David Conaty
DAVID CONATY“I want my work to evoke emotions, such as nostalgia, love, and joy, and for my couples to have a transformative experience on their elopement day where they can unapologetically be themselves”
What are your favorite songs you play in your car/at work/bathroom/kitchen right now? :
I'm obsessed with Adele's new album, '30'. I'm playing 'To Be Loved' on repeat.
Who are you? Describe yourself in a few words.: I'm David, Dad to twin girls Eisa and Reina (who keep me on my toes!) and partner to Orie, my soul mate. I'm a keen hiker and love nothing more than getting my hiking boots on and venturing into nature, exploring new places and refreshing my mind. I love cups of tea, Pink Floyd on the record player, Scandinavian crime dramas, playing my guitar, and cooking.
Any plans for the future you would like to talk about ?: I'm drawn to moody landscapes, so see myself branching out to destination elopements in Scandinavian countries, as well as Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Where do you come from ? Give us details: I'm from Newcastle in the North-East of England, but now live on the Isle of Skye in Scotland.
What move you in this adventure/journey?: I'm inspired first and foremost by human connections and nature. I believe wholeheartedly in the power of nature to bring people together and transform lives. I want my work to evoke emotions, such as nostalgia, love, and joy, and for my couples to have a transformative experience on their elopement day where they can unapologetically be themselves.
Is it important to have the support of your loved ones, family, friends?: I'd not be where I am today without the support of my partner, but, other than her, I don't need the approval or support of my family. I believe so much in what I'm doing that I'm quite self-sufficient.
What are you the proudest of?: Went full-time as an elopement photographer less than 18 months after I shot my first ever wedding, during a global pandemic whilst raising twins. It's been tough, but I think I needed these obstacles to propel me forward even more.
What kind of jobs did you have before your career took off?: I taught English abroad in Saudi Arabia for a bit. I was also in the Army for a year but got injured so had to leave. Before going full-time in photography I worked at the Apple Store as a Genius.
Do you think that creativity involves putting your heart and soul into your work?: Absolutely. If I'm not 100% committed to a project, I'm useless at it. Photography warms my heart and soul and I believe my work is a reflection of that.
“Comparison is the thief of joy, and it's so true!”
What in your personal life has influenced you to choose your career?: When my Dad got terminally ill, I took up photography to spend more time with him. He was completely obsessed and those times we spend shooting landscapes together are dear memories. When he passed away, I inherited all of his gear and wanted to put it to use. I'd had a very stark realisation that life can end so quickly and, if you have a dream, to do it otherwise you may miss your chance. I'd always been a people watcher and fascinated by the unseen nuances that bind people together. So, I started my wedding photography business and fell in love with it. At the same time, me and my partner welcomed beautiful twin girls into the world and I knew that, if I was going to encourage them to chase their dreams and be themselves, I needed to practice what I preached.
What is creativity to you? Do you consider yourself to be creative? Why or why not?: When I was a kid I was always doing something creative. However, as with many people, I left my creative side behind when adult life began and I was so busy. I'm starting to regain my creative side and, although I struggle to say I'm a creative person (probably due to imposter syndrome!), I know it's who I am at heart.
What is the best advice that you have been given?: My Dad once told me that nobody will ever come knocking at your door and give you a job. It's quite simple but so true and I credit this for how tenacious I am. Don't wait for the opportunity to come knocking at your door, because it probably won't. Get out there and make your dreams happen today!
Do you believe in destiny?: No. I believe everyone has the power to decide their own fate and to manifest their dreams. I think if you believe in destiny then you're assigning your life to the will of some unseen power, but that power is within all of us.
What inspires you on a daily basis?: The innocence and love of my 2-year-old twin girls. Their emotions are so pure at this age and it has taught me a lot about compassion, empathy, and kindness.
What made you decide to follow a creative career choice (though possibly risky) rather than something more stable?: I don't think there exists such a thing as a stable job these days. Any job can be gone in an instant and, for me, is a job really ever stable if it's robbing you of your dreams?
Who is the most creative person that you have ever known?: My partner, Orie. She has a way of being able to envision ideas in a way I struggle to comprehend.
Do you believe that each person has the capacity to be creative? Why?: Everyone is creative. I'm currently reading 'The Artist's Way' by Julia Cameron who preaches that everyone is creative, but some just need to be guided on a journey to discover it.
Do you need to be in a certain mindset to work?: Yes - I need a tidy space, a clean desk, complete silence, a beautiful smell (such as a candle), and to have meditated for at least 10 minutes. If I don't have these things my day is chaotic and I'm not productive. It's often hard for me to get these things with two small children in the house, so I choose my schedule carefully.
Is it difficult to maintain your level of knowledge? What do you do to improve it?: I've got quite a curious mind and an obsessive personality. So, I always find myself interested in quite a wide variety of things. This is good from one aspect because I learn new things. However, on the other hand, it's often overwhelming for me to do everything I'm interested in, which can lead to anxiety.
How do you fight the comparison and discouragements?: I limit my access to social media unless I'm on it for a purpose. Every time I catch myself looking at other people's work and feeling down because I'm not that good, I remember that everyone is on their own journey and that's okay.
What are your tips for establishing a successful wedding photography business in under two years at a time when the industry is very saturated?: First and foremost, focus on creating work you enjoy. Think of adjectives you want to describe your work and go out there to create that work. Also, client experience is number 1, so do your best to always give valuable time and time again. Look at photographers you admire outside of the wedding industry to find your own style. If you do look at other wedding photographers, make sure it's in a healthy way because you're interested in learning from them. There's nothing worse than comparing yourself to others. I remember reading a quote one time that read, 'comparison is the thief of joy, and it's so true! Lastly, leave your ego at the door and always look at ways to improve yourself - whether that's personally or professionally. Look to those you admire for feedback and take it on board with vigor.
Who would you like to read from (Can you put me in touch with this person?)?: Emily Black - yes, I can put you in touch :)
What would be your question to this person?: What inspires you in your work?
If you could ask yourself a question, what would it be?: What's your favorite memory from being a child?
And your answer would be ?: Sitting on my Dad's lap when I was tiny as he taught me how to play guitar.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
DOB : 1980
LOCATION: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
OCCUPATION: WEDDING, PHOTOGRAPHER
Copyright : AUTOPORTRAIT
CONVERSATIONS AND CLASSES TO INSPIRE PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS.
WHERE TO FIND THE ARTIST?
INSTAGRAM: /davidconaty.photography/
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