20 Twin Cities Fashion Icons | Photographer Joe Dammel

As a fashion and lifestyle photographer based in the Twin Cities, Joe Dammel of Dammel Photographic Works has built a name for himself by creating images that feel both effortlessly cool and deeply personal—while capturing the essence and spirit of the local style world. His work has popped up in glossy editorials (like our 2024 fall fashion feature) and local campaigns for stores and brands, as well as productions and runway shows. 

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Tell us about your photography business, Dammel Photographic Works. 

I’m a photographer specializing in brand campaigns, portraiture, and fashion. I’ve loved photography since I was a kid, but pivoted towards the fashion scene about six years ago.

How did you first get involved with the Minnesota fashion scene? 

I first got into the local fashion scene via my friend Priya who herself was getting more involved in the scene. Priya asked me to photograph her (for Instagram, of course) and I found that I really loved the creativity that came with it. She (and another friend Michaela) connected me to The Fitting Room for one of their shows in 2019 and the rest is history! I was the photographer for FWMN for, I think, three seasons back in 2021-2022 and a highlight was shooting many of the shows, and especially shooting the lookbook.

A lot of my photography at the moment involves local designers, businesses, and publications—I do everything from fashion shows to galas to commercial to—my favorite—editorial shoots.

What inspires you?

For me it’s when someone is wearing a piece that really comes alive once they’re in it—it’s a kind of magic that I always feel grateful for and lucky to capture.

In your opinion, what makes fashion in Minnesota unique?

It’s creative, fun, and the people involved take their work seriously, but not themselves!

Do you have any muses?

I love working with subjects who bring a lot of energy and joy to their work. I’m a pretty chill guy and it’s fun to work with people who are maybe not so chill!

Favorite project to date?

I recently got to shoot a two-day editorial campaign for a local business that I really love, MartinPatrick3, at an island lodge in Wisconsin. That was really a dream shoot with the models, the team, and the location.