 He began working as a fashion model in the mid-1980s and later became a fashion and advertising photographer after teaching himself to take high-profile photos.His clients included Gianni Versace, Yves St. Laurent, Giorgio Armani, Reebok, Nike, Fujifilm, Beck's, Michelob, Fila, "Playboy" and "TV Guide".Dean's first appearance on a TV reality show was on UPN's "America's Next Top Model".