Fantasy and Fashion Photographer: Tim Walker

Translated from:

01. 패션 포토그래퍼, 팀 워커 Tim Walker

Tim Walker’s fashion photographs are infused with Nightmare Before Christmas like tones that blur the distinction between reality and fantasy, making his images all the more captivating.

“I’ve never been in love with fashion, actually; trends and catwalks don’t interest me. I love clothes; I love them historically and currently. They represent a spirit of the times and the zeitgeist.” — Tim Walker

Ironically to this statement, his odd and fascinating images captured throughout the years have become notable in fashion.

“Imaginary Fantastic Bizarre” for Vogue Italia

“The Dress-Lamp Tree” (2002)

“Humpty Dumpty” for Vogue UK

“Far Far Land” for W magazine (2013)

Walker’s childhood was a literal fairy tale, to say the least. When he wasn’t building tree houses, jumping over fences, or swimming outdoors — he was painting. They were of extreme figures in green or pink shades, unusually tall, and with long hair.

The child with absurd imagination grew up enchanted with pictures, and believed that fashion photography was the best medium to capture elements of fantasy. He began his career as a fashion photographer with Vogue at 25 years old, also interning with Condé Nast in 1994. Since then, Walker has branched off into advertisements and music videos as well.

“Like a Doll” for Vogue Italia (2012)

“Rollo Hesketh-Harvey and His Baguette Plane” (2009)

“Syncing Periods with Friends” for Vogue Italia (2006)

It is surprising that CG has never been used in his images! In a digital era where everything is a click away, Tim Walker chooses to create his images using real props and sets. The used props were part of the 2012 art exhibition entitled “Storyteller” in London’s Somerset House. Currently, his exhibition is being held under the theme of “Wonderful Things” in London.

“Storyteller” (2012)

“Wonderful Things” currently on exhibition (September 2019-March 2020)

“Like a Warrior” for Vogue Italia (2014)

Tim Walker adds elements of fantasy to not only pictorials, but also brand advertisements.

In 2015, he also worked as a visual director of Hyundai Department Store under the slogan “Fashion & Art”.

“A Forest Fairytale” for Mulberry 2012

Walker frequently photographs Hollywood stars for campaigns as well.

Amy Adams and Tilda Swinton shot for W magazine

Jennifer Lawrence in “Shoot for the Moon”, W magazine

With filmmaker Tim Burton for “Tales of the Unexpected”, Harper’s Bazaar (2009)

Tilda Swinton for “The Surreal World”, W magazine (2014)

Lupita Nyongo, Whoopi Goldberg, Naomi Campbell shot for “Alice in Wonderland”, Pirelli Calendar (2018). An “Alice in Wonderland” themed photoshoot consisting of only black female models to present a new plot.

Emma Watson for Vanity Fair (2017)

and finally, Tim Walker the filmmaker.

Based on the short story, “The Lost Explore” (2010). Tim Walker is recognized for his talent as a director, even winning the “Best Short Film” award at the 2011 Chicago United Film Festival.

“The Muse” (2014), a story of a man who falls in love with a mermaid.

A short 14-minute video featuring actor Ben Whishaw and model Kristen McMenamy.

“The point of fashion is that you take the picture you want. And fashion is the only photography that allows fantasy, and I’m a fantasist.” — Tim Walker

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