David is a commercial photographer based in Leicester, East Midlands. With over 10 years of experience in producing high quality imagery for a diverse range of clients.Winner of NME Music Photographer of the Year. His work has been shown globally in collaboration with fashion designer Sir Paul Smith. Notable projects include documenting the career of Paralympic gold medalist Richard Whitehead. David studied BA (Hons) Photography at Nottingham Trent University. He continues to support the university as an Alumni Fellow mentoring students and appearing as a guest lecturer.
Scissor Sisters (L) and Liam Gallagher (R). Photos by David Baird
What made you want to do the job you currently do?
After trying an Art A-level I had the realisation that I wasn’t a particularly very good painter and bought a camera! I started taking photos of my friends who played in bands in and around Liverpool and my love for photography started there.
How did you get started?
When I knew I wanted to pursue a career in photography I started to look around at universities which offered a mix of theory and practical work and after a visit to Nottingham Trent University I knew it was the place for me. Before starting university I completed a foundation degree in Art and Design which really set me up for learning in a more creative and self directed way and also broadened my understanding of design.
Like most practical/visual jobs a degree or even a qualification isn’t required to get started and I rarely get asked if I have any qualifications in photography as I’m judged on my portfolio. But the time I spend at university allowed me to experiment creatively, learn techniques and to build a network of friends and connections in the arts worlds.
Nottingham icon Sir Paul Smith. Photo by David Baird
What did your early years in the role involve?
When I left university I knew I wanted to get started straight away but I spent around a year and a half working in a marketing department which was a good opportunity to grow up a little and figure out how the commercial world worked. While I was doing this job I was working away on small commissions and assignments and as soon as I was earning enough money from photography I handed in my notice and went freelance! I photographed jobs for local publications such as LeftLion which was a great way to meet people and built up a good portfolio
What’s an average week look like for you now?
It’s been a tough year work wise as many of the things I’d normally photograph have been closed or highly restricted, but things are looking up and booking are beginning to come in. But I’ve taken it as an opportunity to new some new things like how to fly a drone! Normally I spend Mondays in the office either catching up on emails, planning shoots or retouching. Then for the rest of the week I’m out shooting and I take Fridays off to spend time with my 3 year old!
Olympic athlete Richard Whitehead. Photo by David Baird
Tell us about the best thing that’s happened in your job.
One of my favourite parts of the job is getting to go out and visit places people wouldn’t normally get to go or meet people with interesting jobs! I’ve photographed lots of things from royalty, celebrities to underground tunnels in London and the variety is what keeps it fun and interesting. One assignment which is the highlight so far is documenting Nottingham Paralympian Richard Whitehead when he ran 40 Marathons in 40 days. It was incredible journey to shoot!
What’s the one thing you wish someone had told you as you embarked on your Creative Career?
Experiment and try new things - you are going to be constantly learning and developing! Also don’t be scared to ask people questions, they were in your position once too!
www.david-baird.co.uk
Twitter - @davidbaird
Instagram - @davidbairdphoto
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbairdphotographer
