David Jonathan: Well I don’t get creative blocks really, ideas jut come randomly in my head at any time. I could be driving downtown and all of a sudden get an idea for the next photo shoot. I sometimes though look through model portfolios and listen to music. I really try to capture the moments in-between the photos, they are more natural and relaxed. I’m never really struggling to come up with ideas.
GN: What are some messages you want your photography to convey?
DJ: Well I try to bring out the model’s thoughts rather than their figure. I talk and try to get to know them so we can become comfortable with each other and I find that it makes it easier for me and the model to communicate during a shoot. I like to capture the environment and make it as interesting as the subject. When I shoot someone I try to get them from every possible angle. I like shooting in an ambiguous nature. I try to not capture the perfect image, that’s just boring.
GN: Tell me about your photography then...
DJ: Well my photography is my art, it’s the one thing that’s me and the one thing that I have.
My art is very personal to me and I know that some people will like it and others won’t.
GN: Do you have any favourite types of people to shoot?
DJ: Hmm...I like taking pictures of new or average people. I find they are much more natural and expressive. It feels more authentic to me.
GN: Any themes revolving around your photos?
DJ: Androgyny. I love playing with sexuality in shoots.
GN: Who are your favourite photographers?
DJ: Erwin Olaf, and also local and friend photographers. Oh! And Joshua Mcveity of course...can’t forget him.
GN: Why did you choose to become a professional photographer?
DJ: It wasn’t really something I thought I’d be. I mean I definitely had an interest in it but, I guess things just all fell into place. Now it’s all I know.
GN: Do you have any preference to the type of clothing being worn on the people you photograph?
DJ: Well it depends. I really like fabric drapery and loose clothing. Also a classy or just a simple look. Sometimes I pick out the clothing, but most of the time I prefer to shoot people with distinct personal style.
GN: What styles do you like? Like on yourself
DJ: Well while I was in Montreal recently I basically loved everything everyone was wearing haha. But I like street style and the designer Paul Smith. Right now I’m really into beige colours, or any earthy tone colours actually I love plaid. I own so much of it. But I’m more concerned with what other people are wearing . Oh....and I love beards!! Haha
GN: What do you like to read? For inspiration and stuff?
DJ: Hmm...V magazine, I have a ton of them. I study art history and read old Vogues. I’m more inspired by older things rather than new.
David is a freelance photographer and currently landed a job working for a modelling agency.
See more of his work at
DavidJ.Photo and join the
Facebook Group!
Francis A Willey is a composer, poet and photographer.
Photo courtesy of http://www.wilcoszandway.com
Laura Margaret Ramsey is an American photographer based in Calgary who does wonderful fashion photography. She is in her 4th year at the Alberta College of Art and Design.
Soon to be Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD) graduate Joshua McVeity, 29, is on his way to a prosperous and successful career as an editorial photographer.
The model is April, a new face with Mode Models International. Absolutely stunning!
After a very speedy, but very cold photo shoot we all went back to David Jonathan's apartment where he made Jordan and I shots of espresso...which I found to be a lot bitter than I remembered. I told David that I’d been wanting to interview him for a long time and if he wouldn’t mind me asking a few questions. I could tell I had caught him a bit off guard, but after a few laughs he was excited to get started.