This week, Dan Kennedy, celebrity portrait photographer, talks about his journey into the industry and how his career developed from shooting live music and working in newspapers to photographing high-profile talent across editorial and advertising. He shares how much of that progression came from hands-on experience, taking risks and consistently putting himself forward for opportunities.
He also gives an honest view of what working on set really involves, from managing tight schedules and changing dynamics with talent to handling the practical challenges that come with every shoot. He explains how preparation, quick decision-making and the ability to read a room are often just as important as the photography itself.
Dan reflects on the realities of freelance life, including the unpredictability of work, the highs and lows that come with it, and how photographers learn to navigate that over time. He also discusses how the industry has changed, with faster turnaround expectations, the growing importance of behind-the-scenes content and why staying adaptable and consistent remains key to building a long-term career.
Interview by Tessa Dewing for The Business of Modelling Podcast
Dan Kennedy is a celebrity portrait photographer working across advertising and editorial, with a portfolio that includes some of the most recognisable names in the world, from Angelina Jolie and David Beckham through to Keira Knightley and Gordon Ramsay.
In this episode, he speaks about the reality of building a career in photography, from his early days shooting live music and working in newspapers to navigating freelance life and photographing high-profile talent. He shares how much of the role sits beyond the image itself, with preparation, relationships and consistency playing a central part in long-term success.
Starting Out and Finding Photography
Dan reflects on how his career began without a traditional route into the industry, learning by doing rather than through formal training. “I hadn’t done any training at all by then… I just kind of got into it,” he explains, describing how early opportunities photographing live bands and working at a local newspaper gave him his first experience.
That hands-on approach continued throughout his career. “That was my training ground, and that’s where I learned to make mistakes,” he says, referring to his time working across a wide range of jobs in local news.
Taking Risks and Moving Forward
As his career developed, Dan made a series of decisions to push himself further, often without certainty of what would come next. “I took a deep breath… and went down to London with no guarantee of work,” he explains, reflecting on the moment he committed to freelance photography.
That mindset became a consistent theme. “Try hard and smile… that really became my approach,” he says, describing the attitude that helped him build relationships and secure ongoing work.
Working with High-Profile Talent
Dan gives a clear view of what it’s like working on set with well-known figures, where no two shoots are the same. “It’s a real mixed bag… you never know what they’re going through,” he explains, highlighting how unpredictable those environments can be.
Time is often limited, which makes preparation essential. “We had Kate Winslet for 45 minutes… we went from shot one to shot two to shot three, and that was it,” he says, emphasising how quickly those moments move.
He also highlights the importance of how people are treated on set. “Whether it’s a really famous face… or someone who’s been in the studio for the first time, everyone gets treated the same,” he explains.
The Reality of the Job
While photography is the visible outcome, much of the work happens behind the scenes. “80 to 90 percent of this job is logistics… with only a small part of it actually being photography,” he says, pointing to the level of organisation and problem-solving involved.
That often includes thinking quickly and adapting when things change. “I’m always thinking on my feet… sometimes that’s what ends up making the picture,” he explains, reflecting on how unexpected decisions can shape the final result.
Freelance Life and Industry Realities
Dan is open about the unpredictability of freelance work and the emotional highs and lows that come with it. “It’s a bit like a rollercoaster… you get the job, then the phone’s not ringing and you’re questioning everything,” he says.
He also notes how common that experience is across the industry. “You never know where your next job’s coming from,” he adds, highlighting the level of uncertainty creatives often manage.
The Changing Industry
As the industry continues to evolve, Dan reflects on how expectations have shifted, particularly around speed and visibility. “We’re expected to be doing edits super quickly… and turning things around faster,” he explains.
He also points to the growing importance of showing the process behind the work. “Behind the scenes has become a massive thing for us,” he says, highlighting how content creation now plays a role alongside the final image.
Overall
Dan offers a practical and honest perspective on what it takes to build and sustain a career in photography, from early experience and risk-taking through to managing high-pressure shoots and adapting to an evolving industry. As he shows, success in this space is shaped as much by attitude, preparation and resilience as it is by creative ability.