After graduating from the London College of Printing Tim Bret Day began his career as a rock Photographer, but before long his head was turned by the bright lights and glamour of the Fashion industry. He honed his craft via commissions for iconic publications like The Face, Marie Claire and Elle. Through this his unique and distinctive style soon became, a much in demand, trademark. Before long, his individual and unconventional take on the world, caught the eye of countless brands and saw him shoot campaigns for the likes of Virgin Atlantic, Harvey Nichols, Mercedez, Nokia,Samsung and Sony. But it was his beautifully Risqué work with Agent Provocateur that stood out for all the right reasons.
Bret Day has had the pleasure of capturing moments with not only some of the beautiful women in the world such as Anna Friel, Grace Jones, Kylie Minogue, Helena Christensen and Erin O’Connor to some of the most iconic figures from recent popular culture including David Bowie, Mick Jagger, David Beckham and Bono.
If you could have invented anything what would it be?
I wish I’d invented a cure for cancer.
If you had one day to live what would be your biggest regret ?
My biggest regret would be not spending enough time with my children.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by travelling, light and The National Gallery.
Who has been your favourite subject/individual to photograph ?
Best person I’ve photographed……….Bowie
If you could only wear one brand for the rest of your life who would it be?
Fav Designer for me would be Primark, cheap, disposable and comfortable. I do love clothes, but on others. McQueen, Balmain and DVF on my wife.
Who is your style icon?
Style Icon would have been Bowie or Bryan Ferry but in a deluded moment I would love to dress like Daniel Craig in Casino Royale….. just once.
What piece of clothing best describes you?
The piece of clothing that identifies me…. a North Face jacket with a small Liverpool FC badge on it. Stops me getting wet or cold.
Who would be your ideal diner guests?
Dinner guest would be a toss up between Grace Jones or Kenny Dalglish. I feel they have been wrongly branded and would love to know what they are really like. I photographed Grace and once we got over all the intimidation and surface stuff she was the most incredible warm person.
How did you get into the industry, what was your big break?
My introduction to photography was a bit random but I found a collection of Paris Vogue (my dad was French) in my Dad’s office shortly after seeing The Eyes of Laura Mars at Slough Grenada. They were early covers of Janice Dickinson by Mike Rheinhardt. It was the editorial pictures inside that rocked me Newton, Guy Bourdin Jean Loup Sieff Dominique Issserman. I hung out with a bit of a bad crowd and this seemed like a way out.
My big break came at the end of assisting. I worked for someone who destroyed my confidence and after leaving I couldn’t get my act together. An editor at Honey Magazine who I had worked with dragged me out of my self pity and gave me some assignments and I never looked back. Thank you Pat, Kim and Judith.
If you could give your teenage self advice, what would it be?
Advice to teenage self (which I was given but never believed or did) Set a goal, aim high and think of a plan. My whole career has and still is completely random.
If you could live anywhere where would it be?
I would live in Paris. Its always felt like home. My wife didn’t want to live there so we never did. I like Amsterdam as well.
Favourite hotel in the world?
My favourite hotel would be anywhere in the Maldives.
What would be the name of your autobiography?
My autobiography would be called ‘I’m sure there was something I meant to do”
What’s your Favourite movie ever?
Favourite movie, wow so many. Casino is up there as with all that genre Goodfellas, Pulp Fiction but visually I love Lawrence of Arabia, with Don’t Look Now, close behind.
If you could Photograph anyone who would it be?
Who would I like to photograph………..someone who is in their “Golden Time” DeNiro when he did Taxi Driver, Janice Dickenson in 1975, Lee McQueen with Judy Blame styling.
What are you most excited about at the moment?
I’m most excited about the next project. I’m quite childish, I always think there is something round the corner that will be incredible.
What track would always get you on the dance floor?
Almost impossible to get me on a dance floor but I adore music but anything funky. Sly Stone, Primal Scream, The OJays, Kendrick Lamaar, Daft Punk.
Best piece of advise you’ve ever been given and by whom?
Best bit of advice “If you tell lies you’ll get caught, you’ve got that type of face” My mum.
