Sam Dameshek is a renowned American photographer, creative director, and entrepreneur known for his striking visual storytelling and collaborations with major brands and celebrities. His signature style blends raw authenticity with artistic sophistication.
Discover his journey as we unveil key moments from his career, creative ventures, and the experiences that shaped his success in the photography and entrepreneurial world.
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Who is Sam Dameshek?
Sam Dameshek is an American photographer, creative director, and entrepreneur. He is known for his work in fashion, lifestyle, and celebrity photography.
He started his photography career as a teenager, and his ability to capture raw and authentic moments quickly gained attention on social media. Over the years, Sam has worked with major brands like Guess, Puma, and Tommy Hilfiger.
He has also photographed well-known celebrities, including Hailey Bieber, Shawn Mendes, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, and The Chainsmokers. His photography style blends a nostalgic, film-like aesthetic with a high-energy and youthful feel.
Besides photography, Sam has expanded into creative direction and brand collaborations. He is also the founder of Before Everyone Else (B.E.E.), a creative agency that focuses on photography, branding, and visual storytelling. His work continues to influence the fashion and entertainment industries.
Childhood of Sam Dameshek
Sam Dameshek was born on May 14, 1999, and raised in Laguna Beach, California, alongside his two brothers, Jake and Jude. His mother, Kimberly O’Brien Young, has significantly influenced his life and career.
While specific details about his father are not publicly available, Sam has expressed gratitude for his family’s support. From an early age, Sam was naturally drawn to photography and visual storytelling.
At 13 years old, he purchased his first camera and began experimenting by filming skateboarding videos with friends. His passion for photography quickly grew, and by 14, he was already capturing images and sharing them on Instagram.
Sam attended high school in California, but traditional academic settings did not align with his creative aspirations. He humorously notes in his Instagram bio that he failed photography in high school, which highlights the disconnect between conventional education and real-world artistic skills.
Despite this, his self-taught approach and hands-on learning allowed him to build a career at a young age. By 15, his unique style had already caught the attention of fashion brands, and he collaborated with companies like Aeropostale, Hawkers, and PacSun.
Notably, PacSun discovered his work through Instagram, and it marked a significant milestone in his professional journey. Rather than pursuing a college degree, Sam focused entirely on his photography career.
His ability to network and work directly with brands and artists helped him establish himself in the fashion and entertainment industry.
Sam Dameshek Age
Sam Dameshek is 26 years old as of 2025 as he was born on May 14, 1999, in Laguna Beach, California. Despite his relatively young age, he has already made a significant impact in the world of photography and creative direction.
Sam Dameshek Height and Weight
Sam Dameshek stands 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and weighs approximately 73 kilograms or 161 lbs. His height and build complement his confident and artistic presence, which is often reflected in his work as a photographer and creative director.
While he has humorously described himself as tall, dark, and handsome in an interview, his distinct style and charismatic personality make him stand out both behind and in front of the camera.
Sam Dameshek Career Journey
Sam Dameshek career journey is a testament to his relentless passion and dedication to visual storytelling. From a young age, he displayed a keen interest in art and creativity, which later evolved into a deep love for photography.
His ability to capture raw emotions and authentic moments set him apart and paved the way for a successful career in the world of fashion and celebrity photography.
Early Life and Introduction to Photography
Sam Dameshek journey into photography began during his early teenage years. Growing up in Laguna Beach, California, he was naturally drawn to visual storytelling and creative expression.
He initially started by filming skateboarding videos with his friends, but soon discovered a passion for still photography. By the time he was 15, his unique style had already started gaining attention, and he began sharing his work on social media.
It was not long before brands recognized his talent. His breakthrough came when PacSun discovered his work on Instagram and led to his first major professional opportunity. This opened the doors to further collaborations and set the foundation for his career in fashion and lifestyle photography.
Rise to Fame in Fashion and Celebrity Photography
Sam Dameshek refined his photography style as he blended high fashion with raw, candid storytelling. His work started resonating with a larger audience.
His ability to capture energy, nostalgia, and authenticity set him apart and made him a sought-after photographer in the industry.
In his late teens and early twenties, he collaborated with major brands such as Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Reebok, and Puma. His portfolio quickly expanded to include not just fashion photography, but also editorial campaigns and album covers for prominent musicians.
Over the years, he has worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Justin Bieber, The Chainsmokers, Machine Gun Kelly, Jaden Smith, and Hailey Bieber.
His social media presence played a crucial role in his success as it allowed him to showcase his work to a global audience. His followers admired the cinematic and youthful energy in his images, which often featured natural light, retro aesthetics, and a vibrant sense of movement.
Expansion into Creative Direction and Entrepreneurship
Beyond photography, Sam has expanded his career into creative direction and branding. Understanding the power of storytelling, he founded Before Everyone Else (B.E.E.), a creative agency specializing in branding, content creation, and visual storytelling.
Through this venture, he has worked closely with brands and artists to craft unique narratives that align with their vision. His entrepreneurial spirit has also led him to explore new creative avenues as he directed, consulted, and published.
In 2023, he released a photography book, further solidifying his reputation as an influential figure in modern photography.
Legacy and Influence in the Industry
Today, Sam Dameshek is recognized as one of the most influential photographers of his generation. His work has redefined modern fashion and celebrity photography as he blends a nostalgic, film-like aesthetic with contemporary storytelling.
His ability to capture raw, authentic moments has not only set trends but also inspired a new wave of young creatives in the industry.
With an ever-growing portfolio and continued passion for creative exploration, Sam continues to push boundaries in photography, film, and branding. He ensures his lasting impact in the world of visual storytelling.
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Sam Dameshek Books
Sam Dameshek the renowned photographer and creative director has published two notable photography books that reflect his unique storytelling style and artistic vision.
1. Yours Truly (2021)
Yours Truly is a coffee table book that showcases three years of Sam Dameshek film photography, exclusively featuring female subjects. The collection is entirely unedited, capturing raw and nostalgic beauty.
The book includes images of well-known personalities such as Alexis Ren, Charlotte D’Alessio, Carmella Rose, and Josie Canseco. With only 1,000 copies available, it sold out upon release.
In October 2021, Dameshek also introduced an NFT collection on OpenSea and featured 50 of his favorite images from the book.
2. Recommencer (2023)
Recommencer documents Sam Dameshek journey along the European coast during May, June, and July of 2023. The 265-page book blends personal moments, portraits, street photography, diary entries, and paintings.
It offers an immersive experience of a European summer. Printed on high-quality satin text paper with a hard cloth cover and foil embossing, the first 250 copies were signed by Dameshek, making it a coveted collector’s item.
Both books showcase Sam Dameshek dedication to capture unfiltered, cinematic moments, blend high fashion with authentic storytelling. His work continues to push creative boundaries, offer readers a deep and intimate look into his artistic journey.
Sam Dameshek Photography
Sam Dameshek is a renowned fashion, lifestyle, and celebrity photographer known for his raw, nostalgic, and cinematic style. His work blends authenticity with high fashion, often capturing unfiltered moments that feel effortless and timeless.
Using both digital and 35mm film, he embraces natural lighting and minimal editing. He allows imperfections to enhance the emotional depth of his images. He has collaborated with major fashion brands like Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Puma, and Reebok.
His photography extends to the entertainment industry, where he has worked with celebrities such as Justin Bieber, The Chainsmokers, Machine Gun Kelly, Jaden Smith, Alexis Ren, and Charlotte D’Alessio.
His signature aesthetic, inspired by California’s golden hues and vintage textures, makes his work stand out in the world of modern photography. With a strong presence on social media, particularly Instagram, he continues to push creative boundaries.
He captures moments that feel both intimate and cinematic. His photography reflects a deep passion for storytelling, making him one of the most sought-after photographers in the industry today.
Sam Dameshek Portfolio
Sam Dameshek portfolio features fashion campaigns, celebrity portraits, lifestyle photography, and brand collaborations. He has worked with major brands like Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, and Puma. His work includes portraits of celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, and Lana Del Rey.
His photography extends into lifestyle and travel, often showcasing California-inspired visuals and nostalgic tones. Collaborations with companies like Fujifilm and Revolve highlight his ability to craft compelling visual narratives.
His portfolio can be explored through his official website, where he shares curated projects and campaign work, as well as on Instagram, where he offers a dynamic showcase of his latest work and behind-the-scenes moments.
What camera does Sam Dameshek Use?
Sam Dameshek has not publicly shared a full list of his equipment, photography enthusiasts have noted his frequent use of the Contax T2, a compact 35mm film camera praised for its high-quality lens and portability.
He has also been linked to the ARRI SR3 Super 16mm, a professional film camera used in motion picture projects, highlighting his involvement in both still photography and cinematography.
In addition to film, Dameshek incorporates digital cameras like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and Sony A7R series, which offer high-resolution imagery and versatility for commercial and editorial work.
He often pairs his cameras with natural light and warm tones to enhance his signature look. His creative process and equipment choices are further explored in interviews and educational platforms, where he shares insights into his approach to photography.
Sam Dameshek Presets
Sam Dameshek offers Lightroom presets designed to enhance both film and digital images. These presets reflect his signature aesthetic, incorporating warm tones, film-like characteristics, and subtle grain.
The SD PRESET PACK 01 includes seven of Sam’s favorite presets for versatile use. My Favorite Film Tones adds a filmic quality to digital images, while B&W Light Grain and B&W Heavy Grain create different black-and-white aesthetics.
The pack also features two Facetime Presets for FaceTime photoshoots, Studio – Natural Light for optimizing natural lighting, and Warm and Grainy for a nostalgic film effect.
The SD PRESET PACK 2022 contains six Lightroom presets tailored to various photography styles and a Contact Sheet collage template made from a real scanned contact sheet for use in Photoshop.
An online tutorial is also available for those looking to recreate Sam Dameshek signature film-inspired look. By using these presets, photographers can infuse their work with the rich tones and textures that define his style.
Sam Dameshek Academy
Sam Dameshek SD Online Academy is an educational platform designed to help photographers refine their skills and navigate the industry. With over 25 video lessons, the academy covers creative expansion, client outreach, film and digital photography, and business strategies.
Each chapter includes downloadable resources like equipment guides, pitch templates, and pricing sheets. Students also gain access to a private Facebook group for networking and support.
Additional offerings include the 2022 Crash Course and Preset Bundle, a 90-minute class on photography fundamentals, and the SD Online Academy II 2023, which features six chapters and 20 lessons on advanced techniques.
Praised for its practical insights, the academy has helped many photographers gain confidence and grow their businesses. Enrollment is available through Sam Dameshek official shop, with courses priced at $299 and $99.
Sam Dameshek Net Worth
Sam Dameshek has an estimated net worth of $5 million as of 2025. He has built his wealth through photography, creative direction, online courses, brand collaborations, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Working with major brands like Aeropostale, PacSun, and Hawkers, along with high-profile celebrities, he earns substantial fees for his photography and creative work.
His SD Online Academy, which includes courses like SD Online Academy II 2023 and the 2022 Crash Course & Preset Bundle, generates revenue from aspiring photographers.
He has also released photography books such as Yours Truly and Recommencer, while his clothing brand, Wish Me Luck, adds another source of income.
Additionally, his strong social media presence allows him to collaborate with brands for sponsored content, further increasing his earnings. Through these ventures, he has established himself as a successful entrepreneur in the creative industry.
Sam Dameshek Girlfriend
Sam Dameshek is possibly single. He was previously in a relationship with Instagram personality Valentina Bilbao, but details about their relationship, including its duration and current status, have not been widely disclosed.
Sam tends to keep his personal life private, focus more on his professional endeavors. There is no publicly available information about other past relationships or ex-girlfriends.
However, in interviews, he expressed his belief in love at first sight, included during his appearance on the OHoney podcast with Amanda Cerny and Sommer Ray.
Sam Dameshek Social Media
Sam Dameshek actively engages with his audience across multiple social media platforms, where he shares his photography, creative projects, and personal updates.
- Instagram: @samdameshek
- X (formerly Twitter): @filmbysam
- Facebook: Sam Dameshek
- TikTok: @samdameshek
- YouTube: Sam Dameshek
- Threads: @samdameshek
- Website: www.samdameshek.com
- Online Shop & Courses: samdameshek.podia.com
Conclusion
Sam Dameshek is a renowned photographer, creative director, and entrepreneur, recognized for his unique visual storytelling and collaborations with top brands and celebrities, making him a highly sought-after figure in the industry.
His passion for photography and business mindset has helped him build a strong creative presence. Through social media, online courses, and projects, he continues to inspire aspiring photographers and creatives globally.
As he expands his career and explores new artistic ventures, his influence keeps growing. His dedication to innovation and storytelling cements his reputation as a visionary in modern photography.
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