Today we’d like to introduce you to David Moyle.
David, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I began as a hobbyist photographer as a child growing up in Connecticut. I put it down for a bit in High School and College where I took other art classes as electives while going for a degree in Marketing/Advertising.
Once I graduated, I went back to school nights and studied more art and photography with the plan to get a graphic design degree. Then I became a graphic designer and started picking up the camera again as a hobby. Soon, that hobby was being incorporated into my own graphic design work, and eventually, clients began hiring me solely for photography work. I have shot work for corporate clients and magazines as well; everything from corporate executive portraits to products, as well as corporate office spaces for websites. I’ve also photographed food and wine/spirits for clients and magazines.
Eventually, clients started asking me to do their corporate events; which then lead to me being asked to start doing family portraits and weddings by clients that liked my corporate work.
I’ve always liked the hobby of photography, so I have continued to shoot artistic work for myself, which has lead to several art shows. Then, on the urging of friends and family, I started entering photography contests that have lead to some awards, honorable mentions, and publishing of my work. I’ve never really settled on a genre, so my artistic work has included nature, abstracts, fine art nudes, and macabre work. I’ve had a few macabre shows geared toward Halloween.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has not been smooth at all. I was employed full time for a some time while going to school nights. After being laid off a few times whenever a project ended or a budget was cut, I decided to go out on my own and freelance. That has had it’s ups and downs over the years. There have been years of feast and years of famine depending on the economy and sudden budgetary changes. At one point my branding company had a 4,000 square foot office space with 3 business partners, a small staff and a studio space. Then when the economy tanked I had to downsize it all, work out of my home again and start sharing studio space. Now, most clients want me to come to them so I have a mobile light kit, can set up a studio anywhere and I rent space for the day if need be. Keeping overhead low allows me to keep pricing competitive.
What is the most difficult part of what you do?
I think the hardest part of what I do is that sometimes people don’t understand the hard work and training that goes into being a professional photographer, the expense of the equipment, software, insurance, and attention to detail required to do it well. Modern cameras make it easy to enter the hobby and yet have also changed the way people think about my profession.
What are you striving for, what criteria or markers have you set as indicators of success?
Success, for me, is complex because my professional work and my artistic work. One can claim success when they are able to make regular income and support their family. However, aside from that, regular referrals to new clients from happy current clients is one key marker I strive for and am proud of. Recognition for my work along the way in the form of being published, ranking well in competitions, or features of my work have helped me feel successful as well.
What are your plans for the future?
Equipment wise, I’d like to get a mirrorless camera because the quality has improved substantially and the equipment is lighter. This could completely change the way I shoot and make what I do easier for myself and clients. Art-wise, I would like to find an important cause to feature artistically with my work to draw attention to and make positive changes for that cause. A documentary-type art show in front of prominent people that could make a difference if you will,
Contact Info:
- Website: www.davidmoyle.com
- Phone: 714-272-2284
- Email: david@davidmoyle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidcmoyle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavidMoyleOrangeCountyCaliforniaPhotographer
