Desmond Burdon was born in June 1957 in Damascus, Syria of Irish parents. His father's work as a hydro-geologist for the United Nations necessitated frequent relocation resulting in Desmond attending a total of 16 schools before coming to England in 1975 to study photography.

Upon leaving college he worked as an assistant with two photographers, Bernard Phillips and then Patrick Cocklin, for five years before opening his own studio in 1983. Working extensively in the advertising field producing material frequently in the public eye, Desmond has developed a style earning him much international respect and acclaim.

He is represented in London, Germany, Italy, New York and Los Angeles and has chaired the AFAEP Award Panel on several occasions.