Dene Soma is a British photographer based in Dorset, United Kingdom. He works mostly in London, a city that he believes to be — probably — the most vibrant in the world. Dene grew up in Africa and he admits this has a huge influence in his style. “I enjoy photographing the human form more than any other subject,” he says. “There are so many variables that can combine to make a piece of beautiful photography. The possibilities are endless.” In the first part of our interview with him, we’ll focus on the technical aspects of his work — and on Leigh, the stunner above.

How do you decide on locations?
It depends greatly on the subject, but I’d have to say that take alot of inspiration from other photographers. If I see something I like I try to adapt it and make it my own.

Do you rely on lighting — natural or artificial — or do you rely on computer manipulation?
If you’d have asked me that two years ago, I’d have answered with the latter, but as you get better, you inevitably find that creating as much as you can ‘in-camera’ is always the best option. That’s not to say that manipulation doesn’t have it’s place, quite the opposite. I just try not to rely on it.

What cameras and lenses do you use most often?
I currently exclusively use a Canon 40D and an array of lenses — Canon 28-135mm, Sigma 17-35mm wide angle and occasionally a Canon 35mm.

Do you feel that your identity changes when you lift the camera to your eye? Do you act differently?
Absolutely. I’m more focused and can be intense.

In general, during a session, how many pics would you say you take to find “the right one”?
It depends on what I’m looking for. I once did a shoot and produced 300 images and used two.

How do you know that a photo is really good?
It just jumps out at me. I look at it and it speaks. When you can look at an image and it says, “this is what I am…”

Where did you meet Leigh?
A model networking site called StarNow.

What can you tell us about him?
He’s a dancer, and such a great guy, really easy to work with and so relaxed in front of the camera. He has no attitude whatsoever which is always a plus.

Any anecdote about the shooting?
Nude shoots often start out uncomfortable, but Leigh was the consummate professional. It was a great day not least of all because I had been storyboarding the ideas for weeks. He was also really creative and just wanted the do the best he could.

Next week, Dene Soma will answer more questions about his art and show us some shots he recently did with a new model.

Dene Soma photography