David Black

First off congrats on the PDN 30 Emerging Photographers to watch in 2011 award! How was that experience?
I was really stoked to have my work nominated by my peers, and the whole experience ended up being a year long adventure, which was really fun. A lot of people end up going to photography school where you're in critiques and talking about your work with your peers. Then you get out of school and try to make what you studied your life and you realize that you no longer have an enviornment to talk about the work. So you end up spending a lot of time alone with your work without knowing what most people think of it. The 30 was cool because I got to meet a community of young photographers and had several chances to talk about my work in a public setting.

Who have you photographed recently and where has you work been published?
Last week I photographed John Cale which was wonderful experience since he's been one of my favorite musicians since I was a kid. I also just spent some time with Best Coast & Jon Brion at Capitol records for this great label Mexican Summer that I do a lot of work with.

Going into a shoot what do you do to prepare?
I read up on the subject as much I can. In terms of portraiture, your job as a photographer is to give a visual interpretation of your subject so you need to be well read on them.

What's typically in your camera bag?
Hasselblad H2, Nikon FM2, Kodak/ Rollei film, Lots of smoke and mirrors.

Do you mainly shoot film or digital?
Mostly film but digital when it's appropriate.

What's a "normal" working day for you?
If I'm not shooting, I spend a lot of the day listening to music.

Have you always been into video/film? How has that influenced you work?
Yea, I kinda of started off with the intention of just doing film but got derailed by photography. Motion pictures and music are the two biggest influences on my work. I look at lots of photography but I really get inspired and draw most ideas from records and movies.

What/who would be a dream shoot for you?
I'd like to spend an afternoon with Yoko Ono

Have you had any rough experiences/growing pains in your career?
So many. Trying to make a living as a photographer is truly an uphill battle. Besides talent you need to be persistent to an insane degree since you're working in a field that is both expensive and competitive.

What would you suggest to an up and coming photographer trying to break in to the industry?
In terms of photographic style, only do what feels right in your gut, draw inspiration from everything around you but never feel like you need to keep up with what is in fashion. Second it's essential that you find people that understand you and your work and are in a position to collaborate with you. You must find those people because they are the ones that will give you a chance even though they could hire someone much more established. When I was starting off I had a great relationship with this independent magazine, "Stop Smiling" that gave me 100% creative control and access to so many amazing subjects, it was the best way to learn.

What do you see in your future?
I'd like to keep making work I'm excited about that my friends dig.

Thanks David!
Thank you!

Website: www.davidblackphotography.com