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An Interview with Dave Wall
An interview by Catherine Connor, a keen admirer of Dave Wall.
Photography
What motivated you to become a digital trainer?
My first ever job within the industry was teaching photography on a government funded training scheme. The thrill of ‘watching the penny drop’ with students was (and still is) fantastic to see. The digital side of this has really just been a natural progression.
If you could teach only one thing what might it be?
A camera is blind, it is just a box with a hole in it. Your eye and imagination are the tools of your trade.
How would you describe your photographic education?
Self taught through magazines such as Practical Photography.
If you could give a tip to somebody in the early stages of learning, what might that be?
Follow your heart, don’t get dispirited and most of all keep plugging away. If you want it enough eventually it will all come together.
Who are your photographic heroes?
Bob Carlos Clarke. His book ‘The Dark Summer’ is the reason I became a photographer.
Where do you head for inspiration?
Google, Google & Google! The internet is a fantastic learning and visual experience. I wish it had been available when I had first started out!
What keeps your photographic offering fresh?
Hopefully by not following trends, not plagiarizing others work and shooting as much personal work as possible to keep me sane!
Where do you feel photography is heading?
I know where the industry wants it to go and that is the route of video, although I REALLY hope this is not the case. Taking a video sequence then choosing a frame involves no skill at all.
What is the biggest mistake photographer’s make when becoming a photographer?
I think most photographers become professional because the love taking pictures, however in a professional environment if you are not careful you can lose sight of this.
What is the biggest mistake successful photographer’s make?
Forgetting why they wanted to be professional in the first place! When people take the plunge and turn professional they don’t take pictures ‘for fun’ anymore, that is such a shame.
The man within the business
What have been your best learns to date when developing the business?
Don’t be too precious with your work. If the client likes it and wants to pay for it you have done well, and remember clients don’t always have good taste!
What do you wish you had done differently/known in your first few years in business?
I wish I had learn’t more business skills especially cold calling on the telephone, something I still dread to this day!
What is currently influencing the success of your business?
Making a conscious decision to work to my strengths and not my weaknesses. This has been hard to achieve as I don’t like to be beaten!! It is however paying dividends.
The big picture
What aspects of running the business do you enjoy the most?
Everything, except dealing with the tax man!
What is your secret to success?
Living, breathing and eating photography. Never giving up. Developing a VERY thick skin!
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3 Responses to “An Interview with Dave Wall”
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Very well written, I’m eager to follow up on your next post.
Great interview Dave, always an interested to see what new ideas your mind pops out. Was great to shoot your new portrait for you. Thanks for a great days training. All the team at Ross Grieve Photography.
That is very helpful. It provided me a number of ideas and I’ll be writing them on my blog eventually. I’m bookmarking your blog and I’ll be back. Thanks again!