First met David as part of his personal project called "Body Love," which I learned about on his…read moreblog/Instagram. This was a sort of social experiment, collecting answers to the prompt, "What do you love most about your body?" and taking photographs of local volunteer participants. I took a leap and decided to sign up for a shoot. Hint: my response to the question had to do with my teeny-tiny beginnings.
One afternoon in early April, I arrived at the gate of the black and yellow DSP studio building in Alkali Flats (11th Street) for a 30-minute shoot, able to pick my own convenient time, and he was super flexible. The only instruction was to come dressed in something (outfit, hair, makeup) that makes you look good and feel good, tried my best. What a whirlwind session getting to meet David -- he was based in Davis before moving to midtown Sacramento, go Aggies! A fun experience, at ease and a such a modern, welcome, inviting, comfortable space/zone. The beautiful snapshot image for keeps was a bonus. When he says to trust his creative process, it's the truth! 42 participants later, this project final form launched in June as a blog post, and ultimately it was a celebration of body positivity.
Graciously invited back in to his studio to do headshots one evening in August, brought a couple of simple tops as options. Did my own hair and makeup again, thankful my hair-toning, false eyelash self-application skills sufficed. Originally slated for a 30-minute session, David let me actually do several outfit changes and stick around to help choose the winningest photo. It was difficult to pick just one, though the others were available for purchase if wanted. So grateful to DSP for having me back. Just as the previous visit, working with David behind the lens was fun, but at the same time you can tell he remains focused, directs for poses, and even explains the pro lighting tricks. Absolutely loving my fresh new headshot photo, so simple and clean. I'd had headshots taken before but this updated one is more intimate in a lean-in kinda way.
Highly recommend and happy to help him build his porfolio and get the word out. His website/blog/newsletter occasionally run promotions, such as the current "Back to You" portrait session Beauty Shoot promo through the end of September. Who else wants to look and feel gorgeous?
For photography needs (portraits, headshots, whatever), David and his hair/makeup/wardrobe team elevates you to Vanity Fair magazine-style level at his regular-priced studio packages. Both of my photos were my own wardrobe, hair and makeup in the interest of time (30 minute session versus typical 2 hour shoot), but his portfolio says it all. He also does senior portraits, weddings, even pet photos (doggie "Vogue")!
For beautiful photography in a signature style, see David Suh.