Who am I?
I'm a Hong Kong-based portrait photographer inspired by the mystery, whimsy and drama of ordinary people. Making photographs that I love with another person is the outcome of an exploration, an idea shared and a connection that is both a single moment and timeless.
The strength and fragility of our faces and bodies fascinates me and I look for softness in the strongest physiques, power in the most delicate expressions and a light sense of humour in their co-existence - it's human. I want my photographs to reflect my own borderless view of the world; where gender, age, location, time and style blend together.
I am always open to sharing my creative and non-technical approach to photography in Hong Kong custom 1:1 workshops that help photographers become more confident and versatile.
I'm English, studied literature and languages at Oxford University and have worked for 25 years in fashion, trend forecasting, business leadership and as a mentor. Outside work, you'll find me practising martial arts, running on the mountains with my dog, playing the guitar and spending time with my family.
Photo by Rankin
Clients say
"Professional and rewarding experience with Dan and his team. I felt really comfortable even if this was my first ever nude photoshoot, and the photos turned out so amazing - would definitely recommend."
Body photography for Hong Kong Marketing Entrepreneur
"Amazing photographer"
Creative Portraits for Hong Kong TV Actress
"I found Dan's page from Google desktop research, been searching for a portrait shot for a while but couldn't find something that matches with what I actually wanted. The moment I saw Dan's work I knew it is what I've been looking for - the work has soul. After I reached out and had an initial chat with Dan, it further assured my first impression. Rest of the experience was nothing but fantastic, from pre-shooting briefing where Dan gave advice tailored to the outcome I was looking for, which was really spot on, intuitive and thoughtful, to the day of shooting where he and his assistant were just professional and encouraging. The studio is also a very pleasant ambience to work in. Highly recommended if you are bored with normal corporate style portrait, this is where your own unique personality and style came alive through photos."
Corporate Headshots for PR Professional
"Had an amazing time shooting with Dan, was easy, comfortable, and had a beautiful art direction, thanks Dan!"
Body photography for male Professional Rugby Player
"We had an amazing shooting session with Dan. Dan's passion and enthusiasm overwhelmed us, and it's just enjoyable to see how Dan played with lights and shadows. Impressed with the end product as well. Thank you so much Dan - we are happy to be part of your works."
Creative Portraits for Couple
"From concept through to execution Dan was extremely professional, open and collaborative. He is a master at his craft, skilfully capturing the energy you want to portray; for this session we focussed on empowerment. I’m thrilled with the results; a series of strong and yet soft images in a variety of themes. A wonderful creative experience which I’d highly recommend."
Body photography for Yoga Instructor
"We contacted Dan for a body photography shoot for my best friend. We did not have any clear idea but we knew we wanted high quality photographs with an artistic touch. Surprisingly, Dan was very much hands-on in the artistic direction to provide guidance and narrow down the possibilities and to listen to our needs. In terms of delivery, we were blown up by the end result: amazing photographs!! Thanks for the professionalism and the artistic touch!"
Body photography for male Banking Professional
"Dan is an artist and professional photographer who is able to bring out different sides of me. He is savvy about lights, shadows and working with angles, shooting with him makes me relax and enjoy the process. His studio is also conveniently located in the city!"
Body & Movement portraits for Dancer & Creative
"I’m a makeup artist in HK. I worked with Dan a few times and we are so happy with the outcome. Dan is so organised that he will prepare mood board with description and pictures before the shooting. He also willing to try different set to create the best photo as possible."
Make Up Artist
"I knew Dan’s work from Click 852. I needed professional portraits for a career change. I was quite a demanding client with a tight brief in terms of identity, colours, mood. I could not be happier with the result. I have 12 images which I can use across media which are consistent and give the authentic, professional image I asked for. Dan did this quickly with no fuss and a slick, efficient process with plenty of opportunity for me to give input and feedback."
Corporate headshots for COO for Global Law Firm; Counselor
"I engaged Dan for Studio Portraits. Given that it was my first time being photographed in a studio, I felt very at ease throughout the process. Dan gave lots of advice when it came to envisioning the brief. The experience was smooth and service was second to none."
Corporate headshots for Music Company Country Manager
"After over 7 years of calling Hong Kong home, I have recently relocated to Atlantic Canada. To commemorate my time in Hong Kong, I reached out to Daniel Cotton Photography to capture some portraits at the Ocean Park Marriott Hotel Aquarium. I am very happy with the results and couldn't recommend Dan highly enough!"
On Location Corporate Portraits for Commercial Aquarium Designer
"Photography just like cooking - is a personal thing - it’s an emotion paired with creativity and artistry. Dan captures vibrant Hong Kong in a very unique way. I love the energy & mood each of his photos has, that illuminates the very unique vibe of Hong Kong and it’s people. For street portraits with there is only one choice for me - Dan Cotton Photography."
Creative Street Portraits for Commercial Chef @born_to_cook_no_plan_b
“It is with total pride that I can say that Daniel was the official ‘Behind The Scenes’ photographer for a RAVEN + ROSE catwalk event. He was an incredible addition to the huge backstage crew & worked in a way that got the shots without getting in anyone’s way. He merged perfectly into the environment and was stealth-like in capturing moments - all making for beautifully candid and real images that were far from posed. His work reflected the fast backstage fashion atmosphere, the brands aesthetic vibes as well as his own style perfectly. His photos were just beautiful! I couldn’t recommend Daniel more!”
Fashion Behind the Scenes for @ravenandrose
"Dan has done several product shoots for Pawzy Therapy and has done an amazing job so far. He understands our requirements well and explores different perspectives to ensure the product images are always better than we wanted. He is patient, committed to excellence and very professional. We would highly recommend Dan to any corporates or brands."
Product for @pawzytherapy
"Great personalised service from Dan to get exactly the shot we wanted. A Hong Taxi double exposed with some lights in Hong Kong, that gave us an amazing memory of our time living in Hong Kong. He's fun and easy to work with and would recommend him any day."
Fine Art Prints
“Really interesting photographs - great service. I ordered two photographs- both are abstracts or maybe studies of light and colour. Dan has a great eye for both and it really shows in his work. I love the photos- that little bit of work to understand the images makes them really interesting to look at again and again and the large print size sits really well in my Scandinavian style open plan family room. It’s also easy to work with Dan’s help to get the print that you want in the right format."
Fine Art Print
"I recently asked Dan to spend an afternoon at the AIA Carnival with his camera. His fresh perspective and approach to photography had caught my attention so was delighted he agreed to shoot. He didn't disappoint at all. I will be printing and routing a number of his pieces and will definitely be working with him again."
Editorial for AIA Carnival Hong Kong