Photographer Carly Dame finds inspiration in the everyday, capturing the small moments that often go unnoticed—shadows cast by palm fronds, the ripple of water that mirrors a seashell’s edge,a smile caught in between frames. We loved seeing this curiosity and attention to detail come to life through Earth to Sea, our latest campaign shot in Tulum, Mexico. Below, she chats with us for Behind the Lens, our interview series with the artists, creatives, and photographers we collaborate with. Read on to hear about Carly’s morning rituals, creating a community through mentorship and taking the (unexpected) path forward.
Part 01
About Carly
Where’s home—originally, and now?
I'm originally from a small town on Vancouver Island, Canada. It's a magical place on the ocean surrounded by nature and I'm grateful to have grown up there. Now, home feels like a little bit of everywhere. I've spent the last seven years living between France and Italy which is where my family history began, and I feel most at home when I'm exploring the magic of the Mediterranean.
What does your day-to-day look like?
As a photographer, every day is slightly different. I'm lucky to always be in new places with new teams, and I love that no two days are ever the same. No matter where I am, I always love to start my day with an espresso and a page of journaling. If it's a photoshoot day, we will usually be up early to catch the beautiful sunrise light and spend the day exploring and creating in the most beautiful places. I also dedicate a significant portion of my time to mentoring photographers inside The Modern Photography Association, a platform I created in 2018.
What do you never leave home without?
My camera, lip balm and a credit card.
PART 02
Creative Process + Inspo
Where do you find the most inspiration?
I've been lucky enough to spend a lot of my life living in new countries. I get the most inspiration from watching real life unfold. Teenagers falling in love by the sea in Italy, fishermen cleaning their nets in Greece, a stylish woman walking her dog in Paris. To me, there is nothing more inspiring than being out in the world and just noticing.
PART 03
The Shoot
What’s key to a successful shoot for you?
I love to go into a photoshoot with a solid plan for the day, but it's important for me to always leave room for spontaneous magic. The best shots can be the ones that you didn't plan but stumbled upon while exploring.
I also think it's key to form a friendship with the model during the shoot. Dive into their life, ask questions, get to know who is in front of your lens. Create an atmosphere of openness and adventure and it will reflect in the images. And of course coffee, lots of coffee!
What did you love about shooting this campaign?
I absolutely loved spending a week in beautiful Tulum, getting to explore so many locations off the beaten path. From swimming in the blue cenotes to exploring the authentic side streets and markets, it was a total dream.
Favorite shot?
See below!
