Shot on film.
Canadian photographer David Heidrich works with film (mainly) and digital. Influenced by the Canadian Rockies, David’s work reminds you of fairytale stories - art and emotion evoked by out-of-this world settings in ethereal light that David so perfectly and intricately captures. Clever magic we call it. And we reckon those Canadian landscapes have inspired and motivated David to photograph the magic of weddings also - another subject he renders brilliantly.
1. What do making images mean to you?
Dang. Can we maybe start with an easy question? :D
It's really art to me. Art and emotions. Why make images if it doesn't make you feel anything? That would completely miss the point.
Shot on film.
2. What is life to you? What it should be?
Donald Miller sums it up pretty good I think....
"And if these mountains had eyes, they would wake to find two strangers in their fences, standing in admiration as a breathing red pours its tinge upon earth's shore. These mountains, which have seen untold sunrises, long to thunder praise but stand reverent, silent so that man's weak praise should be given God's attention."
~ Donald Miller
Shot on film.
3. How does where you live influence your creativity?
Living so close to the Canadian Rockies definitely has a big influence on the way I shoot. There are so many crazy beautiful places that I have yet to explore there. It's a little overwhelming if you think about it. I know this sounds weird but living in such a beautiful place makes me want to travel even more.
4. There are a lot of professions out there - why be a photographer?
I have a degree in graphic design. Right out of design school, I got a job in the music industry in Europe. I worked on projects with U2 and Metallica, which was a pretty cool thing considering that it was my first „real“ job.
After moving to Canada 5 and a half years ago, I somehow ended up shooting weddings, something I was never interested in at all. Now I can't even imagine doing anything else. To me, it's probably the most exciting job on earth. I shoot with my wife, which is pretty much the best thing ever. She runs her own business photographing families and kids but we still shoot every wedding together.
Shot on film.
5. Are you creatively satisfied at the moment?
It actually feels like I am. I kind of felt like a surfer chasing the perfect wave for the past 4 years and I am pretty sure I found that wave last November while hiking the Athabasca Glacier in the Canadian Rockies. We were shooting a wedding gown for a personal project and I took one photo that left me with this incredible feeling of knowing that something special had just happened. (I had only shot 2 frames before the clouds had past.) It's the moment when you know that you've reached the certain point that you have wanted to get to for so long. The funny thing is, that no blog or magazine has wanted to publish the shoot so far, but it doesn't bother me at all. It would have bothered me a LOT a year ago. :D
Personal projects are the most creatively satisfying work for me.
6. What movie did you love recently?
I am a huge movie fan, but have been disappointed with most movies lately. Mad Max was the best movie I've seen this past year. The one movie I am really excited about seeing is The Revenant. I haven't seen it yet, but it has to be good considering they shot it almost entirely with natural light.
7. Describe your path to what you’re doing now.
A lot of hard work and perseverance. And not underestimating the value of the people around you.
8. Do you shoot with your left or right eye?
Right eye. I actually just grabbed a camera to check cause I had no idea.
9. Who do you respect - in photography or elsewhere?
I have enormous respect for Gabe McClintock's work. (He is from Calgary as well.) I have never seen another photographer capture emotions like he does.
10. Where do you see yourself in 10 year’s time?
I don't really like to think that far in advance, but one of our goals is to take our kids on as many trips as possible and show them the world.
Shot on film.
Bonus Q: Do you think the gear you use affects the way you photograph? Why?
The more I shoot, the less I seem to care about what's new and improved. The less gear I use, the less I get distracted by it. It also forces me to move more and do the best with what I have. I still own way too many cameras, but I never pack more than the 3 cameras listed below. The funny thing is that I always end up shooting with only one camera and one lens. I am a hybrid shooter. Film is just so good. It's a pretty special medium to work with, and I only use it if I have enough time during a wedding or shoot. It's definitely my happy place. :]
David's Gear list:
- Canon 5D Mark III (50mm 1.2)
- Mamiya 645-AFD II (80mm 2.8)
- Fuji x100s
Field Notes:
David uses Mastin presets exclusively for his digital work. His go-to film stocks are 120mm Fuji 400h for colour and Ilford 3200 for black and white on the Mamiya 645-AFD II.
The following 10 image compilation was shot on film.
The following images are shot on digital.
