Photographer Sam Barton has been featured in the latest issue of Normal magazine, showcasing a unique photography project that blends fashion nostalgia with architectural grandeur. Barton's latest work draws inspiration from his deep roots in the fashion industry and his desire to recreate the glamorous atmosphere of 1990s fashion photography.
Born into the fashion world, Barton's artistic DNA was shaped by influential family connections. His mother worked as a professional model, while his father served as a producer for Terence Donovan, one of the most groundbreaking photographers of the 1960s. This early exposure to the industry provided Barton with an intimate understanding of fashion photography's evolution and its cultural impact.
Leaving school at an early age, Barton dedicated himself to learning from some of the industry's most talented photographers, whose influence continues to shape his work today. His formative years were spent in traditional darkrooms, developing film and mastering the craft during an era when analog photography dominated the industry. "The days of shooting film and printing in my own darkroom remain part of my DNA," Barton explained, "combined with a desire to revisit a time when models were celebrities and nudity was normalized."
For his latest project, Barton embarked on an ambitious two-week journey to France, spending time at two magnificent châteaux to create his vision. The photographer transported professional lighting equipment, stands, and a black backdrop to create what he describes as an "outdoor studio" against the backdrop of French architectural splendor. This approach reflects his lifelong fascination with juxtaposition in photography – contrasting the artificial elements of fashion photography with natural, historic settings.
The unpredictable May weather in France ultimately worked in Barton's favor, providing the soft, flattering light that enhanced his artistic vision. The temperamental spring conditions created an ethereal quality that transformed the château grounds into an ideal photography location. "The result: a stage where beautiful people could simply be themselves, unbothered by the grandeur around them," Barton noted, describing how his subjects interacted naturally within the opulent settings.
Barton's work represents a conscious effort to bridge the gap between fashion photography's golden age and contemporary artistic expression. His project celebrates an era when fashion models held celebrity status and artistic nudity was more widely accepted in mainstream culture, while using modern techniques to create visually striking images that honor both past and present aesthetic sensibilities.
