Life & Work with Daven Martinez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daven Martinez.

Hi Daven, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. I began taking pictures in 2019 after leaving my hometown and found photography as a form of expression in an unfamiliar place. I found a camera in my friend’s closet shortly after moving to Dallas and immediately became obsessed. At the time my band, Dezorah, was touring North America. Having the grounding comfort of photography helped me through the lifestyle I found otherwise unrooted. In 2021, I began experimenting with portrait film photography after a long time of feeling unfocused and in transition. After converting my living room into a studio, I began to practice taking pictures of my friends, as well as developing film in my kitchen. Coming into my own in a new city, I’ve gained confidence in my style, which has brought me to where I am now.

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?
It has not been an easy road to where I am today. Among creative blocks, heartbreaks, loss, and other transitions, I have processed struggle through my art deeply. I find it to be an outlet through which I could not express emotions otherwise.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am primarily a portrait film photographer and develop my film at home. My typical clientele is musicians and creatives, many of which are of the same background as myself.

How do you think about happiness?
Creating and my cat.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davenmartinez/

Image Credits
All images by me Daven Martinez.