consequently become known as one of the best photographers of our time. With photographs ranging in all different styles, his work finds

The Style King

inspiration in every aspect of life and reflects a bit of his colorful, diverse personality. He is best known for his fashion work for Vogue and wide range of advertising and stock images. Born in a poor section of London in 1938, David didn’t have much opportunity to rise above his social circumstances, as he said himself "you could become a boxer, a car thief, or maybe a musician" (1). To be able to make a living as a photographer was almost out of the question. As a young man, David worked many different, small jobs such as a carpet salesman, shoe salesman, and window-dresser (1). Eventually he picked up photography again, after having given the hobby up when his snap shots from when he was younger were never successful. He became the apprentice of a fashion photographer, even though he was never interested in fashion. At the time, it was the only way a person could make a living as a photographer. Quickly rising in fame, he was able to branch out and take portraits. His style changes from image to image; from gentle and sweet to dark and brooding, the best way to sum it up is that his style reflects all the diversities of life. His portraits are bold with high contrasts, capturing people’s personalities and quirks. Starting in a low position in society, from wearing cardboard shoes to being taken to the movie theater every night because it was cheaper than heating the home (2), David Bailey shows that with enough determination, hope, and a willingness to work, that dreams aren’t always as unattainable as they might seem.

David Bailey Photography

Bibliography

(1.)  "PDN Legends Online: David Bailey." PDN Legends Online: David Bailey. N.p., n.d. Web. 26

        Sept. 2014.

(2.)  "David Bailey." Facts & Biography. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2014.

"About." DAVID BAILEY PHOTOGRAPHY. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2014.