New York based photographer David Zimmerman is an internationally recognized advertising photographer and is known for his still life and high speed liquid images. His current projects include the ‘Urban’, ‘Suburbs’ and ‘Badlands’ among many more. His passion for photography in remote locations has caused him to design and construct an experimental aircraft that houses a living quarters to support him and a small crew for weeks at a time. Aditi Jain captures his undying love for photography in a brief interview.

What is David Zimmerman about?
Following my university education I travelled extensively through Europe and the Middle East. It was on those adventures that my love of travel and adventure took root. My education at Brooks Institute instilled in me a passion for perfection and a passion for expression. Working for some of the best names in the business, I learned the intricacies of running a studio as a business and began my own photographic work in Manhattan in 1984. My work has expanded throughout the years to include not only studio work but location work as well. A driving passion for new perspectives led me to earn a Commercial Pilot certificate in order to enhance my aerial landscape work. I am currently completing the construction of a 4000 square foot studio in the mountains of Taos, New Mexico which will be my base for all of my landscape advertising and fine art work. My work in New York continues at my still life studio and I spend 1 to 2 weeks a month working in New York.

How did you get into photography?
I began travelling when I was 17. I spent a great deal of time overseas and within the U.S. It was on these trips that I became increasingly inspired by what I saw and began to photograph these places and people. Photography for me was the one medium which expressed the mood of a place or the character of an object.

What inspires you to photograph still life?
Everyday objects are often ignored or taken for granted while I believe even inanimate objects have a story to tell. I am currently working on a series of images of wild sage plants of northern New Mexico.

Which do you prefer- shooting from the sky or at ground level, and why?
The subject really determines the point of view and what I want to say about the subject. Ground work can be much more intimate while aerial work reveals a story from a perspective which is often very removed from the subject and can be quite abstract.

Having shot with some of the biggest international brands like Coca Cola, Canon and American Express, what is the nature of work and how did you market your work in order to obtain an "A list" clientele?
Marketing is a crucial element. From the very beginning of my commercial work I made every effort to increase the exposure of my work to advertising agencies and design groups. As my accounts grew, I always took a portion of what I earned and put it back into promotion. I used source books and direct mail as well as agents who would present new work to clients.

What do you enjoy shooting most - people or objects?
Landscapes, aerials & still life.

What type of camera(s) do you shoot with?
I shoot various formats depending on the subject and final use of the images. I am now shooting primarily with a 33 megapixel Leaf Aptus 75. For studio work I will mount the back to a view camera and for location work I mount the back to a 645 Contax. I don't shoot as much 35mm but when I do I use a Canon 1ds Mk2. For panoramic work I am using a Horseman 6x12cm film camera.

Digital versus film: which do you prefer?
Digital generally, although I still use a 6x12cm film camera for panoramic work.

What are the changes in photography you have seen over the years?
A phenomenal creative change has happened with desktop computers and digital cameras. It’s an amazing change in such a short period of time while photography had not really changed much in 50 years prior to that. Giving artists these new tools has allowed us to create new works which might never have been seen.

What is the biggest lesson you have from your experience in photography?
I have tried to do the work which inspires me. I have always felt that if I'm not inspired, no one else will be.

Photography has caused you to travel in search of beautiful spaces, so far as the Himalayas and Kedarnath in India. What fascinated you about the place and what were your experiences there?
My experiences in India would take volumes! India is a wonderful place. I love other cultures and was very interested in India's ancient and colourful history and its people. The Ganga flows through magical places in India's past and present and I chose to follow it and photograph from the 4 sources in the Himalayas to Sagar Island south of Kolkata and everywhere in between. I spent many months along the Ganga and can't wait to return again.

If there was only location in which you could pursue your work, which one would it be and why?
I am currently doing a lot of new work in the southwest U.S. - Arizona, New Mexico & Utah. The landscapes, the deserts, the wide open spaces and the changing culture are of great interest. India is actually a close 2nd. A lifetime could be spent there.

Are you familiar with Indian photographers and their work? Your thoughts…
Indian photographers have a unique eye to the world which accounts for the much deserved success they have had in recent years.

What advice do you have for a novice creative professional/photographer?
I believe that in any subject there is a story worth photographing. I believe that no matter how mundane or trivial a subject may seem to someone else, if it inspires your senses it is worth photographing. Your personal interest in your subject will be the key to great photographs.

Photos by David Zimmerman | Fotosocial