Meet David Walker

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

Thanks for sharing your story with us David. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I remember being a teenager, maybe 14 years old or so, and camera’s really started to intrigue me. I didn’t really have a perspective or a vision at the time, but the draw was there. I was also really into surfing and skateboarding, but photography quickly began to take precedence. I’d walk up to the beach and shoot seascapes, enjoying the meditative feeling I grew to love from photography.

Fast forward a few years and I’m nineteen, doing the rebellious teenager thing while going through a rough family period. I got really into fast cars (and trouble). After the air cleared and life settled down, I picked up the camera again with a new perspective and a different direction. It was through that experience I found my style, so in hindsight, I’m pretty grateful. I dropped the event, wedding, and portrait gigs I was shooting to pursue fashion full time.

A few months after moving to LA, I met Latham Ford, CEO of brand consulting and talent management company, Ten X Talent. We vibed from the first meeting at Mama Shelter, and when he asked if I was looking for management, the answer was of course yes. Ten X does more than just management though. Lay also produced a really dope shoot for Photogenics with designer Phlemuns that I shot for a few months back as well…

Back in the spring, I had to the opportunity to shoot over at the Arsenic house for the first time through a model/friend of mine, @itsnokia. They’re all really great people, and we’ve been back several others times for shoots/hangs/parties. I’ve got a few more editorials on the way in the next few months, and am looking forward to meeting and working with some new brands as well.

Great, 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?
The hardest part is that there isn’t necessarily a tried and true path to success. In other fields, you go to school, get a degree, and there’s a pretty good chance of a job waiting afterwards. There’s also a right and wrong way to do things. Art doesn’t work that way. It takes a lot of time. You always wonder if you’re doing enough, if the moves you’re making are the “right” ones. The truth is, there is no right move. Every path will be different and thats the beauty of it. You’ve got to pave your own path which is hard, but I find it exhilarating.

David Walker Photographer – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’m a fashion photographer + creative. I’d say I’m most known for my loud, edgy, rebellious work which makes me really happy. It’s how I see myself, so it’s cool people are responding to that work the most. Two of my most recent editorials shot for Fuse Magazine (yet to be released) and Sticks and Stones Agency fit that vibe.

I think brands, magazines, and agencies like working with me because what you see is what you get. I’m gonna show up to the shoot or meeting in vans, skinny jeans, and band tee with my tattoos, and then shoot a look which probably fits that vibe. When clients see that you understand their brand, and your work reflects that, they trust you and your creativity more. I think that’s what sets me apart from others. My work is authentic, and I find it really hard to work on a project if the concept, brand, etc isn’t the right fit.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I’d say the proudest moment of my career so far was a few Friday nights back when I was standing in the beautiful backyard of the Arsenic house overlooking LA, while listening to a live music session, just having a great time with my team and friends.

In that moment, I thought back to the time I’d see that same backyard on IG, knowing I’d be there at some point, but not knowing how. I felt extremely grateful for everyone and everything in my life, and how far we’ve come. I can feel it in my bones that this coming year is going to be even better.