David Beach Production

Posted on May 1st, 2014

by Thierry

Blog

I met David briefly a couple years ago during a shoot I organised with some local photographers for Canberra Strobists.

Straight away I noticed that David was of a reserved guy who was very gentle and approachable.

Times goes by and I crossed path with David again for another shoot then we kept in touch via social networks. It is very recently that I had a closer chat with David and checked out some of his works. I was blown away.

David specialises in all sort of things and definitely has an eye for details. After seeing his work, I asked David to be featured on this site and he accepted.

Find out more about who is behind David Beach Production through our Q&A interview.

Make sure you check out David’s images at the end of the article.

1. Who are you? (introduce yourself, what you do, your background ..)

My name is David Beach, and I am a freelance Graphic Designer / Photographer, based in Canberra, Australia. When I am not working, I love to spend time on personal projects or take photos for fun. Usually wherever I go I have a camera with me, even my family believes that it is quite a rare occasion to see me without one!

2. How did you become a photographer?

It has been quite a journey to become a photographer. Whilst I have always been creative and artistic, growing up in a big family meant the words “family photo time” would make me shudder. It could be a painfully long and frustrating experience! Starting out in college my main interest was architecture, however my teacher, Mark, recommended I should take some Graphic courses as well, and upon graduating I decided to pursue a career in Design. Graphics taught me Photoshop before I even started photography, but it has always been important to me to create unique work so I bought a camera to enable me to take my own photos rather than rely on stock images. I began taking photos all the time, and then people started asking me to shoot for them, and things naturally progressed from there.

3. What inspires you?

It may sound funny, but people inspire me. I love meeting new people, and finding out who they are below the surface level; what is their story, what do they think, what are their dreams, and I love encouraging them to go after them! There is something really unique and beautiful about everyone if you take the time to see it.

4. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt either from a teacher/mentor or by the hard way?

I think it’s important to dream big and not limit yourself, things often won’t be easy, but if you work hard you will always get better. Learn from everything you do, always push yourself, try new techniques and ideas, and always keep growing.

If you are just starting out one thing I found valuable was learning how to shoot well in bad conditions. This prepares you for just about anything. If you can take a stunning photo in horrible light you can take a stunning photo in any light, so don’t be afraid of bad conditions and take the opportunity.

5. Who would be the photographer you’d like to shoot/work along with? Who would you like to shoot/work with for your next assignment?

I have been really fortunate to work with and meet so many creative, talented, inspirational people! It is really invigorating working alongside people who are really good at what they do, and really passionate about it as well. I guess if I had the opportunity I would really love to shoot for some bands or musicians whose music I like, in a crazy, fun, really out there, conceptual shoot. Music can inspire strong ideas, and I feel it would be really special to work on a project with the musicians of albums or singles that inspire me.

6. What’s in your bag/studio (kind of equipment do you use | camera/lens brand, computer hardware software ..)?

I am currently shooting with a Canon 5diii, my 2 favourite lenses are the 24-70 2.8 L II USM, and the 85 1.2 II USM. I edit on a 27” iMac, and use the CS5 Adobe Master Collection.

7. What’s your favourite piece of gear / tool / props?

My first SLR was a Pentax K20d, and using it along with a 50 1.4 was where I really developed my skills and love for photography, it was a great camera to learn on, and captures beautiful colours.

8. What would be your workflow, favourite piece of software / step by step to create a look?

I generally edit in 2 or 3 stages. First I go through all the photos in Adobe Camera Raw to run all basic corrections stylize and cull, then afterwards I take the images into Photoshop for tweaks and additional actions. I like to experiment with different styles and techniques, and I am always adapting my workflow.

9. Do you have any suggestions for aspiring photographers?

When you have a great idea write it down, and don’t be scared to let people know your ideas. They may have similar ones or their own ideas to add to it. Networking with other people will inspire and encourage you to do your best and could lead to other opportunities down the track.

10. Anything else we should know about you? (promo, workshop, books, publications, charity involvement..)

While the majority of my work involves shooting weddings and events, running my own business has given me the opportunity to take on many different types of projects both local and international. I enjoy a challenge, and have shot everything from meet and greets, to a new X-ray machine being installed in a hospital.

I have enjoyed the opportunity to work on projects for organisations such as Barnardos, and Kids Outreach International, and regularly support events like the Ben Donohoe Run and Walk for Fun, which raises money for Brain Cancer research.

instagram: @idave4321
facebook : https://www.facebook.com/david.beach.productions

Additional Photo Credits

The Sunset
Makeup Artist : Dave Reid
Model : Izzy