Today we’d like to introduce you to David Harris.
Hi David, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been intrigued by photography for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was always interested in the design and creative process which came from my mother who was a fashion designer in NYC and Miami. I remember just playing around in her sewing room and I would design my own jeans and other clothing.
My mother bought me my first camera when I was around 7 or 8 years old. It was an old 35 mm film camera from Sears, which I still have somewhere. I would always take photos, whether it was nature, portraits, and animals, etc. At that time, when you finished a roll of film, you would mail it in to be developed and wait to see whether the photo came out or not. It was unlike digital photography today where you immediately see your results and have the opportunity to adjust your settings. I also took some photography in high school and always enjoyed the whole process.
When I was 10 years old, my father passed away in a car accident. I didn’t grow up wealthy, but when he passed away it definitely changed things from a financial perspective. I was on the free lunch program at school; my mother didn’t drive so I would either have to ask parents for rides or walk everywhere. Ultimately, my brother and I were responsible for paying for our education.
Growing up, I loved music and still do to this day. I originally went to college for music business as I wanted to be an A&R representative. After the first year of college, my music business program was dropped and it forced me to choose another major. Since I was responsible for paying for my school, I ended up choosing a degree that would allow me to graduate on time.
I graduated with a degree in Sociology and Law and then a Master’s in Social Work and Healthcare Policy. So, my educational background eventually made its way into healthcare and away from formalized training in photography and music.
I’ve learned to take my passions for music, fashion and photography and intertwine them. I’ve really become obsessed with photography. My mind is constantly framing and composing throughout the whole day. When I am speaking with someone, my internal dialog would be like, I don’t like the light at this angle or the background, etc. and I would be thinking, how can I recompose or reframe the situation. I used to be so self-conscious of what people would think as I was likely coming off as distracted or not paying attention. It wasn’t until a few years ago, I realized that’s just how my creative brain works and I’ve become comfortable with it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Photography is very competitive and there are so many great photographers. One particular challenge is determining your individual style and be comfortable with what drives your style. At the same time, I’m always looking for ways to grow, adapt and enhance my style. It goes back to being obsessed with not just photography but the environment you’re photographing. For example, if I am shooting a band, I will research the artist and learn everything I can about them. I will study videos of the stage lighting, the band member’s movements to the point where I can literally tell you on the 4th word of the 3rd verse of a particular song how and where the lead singer will actually be located on stage and what their particular movements will be. This type of research allows me to position myself in a particular way to capture a shot I feel fits my style and the story I’m trying to tell.
It’s interesting because that example is so calculated and artists, especially performers, are very calculated. However, at the same time, I look for situations that are not calculated; the shots that are fluid, natural, and real moments.
I am also influenced by other photographers who I’ve come to know personally or through books, social media, etc. About seven years ago, I met and became friends with Greg Williams who is a fantastic photographer. Greg’s influence has pushed me incredibly in so many ways. Greg has taught me not just think like a photographer, as far as, lighting, composition, etc. but how one interacts with the subject in the environment they are capturing.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I consider myself a contemporary lifestyle photographer with a focus on music, entertainment, and fashion. I’ve been fortunate to work with some fantastic entertainers, artists, make-up artists, brands and other photographers. I love to photograph in black and white, but I certainly shoot in color as well. I feel black and white photography is so timeless and draws one’s attention directly to the subject in a different way than color.
I also support artists and photographers through Sound Rebel Magazine, an online digital publication and on Instagram @soundreblemag, which is dedicated to all thing’s music. This is a really nice platform that supports the work of artists and entertainers whether they are up-and-coming or already established. The intent of the platform is to support the work of contributing photographers just as much as the artists.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was into music, BMX racing, skateboarding and of course photography. I was the kid who didn’t care to much about what people thought as far as what clothes I’d wear or my hairstyle. I loved going to concerts and would sneak my camera or tape recorder into concerts. I used to work at a music store and we would get these notices mailed to us letting us know of up-and-coming bands to keep an eye on. I would go see some of these bands in small clubs before their careers really took off. I recall seeing bands like Guns N’ Roses, The Black Crowes, Skid Row, and Type-O-Negative at a small club in New York called, The Lost Horizon before many of them went on their first arena tour. Those were special times because you not only had an opportunity to witness intimate performances, but the bands would always hang out and spend time with the fans signing autographs or taking pictures. It was these types of scenarios where I learned to respect the artists and treat them as you would anyone else.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://davidharrisphotos.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidharrisphotos/
- Other: https://www.soundrebelmagazine.com/
Image Credits
Personal Photo Profile Photo Credit: Caleb Harris All other Additional Photos Credit: David Harris
