Tribute to Shawn Mortensen

Shawn Mortensen 1966-2009

BIG LOVE to the wonderful Shawn Mortensen who died on Thursday Night.

DoBeDo’s creative director Tyrone Lebon wrote the following tribute to Shawn: ‘Shawn was a big and generous inspiration to me and to many many others. he was an old friend of my dad’s. back in 2004 when i was passing through LA dad gave me Shawn’s number and said I should give him a call. not really remembering much of Shawn from when I’d met him as I kid, I didn’t have any idea about who would be at the other end of the line. I called in the morning and within the hour we were in a diner eating pancakes and I was hooked. as a 21 year old aspiring photographer Shawn blew my mind with his stories and his inspiring energy and outlook. 6 hours later, I left his house with a signed copy of his book under my arm feeling hugely inspired and positive about what lay ahead. I credit Shawn as being one of my biggest influences, not just with his images but with the integrity I observed on many occasions in his approach to the world of professional photography. he taught me a lot.

After that meeting I saw Shawn a handful of times in London, helping him out on a shoot or 2. this photo was taken on a funny night when we had an amazing time going around loads of fashion week parties and no one would let us in anywhere. on a normal occasion the night would have felt like a total failure. but with Shawn it was hilarious and probably the most fun I have ever had spending the night going around London on public transport in the freezing cold! I won’t forget you Shawn. thanks for everything.’

check out some of Shawn’s work on his website http://www.shawnmortensen.org.

and Shawn has also contributed to the DoBeDo Photographers Tshirt subscription. his was due to to be Tshirt #006, however we are unsure if this will still be the case. we will post more news about this soon.

Words : Tyrone Lebon