Jeremiah Damian: Finding Strength and Sincerity Through the Lens
Photographer Jeremiah Damian is a creative shaped by a lifetime in the visual arts, transitioning from a film-focused darkroom upbringing to a 15-year career in luxury fashion, leading visual merchandising for brands like Prada and Versace. Now a full-time photographer, Damian discusses how his experience sharpened his eye and drew him back to the camera with a profound sense of purpose.
In my interview, he shares how his connection with the Bear community completely redefined his understanding of beauty and strength, discussing his technique for photographing bigger bodies with celebration and intention, and his goals for a new chapter in his creatively aligned life.
Richard Jones: Hello Jeremiah, it’s great to chat with you, can you tell me about your early life and journey?
Jeremiah Damian: I grew up in a creative household, surrounded by family members who each expressed themselves through different artistic mediums. My grandmother is a painter, my mother knits, my father is a musician, and my brother could seemingly do it all artistically. That environment naturally inspired me to explore my own creative path. In high school, I took my first photography class and immediately fell in love with the art form. At the time, we worked strictly with film, which meant every frame mattered. You had a limited number of shots before heading into the darkroom to process, then print and reprint until you got it right. That process taught me patience, precision, and how to truly slow down and observe. It was about capturing the moment with intention, a lesson I still carry into every shoot today.
To continue growing my passion, I went on to study at an art university in San Francisco, where I earned my degree specializing in fashion and editorial photography. That experience deepened both my technical skills and creative vision, and it continues to shape the way I tell stories through the lens.
Although I stepped away from photography for 15 years to work in luxury fashion, leading visual merchandising for brands like Prada and Versace that time only sharpened my creative eye and deepened my appreciation for storytelling through imagery. Ultimately, it brought me back to the camera with a renewed perspective and a stronger sense of purpose.
RJ: What has drawn you to the Bear Community?
JD: The culture, camaraderie, and mutual respect I encountered within the Bear community was both refreshing and deeply affirming. In an industry particularly within fashion where the pursuit of perfection often overshadows authenticity, I found myself, for a time, unconsciously narrowing my lens to only capture a certain type of subject: lean, athletic, and conventionally “ideal.” In doing so, I realized I was missing out on the richness of diversity and the power of true inclusivity.
As I began to explore various cultures and subcultures that I had an attraction to with greater intention, the Bear community welcomed me with unexpected warmth and openness. Ironically, I had initially been scared shitless by the idea of engaging with beautiful, big, masculine, beefy men and I carried the unfounded fear that I wouldn’t be accepted. But what I discovered was the opposite: when I began approaching and photographing men with fuller, more robust physiques, individuals deeply comfortable and confident in their own skin, I not only found guys more receptive to working with me, but I also produced some of my most honest and “true to self” work. Many of the guys I encounter truly live up to the teddy bear idea: rough, tough and rowdy on the outside but soft, sweet and respectful on the inside, traits that are not only sexy as hell but a nice relief.
There was a huge contrast in the way these men responded when being asked to photography them. From my experience, asking a traditional “fit” person to model for me, I was often met with hesitations like, “I just need a few more weeks to tone up,” or “I’m not quite photo ready.” Yet within the Bear community, the response was almost always enthusiastic, grounded, and unapologetically present. That confidence, that self-assuredness, became integral to the energy of my imagery and shifted the way I define beauty, strength, and presence in my work today.
RJ: What is your philosophy around photographing bigger bodies?
JD: For me, every shoot is part connection, part chemistry and a whole lot of dumb jokes. Humor plays a big role in helping people loosen up, especially since most of the men I photograph aren’t traditional models. They’re individuals I’ve approached often randomly because something about them caught my eye. All but one of the faces in my portfolio are agency represented, which means it’s my job to guide the energy, emotion, and mood of the session with the right direction and presence. Flirting helps, too, genuinely. A bigger body doesn’t make someone any less sexy or striking, and I make a point to remind them of that. When I tell someone exactly why I want (to photograph) them, it’s not just flattering, it’s grounding. The more they hear it, the more comfortable they become. Confidence grows. Direction becomes easier. Who doesn’t love a compliment to feel powerful or a little more willing to play along? I’ve learned, the phrase “Be a Good Boy” goes a long way.
Technically, my approach is thoughtful and intentional. I don’t shoot to hide or over-edit; I shoot to celebrate. That means working with angles, light, and framing in ways that highlight the full beauty of the body—enhancing curves, softening edges, and letting the subject’s presence speak for itself. It’s about making someone feel seen, desired, and fully themselves in front of the lens.
RJ: Do you have any photographers that you love and whose work inspires you?
JD: Richard Avedon, Mert and Marcus, Annie Leibovitz, Mario Testino and Mariano Vivanco are visionaries for many different reasons. I grew up looking at their work in magazines and in advertising campaigns. Steven Meisel and Steven Kline were always in publications that I used to buy and study. Bruce Weber, known for the Abercrombie and Fitch ads, is someone who I respect and look up to and use as a source of inspiration.
RJ: What’s next, what are your goals?
JD: I’ve entered a new chapter in my life, one defined by clarity, purpose, and a deeper connection to who I am and what I want to share with the world. At the heart of that is my photography.
The past few years have been transformative. There were moments of growth, but also deep challenges both physical and emotional. Choosing sobriety from alcohol and addictive habits was the first step in reclaiming my life. From there, I began the process of healing, facing the wounds many of them self-inflicted with honesty and compassion. Now, I’m finally in a place where I can truly listen to the creative voice that’s always been within me, and honor it by devoting myself fully to my craft.
Photography has always been my calling. I’m now creating work that feels aligned with my vision shooting what attracts me, capturing beauty through my own lens, and staying true to the narratives that move me. Looking ahead, my goals are clear: to be published in fashion magazines, to contribute to thoughtful, niche publications (AKA- Bear World Magazine), to see my work in ad campaigns and ultimately to produce a solo gallery exhibition. I’ve spent years immersed in the fashion industry, and while that experience has been invaluable, it’s time to return to the art form that first inspired me with more purpose, more fire, and nothing held back.
RJ: You are now a full time photographer, what photo services are you offering?
JD: I offer a diverse range of photography sessions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client whether it’s a professional headshot for a corporate profile, elevated content for creators, or a personalized portrait session for a special occasion. My goal is always to provide high-quality, intentional imagery that aligns with each individual’s vision and purpose. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide spectrum of clients—from individuals seeking spicy images for their dating profiles, to OnlyFans creators aiming to enhance their content, to new and aspiring models looking to build or refresh their portfolios. One of my recent clients was signed to a modeling agency based on the portfolio we developed together over the course of several shoots something I take great pride in.
Because I value accessibility and believe everyone deserves to feel seen and celebrated through professional photography, I offer a variety of rates structured to accommodate a range of budgets. Whether you’re investing in yourself, your brand, or your career, I aim to deliver images that feel both elevated and empowering.
Website: www.jeremiahdamian.com
Instagram: jeremiahdamianphotography
Bluesky: jdamianphotography
