Photographer Spotlight David Westphal
Tell us about yourself…
I grew up as a dependent in the Air Force. I was fortunate to travel the world and see a lot of different things. Things that make me who I am today.
How did you discover your love for photography?
When I was 10, my dad was stationed in Germany. Almost every weekend, my family would travel to visit some castle or cathedral or something cool. For easter that year, my parents gave me a Kodak Instamatic 126 camera. I instantly fell in love with it. From that moment, I would take pictures everywhere we went. I remember seeing the really beautiful postcards at these places we would visit. I would try and make my own postcard images with my camera. I have been taking pictures since that time. It has been a lifetime love for me that supersedes almost everything (except my wife and son, kinda).
Who are some of your favorite photographers? (Past or Present)
Alfred Stieglitz. Harry Callahan. Roy DeCarva. Nadav Kandar.
You have a broad portfolio of subject matter, automotive, architecture, environmental. What would you put your finger on as the key to your success?
Has your method for approaching and obtaining clients changed over the years?
Yes. But even with changing methods, the bottom line is this. The collection of images that represent my body of work and illustrates my creative voice is the best means to keeping and gaining new clients. The biggest challenge for me is whether to show that I already know how to do what people are hiring me for or do I want to wow them. Ultimately, I need to create images that will draw people in to them and inspire them whether it be something completely outside their realm or exactly what they are looking to create themselves. In addition to that, it is about making connections to people you will have intense moments together while creating impactful imagery. This is best done in person.
Lighting plays a major role in telling the story of your image. What is your philosophical approach to lighting?
My approach to lighting is this: The sun is my key light. The most important element beyond the relationship of the background image to the product placed into it is how the sun is used to advance the formal construct of the image and how it is used to create a mood. Whether it be a cross light or backlit scene, the sun sets the mood and if done correctly will do a lot of the work to a successful image. This also includes the lack of sun and how the lack of direct sunlight is also an effective tool to a successful image. Additional lighting is meant to add contrast points that draw the eye through the image. The ultimate goal is to create an image that creates a pathway for the eye to travel through and explore an image in a very natural way that also transmits a narrative conveying a specific message to the viewer
What is your favorite underrated photographic tool? Why? (Can you please share a picture of it?)
It is my brain. I can’t take a picture of it though because the resulting picture would mean the discontinuation of my being. I think we are so focused on external tools when the best tool we have is us. Our eyes, brain and soul that is where our images are born. We never talk about this but we should because any successful photography, illustrator, artist, etc… all start with a feeling about something that they cannot stop having and the only way they can satisfy this feeling is through the exercise of their brain (and for me eyes) to that end of creating something that is an extension of their being.
With so many great digital camera systems to choose from today, why Phase One?
Well, Let me put on my commercial photographer hat on for a minute. Ok, (clearing throat), the Phase One digital system is reserved for the photographer who strives for the best quality image that exemplifies their commitment to their craft. The quality of the Phase One image creates barriers to entry that separates the top line photographers from others.
If you were behind your camera and could choose anything you wanted to be in your viewfinder, where would you be and what would you be looking at?
Wow, I just sat here for the past 10 minutes thinking of all the images I would like to create. That means all the places I would visit. A landscape that is natural in nature would be my first place. But let’s not envision the dramatic valley fish eye landscape we see on IG. Those are easy. I want to be in front of a landscape that takes the viewer into the image in a transcendental way that moves them to be provoked or inspired.
How has the Coronovirus pandemic affected your photography business?
The first thing that I did was to acknowledge that the pandemic is outside of my control. Once I took that pressure off of myself, my mantra has become: “There is an opportunity in everything that happens. It is up to me to find it.” Knowing the stakes of the pandemic could be as extreme as a loss of my business, I took a step back from it. Looked at it from a 3rd party view as much as I could. Knowing there would be no work for some time, I saw this as an opportunity to refine my creative voice by taking a hard look at my work, asking some real questions and opening myself up to an honest critique about my business.
Because I am a location photographer, and that I don’t follow most rules, I started to explore downtown Los Angeles photographically for two reasons. The first was to think about and shoot images with a “new eye” to see what I could find in the environment and within myself. With this process, a flood of ideas started to flow. The second reason was to take this opportunity to shoot stock background images that I could use to license and hopefully keep my business afloat until jobs started back up. The result is that I have shot thousands of images of downtown Los Angeles that I see every day but through a new lens and new clarity of mind.
On a personal note, one of the questions I asked myself was, what will be my memory of the pandemic? From about the second week into the quarantine, I volunteered at the food bank packaging meals for distribution twice a week, 3 hours for each shift. This small part filled me with satisfaction knowing that I played a role in helping other people who are in greater need than myself.
Why did you select Capture Integration as your equipment partner?
I was introduced to Dave Gallagher about 12 years ago. Maybe it was a little less, I can’t remember exactly. What I found in him was a sincere commitment to this business. I appreciated the team that he has had over the years that puts customer service first. While I can be challenging sometimes, they always strive to find solutions and that’s the most important thing I can ask for.
Connect with David Westphal
Website: westphalphotography.com
Instagram: @davidwestphal
