ABOUT

Born in the historic city of Oxford, England, David has built a remarkable professional career spanning over 30 years that has taken him on assignments to some of the world’s most fascinating places. His camera has captured a wide array of subjects, ranging from AK-47 toting Yemeni tribesmen and intricate keyhole surgery performed on a racehorse belonging to Dubai’s Sheik Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to diverse and striking facets of the human face and form that evoke a deep emotional response.

David began his art education journey at North Oxfordshire College, where he cultivated his passion for creativity and explored various forms of artistic expression. He then further developed his skills by studying Advertising and Editorial Photography at Cheltenham & Gloucestershire College, immersing himself in the rich and vibrant world of visual storytelling and honing his techniques in photography and lighting.

David’s early professional career began in the vibrant city of London, where he honed his skills and artistic eye. In 1995, he made the exciting move to Dubai, located in the United Arab Emirates, where he embarked on a variety of photographic assignments that encompassed everything from advertising to aerial work captured from helicopters. His diverse assignments during this expansive period took him across all seven Emirates of the U.A.E., and also led him on memorable journeys to neighbouring countries such as Oman, Bahrain, Yemen, Kuwait, as well as to the culturally rich regions of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia.

Leaving Dubai in 1998, he relocated to Australia, where he has continued to build his photographic career. David’s assignments took him across the breathtaking landscapes of Australia and into Beijing, China. Over the years, he has compiled an impressive and extensive commercial portfolio of work, collaborating with a diverse range of major advertising agencies, including well known names such as Saatchi & Saatchi, Ogilvy & Mather, Droga 5, M&C Saatchi, and Leo Burnett to name a few. His work has provided striking visuals for blue chip brands such as Canon, Toyota, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Visa, Virgin, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Qantas, and the United Nations, creating a rich tapestry of impactful imagery.

David is incredibly passionate about the intricate craft of image making, and his works have hung in a number of prestigious galleries, including the British National Portrait Gallery (2011, 2010, 2009) and the Australian National Portrait Gallery (2016, 2007). Furthermore, his creations have notably been included at exhibition in the prestigious biennual Olive Cotton Award (2019, 2013, 2011, 2009).

David is a proud graduate in Cinematography from the prestigious Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS), which is renowned as the only Australian education institution to consistently feature on The Hollywood Reporter‘s prestigious annual list of the top film schools in the world. David now works almost exclusively with the moving image in his role as Director of Photography.

David is a dedicated and passionate teacher at the world-renowned National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), where he has been sharing his expertise and knowledge for the past five years. David teaches ‘Principles of Photography and Film Making’ and works with the students in the areas of photography, lighting, cinematography, stop-go animation, editing, colour grading, sound recording, and film production management.

This year, David has also embarked on an exciting new teaching role at Australian Film Central, where he is engaging with a culturally diverse cohort of enthusiastic students for 2025. He is guiding them through the essential stages of film production, covering various aspects such as camera techniques, creative lighting setups, audio recording, and production management.