Artist Statement

My name is David Callinan. I began practicing and learning a camera about five years ago with no formal education or training. Initially, I was focused solely on understanding the camera's mechanics, with no particular direction in mind. However, after a year, I realized that street photography was where my passion truly lay. I experimented with both color and black-and-white photography but ultimately found consistency and a deeper connection with black-and-white. This approach resonated with my long-standing appreciation for old-time photographs, leading me to adopt it as my primary style.

One of my strengths in street photography is my ability to connect with people. Whether it’s striking up a conversation with a stranger, offering a compliment in passing, or engaging in local interactions, I’ve always had a knack for approaching others. This skill has become a valuable tool in my photography, whether I’m asking someone for permission to take their portrait or confidently capturing a candid moment.

My photography reflects my relationship with the people around me, revealing not just who they are but also who I am and what draws me to them. Each image is as much a self-portrait as it is a snapshot of the world I see. My love for black-and-white photography is rooted in a deep appreciation for its timeless, evocative quality. Old black-and-white photos have always sparked my imagination, and now, with my camera, I have the opportunity to create my own images that might one day inspire others.

Photography is more than just a hobby for me; it’s a calling. I put countless hours into preparation, honing my craft, and yet, even after all the work, there are moments when I press the shutter and am surprised by the result. This element of the unexpected is what makes photography feel like a spiritual practice for me—it's a gift I’m compelled to share with the world. My hope is that others will see something familiar, inspiring, and true in my work, just as I do in the world around me.