Daily Inspiration: Meet David Barnes

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Barnes.

Hi David, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I first took to photography while exploring the woods surrounding my childhood home in northeast Georgia. I was rapt by the sights and sounds of the creek, the various animals and how light would accentuate the colors of the leaves. When my family bought our first digital camera I was fascinated by its ability to capture my fixations in the forest. Around the same time my aunt and uncle gifted us National Geographic magazines for Christmas, by then I was completely hooked. Photography became a gateway to the world outside of my hometown.

As I began preparing to attend university I heeded people’s advice to take up a more traditional career path as opposed to photography. However, throughout my studies, photography was always on the back of my mind. As luck would have it, a former high school classmate recommended visual journalism courses. The first lesson in the introduction to photojournalism course changed the trajectory of my life; learning how photography could be used to inform others about their community, the world, and themselves brought me back to the impact photography made on my life. I spent the rest of my time at university diving head first into every opportunity I could: working as a photographer and photo editor at the school newspaper, interning as a photographer at my college’s athletic association and later a photo internship with the largest newspaper in Georgia, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

After graduation I was hired as a staff photographer at The Times newspaper in Gainesville, Georgia. I later shifted to a photo editor position at The New York Times News Service. Currently I’m based out of Los Angeles where I work as a Newsroom Photo Editor for Shutterstock. Now that I’m not actively working as a photojournalist I’ve been able to devote more time to personal subjects near and dear to my heart: landscapes and contemporary landscapes, candid moments of day-to-day life, and editorial style portraits of my husband, to name a few.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest hurdles facing people dedicated to creative pursuits can be the ebb and flow of our own perception on our work. One day you feel like you’re breaking new ground, expanding your creative horizons as if nothing can stand in your way. As quickly as that momentum propels you forward, it can pivot instantly the other way.

There’ve been times where I’ve become riddled with self doubt, questioning nearly every part of my work and style. During those dark periods I’m grateful to have a close-knit circle of colleagues, friends and loved ones that have grabbed me by the shoulders and shaken me back to my senses. Just as I’ve been helped, it is equally important for creatives, no matter the discipline, to throw down the ladder for fellow artists whenever we can.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What I’m most proud of about my photographic work is its quiet nature. So much of the imagery we are exposed to nowadays is fast paced and jarring, asking for all of our attention and allowing no respite. I hope my work can act as a balm for the preoccupied and overstimulated mind. Giving people the space to admire the serendipity and wonder of our surroundings allows the chance to see the world anew.

What makes you happy?
My husband has been a wellspring of joy since the day we meet. I remember his eyes lighting up when I told him that I was a professional photographer and we immediately began working on our first photo shoot together. While I’ve never considered portrait photography one of my strong suits, his enthusiasm has been a catalyst to explore my own style in the genre. We’ve collaborated on countless photo shoots and he’s been a fountain of encouragement and inspiration, not to mention my favorite portrait subject by a mile!

A love that both my husband and I share is being out in nature, especially the woods, which holds a special place in my heart. Standing among the trees where the brush seems to stretch unendingly beyond sight is one of the most serene feelings there is.

Pricing:

• Pricing available upon request

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.davidbarnesphoto.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidbarnesphoto/

Image Credits
Chelsea Lauren (headshot)
David Barnes