IT ALL STARTED WHEN...
I realized early-on that my view and\or vision was slightly different than most, from the way I viewed fashion, to the style of houses that drew my attention, it always seemed unlike others. My interpretations were certainly different and as I got older, that difference broadened and ultimately I had my own brand of uniqueness. I wanted to express my uniqueness in a creative and artistic way, a way that was unique, imaginative, yet original and creative. I was always fascinated by images, it didn’t matter if they were characters in book or billboard signs, I was drawn to its artistic arrangement and wondered, how’d they do that?
I picked up a camera in my late teens and took more pictures than I should have of almost everything but not really of anything, but it was so much fun documenting life’s moments, I couldn’t stop. Unfortunately, I had no clue what I was doing, just pointing and shooting, no clue about the technical aspects of photography, so much of what I captured was reduced to a host of blurry images of various subjects ranging from people, to inanimate objects. It was painful as I knew what I wanted but couldn’t reproduce what I saw. It wasn’t until late 2010 after returning from a vacation in the Caribbean and being so excited about what I thought would be a memorable set of images taken of the entire trip, that I was hit with a reality check of yet another failed attempt to capture my beautiful experience.
What resulted was a litany of (once again) blurred images of lots of cool sites. I was so frustrated that after having purchased a really nice camera, having spent years taking pictures (not photographing) and being surrounded by some of the most beautiful places in the world, I still couldn’t produce one great picture to show for it? I turned to a photographer friend I hired years earlier to memorialize my exploits as a Musical, Theatrical, Concert Tour Promoter for help (I should have thought of that earlier, I may have saved myself years of frustration) to see just why my pictures turned out so horrible despite my efforts.
After a few bits of info and even more time watching videos, I purchased a modest photography lighting kit along with my existing camera with kit lenses and put to practice some of what I ingested and to my amazement, saw for the first time something that resembled what I envisioned come to fruition.
From that day on, I continued learning, practicing, experimenting, failing, and re-trying until I understood the technical aspects of photography and fused that with my own artistic and creative vision. Not long after I was using every available moment to shoot everything I could to recreate what I recently experienced, mostly to make sure it wasn’t a fluke and that I really understood how to do it again. My poor family were always unwitting participants of my growth and were so tired of getting a camera jammed in their faces every day and being blinded by flashes. They jokingly admitted to plotting to throw away all of my gear and claim burglary or something but they realized I would simply go out get more. Once it was time for kids' graduations, picnics etc. many friends and family members would inquire about the photos taken which led to more opportunities to shoot (mostly free for the experience) until finally, I was asked to shoot for a fee. My hard work was being recognized and people were willing to pay for my services.
My humble beginnings are never lost, I always reflect on the journey that landed me face-to-face with my passion. I thank everyone that played a part (unwitting or otherwise) in my unique voyage as I continue to grow and follow my passion.
In ushers SIVAD Photography, Davis spelled backwards, my Photography Company and artistic creative outlet.
SIVAD Photography's goal is to capture moments- in-time, exclusive creations and inspiring visions, all through the eyes of a lens. With a unique approach of delivering “Concept Photography” your concept, my lens, we push the limits of ordinary picture taking and emphasize new and creative ways of memorializing those special moments. With a distinct view for detail, I encourage creative input as we explore all aspects of capturing the most memorable moments in your life. I promise to deliver the highest level of service to each client while paying close attention to detail and maintaining a high standard of workmanship inspired by your vision.
I’m often asked to display my best work and without even thinking, my immediate response is, “it hasn’t been created yet”. My best work is still ahead of me, and in time as I continue to take life’s journey, meet new people and explore new sites, I will continue to hone my craft and when it’s all said and done, I have the ability to amass a creative collection of work. My best work may be the work done for you.