A scroll down David’s profile is an instant photography education. He seems to encapsulate all the great techniques: Portraiture, Landscape, Macro, Color, etc… I’m drawn especially to his symmetrical shots, but they are all a delight. Perhaps being a 7x Weekly Warrior has helped hone his craft 😉 This week marks David’s 390th photo!

-Yosef

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Name: Dave Blakeney

Current All-Time Streak: 390 WWx7

Joined 52Frames: January 2017

Your “walk-around” gear right now:

Nikon Z8 or my Samsung S21 smartphone

The place you call home:

Fair Oaks, California (Northern California)

Your life in 30 words or less

Bit by the photography bug 50+ years ago, but only became very active in the past 10 years. Now semi-retired, I’m adjusting to new routines and navigating life with a new perspective. My photography is eclectic to say the least – portraiture, lifestyle, events, sports, wildlife, drone… you name it. I still have much to learn and hope to invest time in a personal project that can become passionate about.

Can you share 2 images, one from your past, and one more recent, that show your evolution as a photographer?

What has been your favorite style of shooting lately?

I don’t generally shoot to a limited range of styles, but over the past few years I’ve done more macro, nature/wildlife and drone photography. Early in my 52frames journey I would spend hours planning and setting up studio images or complex composites. While that is still sometimes possible, I more often very limited in the time or opportunities to take on a project. More likely, I’ll set out with a favorite body and lens combination, exploring in search of interesting subjects, great light, and an openness to whatever I might find.

What was the first photo you ever submitted to 52Frames?

How did you find out about 52Frames?

A friend had shared on Facebook a photo he was submitting to 52Frames and it sounded like a great project and group

What submission are you most proud of and why?

I honestly don’t know if I can choose a photo that I’m most proud, as I don’t get too attached to my photos. However, I do embrace the process of personal growth as a photographer. The morning I took this photo I was working as a race photographer in Oakland, California and had just enough time early to grab a coffee and use the restroom before a long day of shooting marathoners. Even in a rush, as I walked down the street my eye and mind were drawn to this woman sitting alone with her coffee and newspaper, appearing to be lost in thought. I immediately recognized that there was an interesting image and story here. I knew that to capture that image I would need to be very discreet. I didn’t have to know all the details, as the image spoke for itself. I also realized later that if not for 52Frames, I would have not even noticed the opportunity, and would have kept walking.

One tip you’d like to share?

As shared by many others, use every week and every opportunity to grow your craft. Be playful and willing to experiment. Be inquisitive and practice something new. Be open to constructive criticism. Don’t spend too much time comparing yourself to others, but rather be open to learning from those you admire. In the end, it’s your photographic journey, so enjoy your progress.

Why is 52Frames meaningful to you?

Over the 7 plus years that I’ve been involved with 52Frames, there have been many ebbs and flows with respect to my commitment and creativity. However, each weekly challenge has encouraged me to try new things and to keep my head in game (photographically speaking). In many cases, I’ve tried new techniques or stylistic choices and failed miserably… but have always learned something that I can take forward.

I’ve particularly enjoyed the support and collaborative spirit of so many other framers who give of their time and want everyone to succeed.

To view David’s profile on 52Frames, click here: