“I Hope my Audience Experiences Tranquility and Love of God Through my Work” – Photographer David Weston From Chennai

To capture an image and freezing a moment in time which is never to come back, indeed reveals how rich reality truly is. It makes the photograph all the more meaningful. Today, photographer David Weston from Chennai talks to us about the artistic performances he aims to deliver through his photography. He’s one brilliant artist who is very careful with the little details and holds great value on every moment he captures.

We had an honest chat with a very soulful photographer, David Weston from Chennai. He inspires us with his minimalistic yet amazing creativity and artistry through his photographs. Read on to know more about him.

David Weston is a talented artist and photographer from Chennai

Hello David! Tell us little about yourself.

My name is David Weston and I’m an artist from Chennai. I’ve got a Master’s degree in Visual Communication and a Post-grad diploma in Advanced Photography. I specialize in people and fashion portraiture and I shoot fine art photography as a personal project. Recently, I had my first solo photography exhibition titled, ‘Chasing the Light’ (Limited Edition).

A click from David’s photo series titled, “Chasing The Light”.

A shot from David’s photo series titled, “Chasing The Light”.

That’s great! Tell us what initially sparked your interest in photography.

I remember how I was fervently fascinated towards art since I was little. When I turned 13, my grandfather gifted me a film camera with which I used to click random pictures. I had no idea then that I would grow up and take it up professionally. I don’t consider myself a photographer. I look at myself more as an artist and I use the medium of photography as a platform to express myself as an artist.

Taken from David’s personal fine art photography series.

Taken from David Weston’s personal fine art photography series.

How has your upbringing influenced your style of work?

I grew up in a house filled with engineers and entrepreneurs. But my mother who is a professional celebrity hair-stylist, has always been an artistic woman. Her flair and creativity inspired me. Growing up, I had the most supportive family who never ceased to understand and support me, especially considering the career path like the arts where it takes time to create your niche.

Self-portrait by David Weston.

My work is very simplistic and minimalistic. I like to keep it that way. I prefer less complication and clutter. It is pretty much like an extension on my own being.

Herds of elephants roaming captured by David Weston.

Many photographers, from classical to new age, have influenced me over the years. But as far as someone who specializes in black and white photography goes, I am a fan of Ansel Adams and his processing methods have influenced me. Prabuddha Dasgupta has also influenced me with his style.

Are you into photography full-time?

I am a full-time freelance photographer. I am also a trained outdoor facilitator. So when I am not working on a photography assignment, I volunteer as an instructor and facilitator at adventure camps.

Self-portrait by David Weston.

What is your work philosophy and where do you take inspiration from?

Each photograph to me is an emotion. I specialise in black and white photography; I look for the soul connection because to me black and white is the soul. It symbolizes the alternatives of hope and despair. I think beauty is my measure of the world.

I take inspiration from everyday mundane things to nuances and the smallest detail of a flower. When I think of beauty, it does not only signify beauty that is on the surface. Artistically, I could find beauty in a puddle as much as I would find in a model. That’s pretty much what inspires me everyday.

A Self-portrait by David Weston.

What do you hope people take away from your photographs?

I don’t caption my photographs, I like my audience to interpret the images and emote it in their own personal and intimate way. I think captioning an image limits the imagination of the audience. If anything, I hope my audience will steal a moment of tranquility and experience God and His love through my work.

Nature landscape photographed by David Weston.

What gets you particularly excited about photography?

To me, photography is an extension of my being. What excites me most about it is that I am able to freeze a moment in time that is never going to come back. This moment, I get to share with people around me with the hope that it will have an impact in their lives for the better. Every moment I capture holds great value to me. They make me feel grateful and humbled before our Creator.

Self-portrait on a boat by David Weston.

Tell us about your most memorable photograph.

It’s hard for me to choose because every photo has a distinctive story and an emotion of its own.

Tell us about some key moments and achievements in your journey as a photographer.

I am happy that my pictures have been published in various fashion and lifestyle magazines. An image shot by me of Strobilanthes Kunthianus, a flower that blooms in the Nilgiris once in 12 years, was recently published in an article by The National Geographic. I also shoot music videos, and I have worked with various bands and celebrity musicians.