Meet Warren Linton | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Warren Linton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Warren, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve always been a sort of over-thinker. Considering consequences and measuring my actions are a daily part of my life, after all, one of my mottos is “Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst”. I’m grateful that I’ve not experienced the worst, and I’ve certainly taken a few risks in my time. From deciding to pursue photography as a career even though my degree was in information technology; to quitting my photo studio job, with a set monthly pay, for the unsure life of a freelancer; to approaching model agencies in Toronto in hopes of working with their models when I barely had model photography experience.

Risks are a part of life. I’ve come to believe that once you’ve prepared yourself mentally, if the outcome of that taken risk turns out negative, not only doesn’t it phase you as much, but you also stand a better chance of learning from the experience. And I think, learning and improving oneself should be a primary goal in life. Don’t get me wrong though, it will often still hurt, but the exhilarating, accomplished feeling you get from a risk paying off, makes it worth it to be open to taking some.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I want people to feel empowered through my photography. Whether it’s my subjects, or the viewers of my work. With that thought in mind I usually strive to achieve a balance between beauty, power, and realism. Realism, unless of course I’m working on a theme that’s clearly more fantasy related. I aim to retouch in a way that the subject looks like the best version of themselves, but without crossing over into absolute perfection. That’s a fine line there, and it can be a real mental struggle to let go of the perfectionist tendencies when retouching, and to be decisive with final looks.

I’ve certainly come a long way from that super shy person I used to be. I’m sure that the many hours of research, practice and interaction with subjects, other photographers and various creatives, have helped me get to where I am today. Not only more confident in photography, but in my daily life as well.
The K.I.S.S principle is something I try to keep in mind at all times with my photography. “Keep It Simple, Stupid”. Often times, less is more. For one thing, it’s certainly helped quell that gear lust that many of us photographers suffer from. I’ve learned that I’m happiest when I’m shooting outdoors with minimal equipment to hinder my movement and flow.

I’m quite interested in the fashion industry being more diverse, especially with using more black models, and showing that our natural black hair and features are beautiful. I’m also passionate about being a part of encouraging a more sustainable approach to fashion through my work and interactions, so high on my priority list, is working with local designers, and fashion brands, who show that they care about the environment, worker safety and livable wages.

I’m excited to move around world-wide, photographing subjects and scenes that empower and inspire. The pandemic put a little damper on some plans, but hopefully things will be shaping up for the better soon.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Barbados is known for sun, sea and sand, so unless the feeling of sand between your toes doesn’t appeal to you, no trip here would be complete without checking out at least one beach. A little lounging, swimming, paddle boarding and kayaking at Pebbles Beach, with a nice fish sandwich lunch from Cuzz’s Fish Stand would be a fun, yet laid back kind of day. A nice spot for a casual lime (the Barbadian slang for hang out) and dine outdoors, is Worthing Square, where there are many food trucks to choose from, with a wide variety of food to suit your tastes. There’s even one that will serve you breakfast options at night!

For dinner, Cafe Luna would have to be a go to. Local ingredients where possible for their delicious food, a lovely ambiance and consistently good service make them one of my favourites.

I love being out in nature, so I’d always recommend experiences like nature walking and forest bathing at Coco Hill Forest, Flower Forest and Andromeda Gardens, checking out Harrison’s Cave and Animal Flower Cave, and if you’re an early bird, sunrises at Ragged Point can feel magical.

If you’re lucky enough to be on island when any Mahalia’s Corner events are happening, that’s a go to for an evening as well. It features amazing live, local musical talent, and an all round good vibe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m grateful to my family for their support of course, and there were so many others who have helped on my photography journey, but just to name a few:

Errol Nurse, the teacher I credit for getting me interested in photography in the first place with his film photography class where we mostly worked with shooting and developing black and white film.

Ni-kiya Alleyne, who has helped me develop, from being one of my first “models”, to being an treasured designer/stylist friend.

The Photography Association of the Cave Hill Campus (PHOTACC) where the experiences and relationships forged really planted the seeds in my mind about doing photography as a career.

Carl Blenman, the veteran photographer who gave me a chance to work with him when I barely had any photography experience at all. Working at the studio taught me a great deal about people and business, along with photography techniques.

Trudi Brathwaite, for her unshakable support in me, and being an awesome muse to practice and work with. Many photo sessions together have certainly developed each of us.

Website: www.warrenlinton.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/warrenlinton

Facebook: www.facebook.com/WarrenLintonPhotography