A Minimalist Approach to Photography Brings Beauty, Calm, and Peace
“FOR ME, PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMMAKING ARE ABOUT TAKING OUT WHAT ISN’T NEEDED TO REVEAL THE ESSENTIAL.” -DAVID MARTINEZ
A collector of stories: first light, open roads, and salty hair, David Martinez incorporates balance in his photography, where ever possible. We spoke to David about his background and his photographic vision. Here is what he had to say:
“My love of storytelling started when I was 16 while photographing the San Francisco punk scene. What drew me to photography then is what I still love about it now – the endless ways you can use images to tell a story. And what began as a solitary journey has evolved into a highly collaborative process – an integral part of my photography that I really love. I’m always humbled by how many people and places contribute to one single frame.
That youthful curiosity is now coupled with experience, which I call on when it comes to solving creative problems, creating an environment which allows for serendipity, or knowing the perfect time of day or location to frame the stories I want to tell. Ultimately, it’s not luck that makes a spontaneous picture happen – but careful consideration of environment, light, talent, and production.
In my life as in my photography, I’ve learned to value simplicity. It’s all about each detail being considered – with care + with intention. I draw from that simplicity not only when I choose a surfboard or curate the objects in my home, but when I approach lighting + composition in a photograph as well. From a pared-down approach comes purpose. When I use lights, it’s never done excessively – I light with a gentle touch. When I use natural light, I do so with the intention of respecting the integrity of the light itself.
Ultimately, what I love about photography and motion circles back to simplicity. For me, photography and filmmaking are really about a type of minimalism- how to convey complex ideas in a distilled image or short video piece. It’s about taking out what isn’t needed to reveal the essential.”
Heather Elder is the owner of Heather Elder Represents; an agency dedicated to representing photographers and directors. Steeped in service, she is inspired by those with the gift to craft moments, tell stories visually, and who do it for a living.