Samuel Joseph Mitchell IG@earl___sweatshirt sammitchell2000@icloud.com

What is your specialization in photography? (portraits, fashion, nature, street photography, etc.)

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Portraits, Fashion and Social Documentary

What inspires you in your creative work?

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Inspiration for me comes from a mix of personal history, subcultures, and the people I collaborate with. My work often explores themes of identity, memory, and storytelling—whether that’s through fashion, portraiture, or documentary photography. I’m particularly drawn to the way clothing, posture, and expression can communicate something deeper about a person or a community.Visually, I take cues from cinema, archival imagery, and the texture of everyday life. I love working with natural light and finding ways to blend authenticity with a refined aesthetic. Collaborating with designers, stylists, and artists also plays a huge role—bouncing ideas off others pushes me to see things from new perspectives.Ultimately, I want my work to feel honest and immersive, whether it’s capturing a fleeting moment or constructing a more stylised scene. Photography, for me, is about finding the balance between reality and interpretation.

What key techniques do you use in your photography?

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Inspiration for me comes from a mix of personal history, subcultures, and the people I collaborate with. My work often explores themes of identity, memory, and storytelling—whether that’s through fashion, portraiture, or documentary photography. I’m particularly drawn to the way clothing, posture, and expression can communicate something deeper about a person or a communityVisually, I take cues from cinema, archival imagery, and the texture of everyday life. I love working with natural light and finding ways to blend authenticity with a refined aesthetic. Collaborating with designers, stylists, and artists also plays a huge role—bouncing ideas off others pushes me to see things from new perspectives.Ultimately, I want my work to feel honest and immersive, whether it’s capturing a fleeting moment or constructing a more stylised scene. Photography, for me, is about finding the balance between reality and interpretation.

My approach to photography is a balance between technical precision and intuitive storytelling. Lighting is a key element—whether I’m working with natural light for its authenticity or sculpting with artificial light to create mood and depth. I often use a mix of soft and directional lighting to highlight texture and form, especially in fashion and portrait work.Composition is another essential technique. I’m drawn to strong, structured framing but also embrace spontaneity, allowing moments to unfold naturally. Depending on the project, I might use slower shutter speeds for movement, shallow depth of field for intimacy, or film photography for its tactile quality and rich tonal range.Post-production is also part of my process, though I aim to enhance rather than overly manipulate. I focus on colour grading to evoke a specific mood and ensure the final image stays true to the narrative I want to convey. Ultimately, every technique I use is about serving the story and creating imagery that resonates.

How does your culture or country influence your photography style?

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Scotland has a deep influence on my photography, both visually and conceptually. The landscape, with its ever-changing light and dramatic contrasts, has shaped my approach to tone and texture—there’s something about the way shadows and highlights interact here that translates into my work. I often embrace that moody, atmospheric quality, whether I’m shooting in urban settings or drawing from the rawness of more rural environments.Beyond aesthetics, Scottish culture—its sense of resilience, identity, and storytelling—plays a big role. There’s a strong tradition of working-class creativity, independent spirit, and cultural fusion that I connect with, especially in fashion and portrait photography. I find inspiration in the people I photograph, many of whom reflect the diverse and evolving character of Scotland today.Also, growing up around a mix of Scottish and Lithuanian heritage has shaped my perspective on memory, displacement, and identity, which often surfaces in my documentary work. Whether it’s fashion, portraiture, or archival projects, I always aim to capture a sense of place and personal connection in my imagery.

What resources (books, online courses, webinars) do you recommend for improving photography skills?

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For photographers looking to refine their skills—both technically and conceptually—I’d recommend a balance of hands-on experience, critical reading, and active networking. Assisting other photographers is one of the best ways to gain practical knowledge both on location and in studio, as it exposes you to different workflows, lighting setups, and creative approaches. But developing a strong theoretical foundation is just as important in shaping your perspective.Books like Camera Lucida by Roland Barthes and Regarding the Pain of Others by Susan Sontag are essential for understanding the deeper cultural and emotional impact of photography. They challenge the way we think about images, their meaning, and their ethical implications. Ways of Seeing by John Berger is another key text, offering an insightful critique of visual culture that’s still highly relevant today.Beyond this, attending events for creatives is crucial for growth and learning. Networking with other photographers, designers, and artists opens up new opportunities and perspectives. Events like Creative Control in Glasgow provide a great space to connect, collaborate, and gain industry insights. Engaging with creative communities—whether at exhibitions, talks, or workshops—helps build relationships that can shape your career in unexpected ways. Ultimately, photography is a lifelong learning process, and the best way to improve is to stay curious, keep creating, and surround yourself with inspiring people.

What editing programs or tools do you use for processing your photos? Why did you choose them?

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I primarily use Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and Capture One for processing my photos, each serving a different purpose in my workflow.Capture One is my go-to for tethered shooting and RAW processing, especially for fashion and commercial work. The colour control and tonality it offers are unmatched, allowing me to fine-tune skin tones and textures with precision. It also handles large files efficiently, which is essential for high-end editorial shoots.Adobe Lightroom is great for organising and batch-editing images, especially when working on documentary or portrait projects. I love its seamless workflow for applying consistent colour grading and making non-destructive adjustments.For more intricate retouching and compositing, I turn to Adobe Photoshop. Whether it's refining details, enhancing textures, or layering elements, Photoshop allows me to take an image beyond the raw capture while maintaining a natural and authentic look.I choose these tools because they complement different aspects of my work. Capture One gives me the best starting point, Lightroom keeps my workflow efficient, and Photoshop lets me push creative boundaries when needed. Together, they allow me to achieve the exact look and feel I envision for each project.

Which social media platforms or networks do you think are the most useful for promoting photography?

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A clean and professional website is a must for any photographer—it serves as a portfolio that presents your work in a curated and polished way. It’s the foundation for attracting clients, agencies, and collaborators who want to see a body of work without distractions.That said, Instagram has been invaluable for networking, sharing new work, and engaging with the creative community. It’s a great platform for visibility, allowing me to connect with designers, models, and other photographers. I also use it for casting callouts and keeping up with open calls for competitions, which have led to some exciting opportunities.

Ultimately, social media is a tool, but it’s important to balance online presence with real-world connections. Attending industry events, exhibitions, and networking meet ups, has been just as crucial for building relationships and growing as a photographer.

Do you have favorite photographers or artists who have influenced your style? Which ones?

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I have a few photographers whose work has had a significant impact on my style and creative approach. Anton Corbijn’s moody, cinematic portraits have always resonated with me. His ability to capture raw emotion and the interplay between light and shadow has influenced how I approach portraiture and lighting. Similarly, Antanas Sutkus’ documentary work, particularly his intimate and unposed images of everyday life, has been a huge inspiration for my more personal projects. The way he captures humanity with such authenticity is something I strive to convey in my own work.Rosie Matheson’s editorial and portrait work is another big influence, especially how she combines fashion with narrative and creates a strong sense of identity in her subjects. I admire her use of colour and composition, and how she brings a sense of depth to her photographs, making each image feel like part of a larger story.Masahisa Fukase’s work, particularly his Ravens series, has also had a profound influence on me. His ability to evoke emotion through minimalistic compositions and a deep, almost melancholic atmosphere speaks to my own interest in capturing moments that are quiet yet profound.Each of these photographers has shaped how I approach storytelling through imagery—whether it’s creating a strong emotional connection, capturing candid moments, or blending the personal with the conceptual. I continue to draw from their work while finding my own voice in photography.

What technical or creative challenges have you faced while creating your work, and how did you overcome them?

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Every project comes with its own set of challenges, whether technical or creative, but I see them as opportunities to push my work further.Technically, lighting can be one of the biggest challenges, especially when working on location with unpredictable conditions. In fast-paced environments like fashion shows or outdoor editorial shoots, I’ve had to quickly adapt—whether that means using reflectors and portable lighting or embracing natural light creatively. Tethering to Capture One has also been a game-changer for maintaining colour accuracy and making adjustments in real time.

Creatively, staying inspired and avoiding repetition can be a challenge. Photography is such a saturated industry, so I constantly push myself to refine my vision. I overcome this by collaborating with designers, stylists, and other artists—bringing in new perspectives always sparks fresh ideas. Researching photography theory, studying archival imagery, and attending exhibitions also help me stay engaged and evolve my approach.On a more logistical level, working with new teams or directing models who aren’t experienced can sometimes be tricky. Clear communication is key—I always make sure everyone feels comfortable and understands the vision before we start shooting. Whether it’s problem-solving on set or rethinking a concept mid-shoot, adaptability is essential. These challenges have ultimately helped me grow as a photographer and sharpen my ability to think on my feet.

How did you hear about "Depo," and what are your expectations for our magazine? Are you interested in participating in future projects or collaborations with "Depo"? 

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I came across Depo through Instagram, as I’m always looking to connect with other creatives and stay engaged with what’s happening in the industry. Social media has been a great tool for discovering new magazines, artists, and opportunities, and I really appreciate platforms that showcase fresh, thoughtful photography.

My main expectation for Depo is to see a magazine that champions creative work with a strong visual identity and a space for photographers to share meaningful projects. I hope it continues to highlight diverse perspectives and push conversations around contemporary photography.

I’d definitely be interested in future collaborations with Depo, whether that’s through editorial features, creative projects, or networking opportunities. Building connections with other photographers, designers, and artists is really important to me, and I’m always looking for ways to contribute to communities that value visual storytelling.

Ben -

Model: @ben_terris

Chloe - 

MUA:@iona_damaraa_mua 

Model: @chloeeeeeeeeee.c

Studio: @rossdunlopstudios

Diesel -

Creative Direction / Hairstylist: @lucyelan_ 

Photographer: @earl___sweatshirt 

Model: @claracshepherd 

Agency: @kimalley5 @matriarch_model_mgmt

Stylist: @daria_run 

Makeup artist: @michellefarrell_mua

Eilidh -

Model:@e.barn.creative 

Hamish -

Model: @_hemiche

Studio: @rossdunlopstudios

Kate -

Model: @katescannelll 

L'Ange Dechu -

Creative Director / Hairstylist: @lucyelan_ 

Photography: @earl___sweatshirt 

Model: @lashin.kz 

Agency: @twentymodelmanagement 

Styling: @daria_run 

Manicurist: @astonmacnailtech 

Assist: @guud_vaughn 

Location: @barntonbunkeruk

Les Petits Rats de l’Opéra - 

Photography: @earl___sweatshirt

Fashion designer: @tarikakinney 

MUA: @audreymccarthymakeupartist_

Hair: @lucyelan_ 

Model: @tiishue

Model: @zulaa.fleming

The Midas Touch - 

Fashion designer: @flora_mcfarlane_  

Model: @hanne_hellawell

XXX -

Photography: @earl___sweatshirt

Stylist & Creative Direction: @grahampeacock_

Stylist & Creative Direction: @laradelmage_

Model: @hiijackkkkk

Fashion: @oliverfjjones_

Photography Studio: @basement49