Sam Barker, professional photographer, @sambarking
“I think a great picture can come from anywhere,” says Sam, an award-winning London-based travel photographer, “but I’m always looking for a background, whether it’s a view or a texture or light.” Sam’s signature cinematic style has made him a sought-after talent around the world – one day you’ll find him shooting a high-end fashion campaign in Paris, the next deep in the jungle on a special editorial commission. And his one tip for us amateur snappers? “Use your camera on manual! If you experiment, you’ll always get interesting results.”
Around 100,000 miles – I think that’s how far this camera and I have travelled together (Nikon 810 camera, £2,100, 2.8 -24/70mm Lens, £1,500).
The only downside is a lot of time spent on planes. For that, it’s essential to have plenty to read – and an eye mask (Kindle, £89.99, eye mask, £15).
The Flashman novels are brilliant adventure stories that put you in the mood for travel (Flashman On The March by George Macdonald Fraser, £8.99).
The best place I’ve visited? Sayulita, Mexico. I loved photographing the locals – it’s rich in culture and a colourful place to shoot (Wallpaper* guidebook, £6.95).
You don’t need to know the language for a game of poker, but you do need some local currency (playing cards, £1.35).
When it comes to protecting my skin, it’s got to be Clarins UV Plus. It’s SPF 50 and it protects me from both the sun and pollution. It’s great wherever I am – whether that be the jungle, the city, the desert or up a mountain. It’s fantastic stuff.
With my work you’re juggling a lot of equipment, so multiple pockets come in very handy (Belstaff jacket, £395).
My wife gave me this watch and I love it. It was issued to Russian doctors in the 1980s (Raketa watch).
Everywhere looks that little bit better with a good pair of sunglasses (Oliver Peoples, £215).
I love buying weird souvenirs. A jaguar mask from the Emberá tribe in the Amazon is one of my favourites.
This bag is like a Tardis – I’m always surprised by how much I can fit in it (Jigsaw holdall, £249).
“I have to work with light, and so does my skin”
Nothing beats natural sunlight when taking photos, but it can beat up your skin – just like pollution can. That’s why Sam uses Clarins UV Plus Anti-Pollution Day Screen SPF50 (RRP £32) wherever he’s shooting. Mineral titanium dioxide filters protect the skin from UVA, UVB and infrared damage as well as helping to control shine, while organic Alpine sanicle extract reinforces the skin’s natural protections against pollution. It also has organic blackcurrant extract and feels light on the skin to enhance Sam’s comfort in any conditions.
Make sure you pack UV Plus from the UK’s number one premium skincare brand in your travel bag.
For more information visit clarins.co.uk/men/500
