The art and science of photography has been in dynamic evolution since the last century. With the development of the 35 mm or candid camera by Oskar Barnack first marketed in 1925, photographers won the freedom to simply aim, adjust and shoot. Later, the manufacture of faster black and white and colour film enabled them to work without a flash, even in fading light. With portable lighting equipment, avid photojournalists were soon on the road to creating some of the most enduring poetry on film. Ace photographer Daren Bell based in Dubai since 2001, carries a sense of contemporary history in all his work.
His work is defined by quality and timeliness, underpinning his no-nonsense approach to even the most challenging commissions. "The demand for speed and quality of work first motivated me to set up shop in Dubai. Speed in the decision making process of corporates added to the high standards of quality demanded is a challenge I am happy to meet," he explains.
Daren's success in Dubai is obvious - in the five years he has been here his clientele has increased tenfold. This is both a testament to his abilities, but equally a demonstration of just how vibrant the region is becoming in this sphere.
Although, Daren is quick to add, that it wasn't always so. Coming from the fiercely competitive market of the UK, he was surprised by the laid back work ethic of Dubai. But in just a few years, thanks to the Emirate developing into a hub for visual media and branding services, the corporate culture has turned ever more demanding. "And that," says Daren, "makes me immensely happy because I am interested in producing only the very best work for my clients."
He has grown his client base gradually, keen to specialise above all in design and interior photography. Working methodically, he has endeared himself and his visual sensitivity to top companies ranging from KEO, Hamilton Design and Citysapce, to Al Rostamani. Parallel to his, Daren's online image bank has become a serious visual reference point for ebuyers worldwide.
After graduating from UK's Medway College of Design, Daren took off to explore the world from Amazonian rainforests, to deep sea diving for wrecks and reefs. Later he specialised in food photography and ultimately moved towards the world of design and interiors. "I love space, angular forms and outdoor shooting doesn't faze me - this is why this branch of photography is ideal for me," he explains.
In addition to his thriving practice, Daren is setting up a videography division. And because he believes that quality is what sets the men apart from the boys, he will himself continue to uphold this ensuring standard within the stills field whilst working closely with an expert in film and videography to manage the new arm of the business. "I love the idea of planning a story board, getting into the actual shooting and then presenting the final cut... Teamwork in motion," he says.
If you ask him what he most enjoys about photography it is bound to be digital imaging. "This is because," Daren says, "digital imaging is far more manipulative than analogue. It is easier to adjust, add, subtract or completely morph an image from its original look! It takes photography to a different level altogether, whether it be a digital image to start with or a scanned image, is immaterial." In fact, not one of his images leaves his studio without it first being doctored on the computer. While that may mean an increase in the effort quotient, for Daren it hikes up the fun quotient too. And the best part of this is that the clients are oblivious of either. They just love the end product and keep coming for more.
So what's next for Daren? A shot at teaching photography. And involvement in charity work. And no prizes for guessing both come with the quality rider.