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 Keira Knightly and Angelina Jolie to David Beckham and Gordon Ramsay. His career has developed from early press photography through to high-profile portrait work, giving him a broad understanding of both the technical and practical side of the industry.
In this episode, he speaks about the reality of working as a photographer, from navigating freelance life and building relationships to managing shoots with high-profile talent under tight timeframes. He explains how much of the role sits beyond taking the picture, with preparation, organisation and problem-solving playing a central part in delivering a successful shoot.
He also shares how the industry has evolved, with faster turnaround times, increasing demand for content and the growing importance of behind-the-scenes visibility. As expectations continue to shift, he highlights the need to stay adaptable, maintain consistency and continue developing both creatively and commercially over time.