A Portrait in Pixels…Dave Davis Photography
As an introduction to our newest feature, “The Photographer’s Portrait”, who better to interview than our very own webmaster extraordinaire….Glamour Photographer and Photoshop Master, Dave Davis.
Beauty Editor Jett Ray: Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to interview for the magazine Dave! We appreciate all you do and are so very proud of the work you have done for GlamModelz Magazine. I know there are many in the Glamour Photography industry who can benefit from your expertise, so let’s get started!
Tell me about your background…how did you get started in Photography?
Dave Davis: I have always had an interest in Art. At the age of 12 my parents gave me my first 35mm SLR camera. We were living in Germany at the time and I had ample opportunity to use it, I shot a lot of landscapes and inanimate objects back in those days. I was first published at the age of 16, I shot sports for several news papers though high school and college. I majored in commercial photography/Art in college, and enjoy working as a commercial artist. It’s just part of my DNA and always has been, I guess.
Jett: Why Glamour /Beauty? What other genre’s and styles interest you?
Dave: I’m interested in all art forms, from the beauty of drops of dew glinting in the sun off a blade of grass to the complexities of a ballet. In short I enjoy all genres and forms of Art, not just photography. There is a more “mainstream, more commercial” side to me and my work. I’m happy and excited with the works you see here, but there are 2 Faces of Eve. I have a High Fashion, more blase style of work that is just starting to pop up. A model wrote me this morning and said. “I wanna to shoot something like this”, and she included a photograph I shot for one of the local modeling agency, I’m not even sure if she realizes I shot it..
Jett: What or who inspires you as a photographer?
Dave: There are so many great photographers and artists that have inspired me. All of the contributing photographers here on “GlamModelz.com”, Michael Rosen and Dr Gary, my old college professor, have made the biggest influence in my work and personal style. Music quite often inspires my creativity too.
Jett: What equipment is essential for you as a glamour photographer, to capture your “best shot”?
Dave: Since 99% of my work is shot in the studio, I will say the Beauty Dish, (a special light) followed by a really great flash meter. I have a truck load of equipment including 12 cameras. They all serve a purpose and a means for creating Art, but they’re just simple tools. Photoshop is something I could not live without. Besides the equipment, I always bring an open mind and my imagination to a photoshoot.
Jett: Paid vs. TF* shoots – What are your views and preferences?
Dave: Of course I shoot TFP, all of my personal projects are shot on a TFP basis. But I have been burned and abused by so many “wannabes” that I will no longer work with MUA or models I have not worked with in the past. I need to know my team can deliver. I do test for new talent all the time.
Jett: How would you best describe your personal style?
Dave: Bright, Vibrant, Full of Life, Fun and Expressive. Regardless of the subject and/or intended outcome I like to bring out emotions in my work. True Art invokes an emotional response. That’s the way I live my life, my life is what I hope my work represents.
Jett: What are your goals for your photography? Other goals?
Dave: My only real goal is the completion of my next shot. That is all I really concentrate on and that is all I really care about.
Jett: What qualities should Models/MUA’s/Stylists, etc have to work with you?
Dave: I shoot portfolio updates for MUAs/Stylist a couple times a year. I wouldn’t mind shooting with more MUAs. It’s something I really enjoy – the collective meeting of creative minds. The shots are so well planned and thought out in every detail, it’s so exciting to our work come together..
Models: A professional attitude is also a must! I have learned my lesson the hard way, Now I only recruit Beauty models from previous shoots. For other projects I am open to new looks/models.
Jett: Tell us about your biggest accomplishment to date or what makes you most proud.
Dave: I have been truly blessed by the good Lord in my “professional” life. I’ve shot with a Playmate, movie stars, sports stars, rock stars. I’ve been published in National Geographic. I have done album covers, trade journals, cover shots on architectural and motor sports magazines, posters and so on. I’m even a staff photographer for a modeling agency in San Francisco. But I’m most proud of a single image. I searched so long for someone to model for this fantasy project and finally Rachel Anasteli – Actress, Model, Ms San Francisco, agreed to work with me on this piece titled Mother Nature. It took 400 hours create and was my first Fantasy Art project. I guess it will always hold a special place in my heart and so will Rachel. ~Thanks Dear!!
Jett: What advice do you have for new/amateur photographers who want to shoot glamour?
Dave: Be Professional, Respectful, and Original. Let your models know exactly what, when and how you will deliver the final edits, CDs, Prints, or what ever and then actually deliver! That seems to be the number one complaint I hear from models while chatting during a shoot.
Jett: Any advice for models?
Dave: 1.) Ladies Please, I never look at the webcam shots, most professional photographers do not. Leave them on MySpace, never include crappy photos on a pro modeling site.
2.) Communicate! Talk on the phone, text, e-mail, what ever the photographer prefers, be proactive, be professional. ALWAYS call if you can not make a shoot.
3.) Check references on the photographer first. Show up to the shoot on time and ready to work. Don’t bring your friends, This is not a party! A photoshoot is an intimate thing. The better connection you make with the Photographer the better the photographs will look.
Jett: In addition to photography, do you have other skills/interests/talents in which you excel?
Dave: I’m a workaholic and have full time careers as a Graphic Artist, Web Developer, Network Engineer (computer geek) and of course, as a Commercial Photographer. I love the diversity of my life but it does sometimes gets rather hectic.
Jett: Where can we see more of your work? How can models who wish to shoot with you contact you?
Dave: My personal e-mail is drdavesgraphics@gmail.com My main website/blog (davedavisphotography.com) has some great information for both new models and photographers with lots of examples, Photoshop tutorials, Save the Wolves, cool Geek stuff and much more.
I can also be reached through these modeling sites ; ModelMayhem, FaceBook, and MySpace. I believe I’m even listed as the server slave around GlamModelz.com someplace 
**Server Slave and Part-time comedian, to boot. We love you Dave!
Checkout My Gallery
About the Author:
***** Welcome to GlamModelz Magazine, "The Most Glamorous Site on the Internet" *****
Jett Ray is the Managing Editor of GlamModelz Magazine. She has been a post-secondary instructor at local colleges in the Dallas area for over 10 years. Her background in writing comes from a corporate perspective in which had responsibility for composing articles regarding career development and personal-enrichment techniques. Jett is seasoned seminar speaker, event-planner and hostess, in addition to being an experienced model and makeup artist. She has obtained credentials as a Registered Medical Assistant and earned a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences Degree from Dallas Baptist University, with concentration in Psychology and Healthcare Management. Jett is currently a graduate student enrolled in the Master of Arts in Counseling Program at DBU, with the goal of obtaining a Ph.D and establishing a practice in the near future.
****Her love for art, design, colors and beauty began at a very young age and she has been in love ever since!
****Jett is actively involved in Dallas' Glamour, Fashion, Music and Social Scene and can be found networking at various events around the Metroplex.
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Dave -
I actually learned some NEW things about you from this “in-depth” interview!!! That line about the model contacting you saying that she “wanted to shoot something like this…” and not even realizing that YOU shot it is FRIGGIN’ PRICELESS!!! LOL
The FABULOUSLY AMAZING Jett did a GREAT job probing and getting to the “real Dave” – nicely done by you both!!!
My man, I admire your work and look forward to learning more from you as we evolve in this ever-changing artform called photography…
Much Respect,
Chuck – TBG
Comliments to the both of your for an outstaning interview. Dave I have not only learned some things from it but also have a much greater respect for the talent and knowledge you truely have. It would be nice to see more folks in this industry be willing to share and help others just starting out. We all need sometimes to look back and remember the first time we opened Photoshop and just said OMG. These interviews and this magazine will be a true resource for these new folks. Nice to see it happening and be able to contribute as well.. Hats off to you Doc..
Best Regards
Jeff Visions East
you are the best photographer i’ve ever worked with. Your talent, your open minded-ness and creativity. I love all of our shoots we always have so much fun and we’ve grown so close as friends. i will never forget the day you finally asked me to do a test shoot with you. some of those photos are still some of my most favorite to this day!!! xoxoxo
glam goddess, batgurl, lady in red ect…haha
Tiera – Wow, our first test shoot.. I still can’t believe we shot ‘Windy Wedding’ in that hurricane down in Santa Cruz, LOL Its still one of my all time Fav’s, but ‘Island Gurl’ is my windows wallpaper 90% of the time. We Rock!! I can’t wait to shoot with you again!!
All, thanks so much for your comments and high praise, its much appreciated!! Thanks Jett, for taking the time.
Regards
Dave
http://davedavis.me
I remember you telling me a lot of this and talking about the mua, I agree that ALL of your work is art. A lot of what you said in this interview is 100% true and this will give all models something to look forward to when they work with you
Excellent article Dave!! Perfect advice for new models as well!
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I added your blog to bookmarks. And i’ll read your articles more often!
In truth, immediately i didn’t understand the essence. But after re-reading all at once became clear. Love your personal photography blog too…
Your work is wonderful and so creative too. I wish you would tour the US.
Cathy
I followed this link from your personal blog. This interview is wonderful. I really love your artistic flair!
I read a few topics. I respect your work and added blog to favorites.
The sun never sets on the British Empire.
Are you a professional journalist? You write very well.
Hi Chuck,
Well, I am a part time photojournalist, so yes. I do work primarily as a network engineer/computer consultant in the SF Bay Area, or use to I should say. With the economy being what it is today, I’m finding more time to branch out into other ventures. I enjoy the diversity and I’m so happy to have more time for commercial photography, the writings here and on my personal blog/site, plus a little more time for fantasy art projects as well..
Thanks for your kind words.
Dave
http://davedavisphotography.com/
Wow!, this was a top quality post. In theory I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and never seem to achieve anything
I was looking for this the other day. i dont usually post in forums but i wanted to say thank you! Now I know what you have been up to Davis..
We should have a drink sometime.
38
Bob, Wow, its been such a very long time.. Are we the only two from the “wild bunch” left?
Yes, send me a privet e-mail and lets have that double shot of JD
All the best
Dave
great post! You have a good post, absolutely the ideal Ive read so far. I will be looking forward to your next post. Thanks a lot.
I just be in love with your weblog! Very nice post! Still you can do several things to enrich it, and i will be back.
Nice post — thanks for sharing.
Great job Dave
No way , I by no means readed something great like this ! This was a straight post without having empty words inside! Thank you once more!
I Too Like the Blog here. Keep up all the work. I too love to blog. This is great everyone sharing opinions
hello, that was a cool article, i really enjoyed it.
Great stuff man, thanks!
I hope its not the last article about this subject , it had been just a fantastic go through and hopefully we will all examine more about it ! Bookmarked dude!
This is usually a article that gies directly to the point , no fluff here . You really should compose some much more about this !! Thank you and bookmarked!
Amazing blog layout here. I really enjoyed reading your blog and I love the way you write.
Good blog! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes as well as the details are well written. I am wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your rss feed which need to do the trick! Have a nice day!
I’m currently blogging for a (poor) living for someone else… but I like it. You’ve inspired me to keep doing it, and look to doing it for myself soon
Wonderful story Dave! I truly love your work and style. This is very well written.
Fantastic blog! I actually love how it is easy on my eyes and the info are well written. I am wondering how I can be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your rss feed which ought to do the trick! Have a nice day!
Hello there , thanks with the good subject , I hope I can go through far more and enjoy … it had been so helpful
Wow , this fantasy art you talk about blows my mind, thank you and I hope we are going to obtain a lot more of this style from your unique vision !
I love your blog.
It’s very interesting and clear. I found you in google and I’ll for sure come back to check for new fresh posts. Keep blogging like this, if more people shared this kind of great information, the net would be much better
Great post .
Thank you for this article, it was a great read.
Browsing these have given me a broader outlook on the subject. I hope there is plenty to come. Many thanks dear writer.
Helpful information here. I added your site on my favorite, so visit again.
Hey there , wonderful submit .. I m actually interested in this topic keep on writing and thank you !
I think everybody need to read this post , it is just remarkable update info and far more : I wish you might create a lot more! I followed you link from MM
great interview, I love your style and I hope to shoot with you on my next trip to the east coast.
nancy
xoxo
Interesting,. Unique and original :>
Hello, this is a great blog!
I just added your blog site to my blogroll I hope youll look at doing the same