Today we’d like to introduce you to David Franco.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I first picked up a camera in college during a photography class while earning my degree in graphic design, and it completely changed how I saw myself and the world around me. Growing up, I struggled with self-esteem, and photography became a way to express myself. As a social introvert, I also loved exploring Los Angeles on my own, capturing details others might overlook and sharing them through my lens.
Some of my favorite work has involved collaborating with marginalized communities that often go unseen and creating space for them to share their stories. Photography has given me the chance not only to create images, but also to build visibility and meaningful connections with my subjects.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I think many artists can relate to the fact that while we’re focused on creating the work, we’re not always as prepared for the business side of things. Learning how to market yourself, price your work, and truly value your time are some of the biggest challenges.
There’s also the struggle that comes with putting your art out into the world. It’s easy to second-guess yourself, wondering how people will respond or whether your work will resonate the way you hope it will. It’s important to stay true to my vision, the right audience will find it eventually.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and began my career in tech start-ups, eventually working my way up to being a Creative Director. I was laid off from a job, so I decided to pursue photography full-time, something I had been building toward for years while growing my portfolio. While I’d love to one day merge my design and photography backgrounds, my focus right now is primarily on photography.
I specialize in both portrait and landscape work, though they’re very different experiences. With portraits, my goal is to make people feel comfortable in front of the camera while bringing in both technical skill and artistic vision. Landscapes, on the other hand, are almost meditative- a way for me to connect with my surroundings. I’d describe my style as moody, though it depends on the project.
I’m especially proud of having one of my photos displayed in 185 rooms at the InterContinental Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles, as well as winning first place in an international photography competition in the Black and White category. Some of my most meaningful work has been telling stories from queer and marginalized communities, using photography as a way to create visibility and connection.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is helping people feel seen and confident, especially marginalized groups. I was bullied a lot when I was younger, and that experience shaped the way I approach both people and my work. I know how hard it can be to feel comfortable in your own skin, and one of the things I love most about photography is creating a space where people can show up as themselves and leave feeling more confident than when they arrived.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://davidfrancophoto.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/davidfrancophoto
Image Credits
First image name is Filthy Rich, Second is Vander Von Odd, third is Surj
