Digitalab Featured Photographer: David Otokpa

At Digitalab, we appreciate the power of photography, whether it’s personal or professional. We asked David Otokpa for one of his images and posed a couple of questions to find out exactly what it is he loves about photography and what he’d say to any enthusiastic photographer hoping to make a career out of their passion.

Tell us a bit about this image and why you chose it to be featured.

This image was shot for a family who live up here in the North East. I have always wanted to photograph horses as I like their muscle definition and with my style of photography I could really create some striking images.

The family have two daughters who ride and compete and I saw it as an opportunity to create something special. Marrying my love of portraiture with the daughters bond with their horses I was able to create this image which is not only a beautiful picture but captures a unique moment between the horse and rider.

From the technical point, I wanted something emotional for this image and worked with one light to create a moody image. I went in close as I wanted a close up shot while keeping a part of the horse recognisable.

Which styles of photography most interest/inspire you?

I am most interested in Portrait, fashion and advertising photography. I love portraiture because I love meeting and getting to know people.

Everyone is unique and has a different story to tell so every time I have someone in front of my lens is a chance to learn something new.

I’m a fan of fashion. The clothes, creativity, models all interest me. I love the way a designer express him/herself with fabrics. The flow, texture, design all come together to create something beautiful. Then you get to add another layer when you begin to photograph the clothes, with or without a model. The creation of beauty excites me.

I’ve always loved storytelling. In music, movies, and in photographs. I love speaking through images. Advertising and commercial photography lends itself well to storytelling as you’re always trying to make a point for the business or client

I think regardless of what I’m photographing I’m very interested in beauty and make an effort to create images that convey a message and are beautiful.

What one piece of advice would you give to an aspiring photographer?

If I had to give advice to an aspiring photographer, I’d say it’s hard work. So work hard and keep at it. Find a genre and if possible a particular thing you love shooting and do it until you’re known for that.

David Otokpa Photography