Today we’d like to introduce you to David Lawrence.
David, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2010, I moved to Seattle, WA. Four of the first friends I made were all photographers. I’d always had an interest in art but was never personally “Artistic.” As I looked at my friend’s photos, I realized that through the means of having a camera, art could be made. Shortly after, in 2011, a relative randomly gifted me an old manual film camera. I started shooting on it pretty quickly and have continued ever since. I’ve photographed almost everything over the last ten years. Today, however, I am most passionate and focused on portrait photography. That is my full-time business!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all – It’s actually been very tumultuous. I tied a lot of my worth as a human to how well I was creating. I used photography to boost my ego and when I created something that I didn’t see as good, I got super sad and was a wreck emotionally. I had to come to terms with the fact that what I create isn’t equivalent to my worth as a human and that no matter what I make of myself, I am still loved, valuable, and whole. I still wrestle with this, but it gets easier as I learn to accept who I am, regardless of my profession or creativity.
On a professional level, while photography has been incredibly rewarding, it’s also had its difficulties. I started out photographing weddings, engagements, brands, and anything that would pay me. Over time it was hard to tell what I wanted to specialize in because I did so many things. I didn’t have a clear focus and it took me so long to figure it out, which today is mostly centered around portrait photography. But in the beginning, I had no idea who I was as a photographer. But even with a clear vision, freelance work is still really tough. You never know when something is going to come in, when there will be a draught, or when you’ll have to be ready at a moment’s notice! Every day is up and down.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Through and through, I am a “Portrait” photographer. I focus on celebrating people and the stories they bring. I’m most proud of being able to show people as they truly are and not a fake representation of who they could be. But truly who they are and see in the mirror today.
As a photographer and human, I’m able to sit with others and bring them to a place where they can confidently be themselves. My goal isn’t to just get them inside the studio but show them through photography that they are loved and beautiful as they are. I’d say those are the biggest things that set me apart as a photographer!
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
You can make all the plans you want, but sometimes life is going to go its own course; the pandemic. And then you just have to put on your seat belt and go where it takes you. On the other hand, I really do believe, “Where there is a will, there’s away.”
I watched all my work come to a halt and I really had to look around and find creative ways to continue making income. While my studio was closed and events were canceled, I started selling prints and marketing what I called “Polaroid Yard Portraits.” People couldn’t leave their homes, so I met them in their front yards and took a polaroid of them from a safe distance to serve as a memory of the weird time that was 2020.
They got a cool photo and I got to make some money. I honestly don’t know how I would have survived without doing the yard portraits. It really kept me afloat for a few months! And beyond that, it showed me how resilient I am and, even in the midst of a pandemic, still able to take care of myself and come up with creative ideas that also serve others!
Contact Info:
- Email: contact@iamdavidlawrence.com
- Website: iamdavidlawrence.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/iamdavidlawrence
- Facebook: facebook.com/davidlawrencephotographs
- Other: patreon.com/davidlawrence
