I began my art training at a very early
age by colouring outside the lines!
My first art prize was in high
school and from there I knew I
was on the right track. Three years
of studying Design and Illustration at
the Detroit School of Arts & Crafts
led to a chance class on Introduction
to Photography. I was hooked! I fell
in love with the medium immediately.
Leaving Windsor behind, I ventured to
Toronto and began my career in earnest
as an assistant to many established photographers
in the advertising business. Eventually
I embarked on my own and enjoyed a wonderful
career photographing people, fashion,
food and product for advertising agencies,
graphic designers and direct corporate
clients. Several Toronto Art Directors
Awards came my way as well as a New York
Art Directors Award.
An especially gratifying aspect of my
career was the mentoring of younger aspiring
photographers from Humber College, Ryerson
University and Sheridan College. Many
are now successful photographers in their
own right. I worked with a number of
highly diversified clients and in several
formats – 35mm, 2 1/4, 4 x 5, and
8 x 10, and lighting – various
Strobe and Tungsten lighting . Since
the year 2000, I’ve enjoyed Digital
Photography and the use of PhotoShop
for digital enhancement.
My focus now includes architectural,
botanical and still life photography.
I try to capture the
beauty and special perspective
from life’s
everyday views and simple delights. Picton
and the County of Prince Edward may prove
to be a new source of inspiration since
my wife and I transplanted ourselves
to this beautiful part of Ontario in
2005.
When people ask my advice regarding
what camera to purchase “to get
great photos”, I smile and share
that it’s not the camera, but the
person behind it! Another mantra
to consider is “lighting is everything” in
photography.
From behind the lens!
Dave Hill
