Photo by Wes Davis

Featured Local Artist - July 2012

Picture Perfect: Wes Davis July 2012 Featured Artist   A multi-faceted photographer, videographer, Wes is also a co-founder and marketing partner of Beatnik Studios off of Broadway, Wes Davis brings skill and countless creativity to his…

Picture Perfect:
Wes Davis
July 2012 Featured Artist

 

A multi-faceted photographer, videographer, Wes is also a co-founder and marketing partner of Beatnik Studios off of Broadway, Wes Davis brings skill and countless creativity to his work. Because of both these factors, Wes is able (and proud) to say that “being a creative photographer is my only source of income and it has provided me with the creative freedom I have always wanted.”

His work runs the gamut from commercial work to purely creative–the former focusing on weddings, portraits, advertising, architecture, and fashion, and the latter leaning toward playing with light and abstraction, plus anything involving action or movement (especially skateboarding). While some may make the distinction between commercial versus personal work, Wes adds his signature touch to everything he shoots.

 

A Photographic Start:

Raised by teachers, Wes had a summertime advantage: breaks for all meant the entire family could pile in the car for a road trip and take off on a month-long adventure. Wes quickly fell into the role of family vacation photographer, and from an early age began documenting the world around him through a lens.

In high school, he explored photography further by taking a position as photography editor for the yearbook staff. Wes also merged his passion for photography with his love of skateboarding and began shooting his friends on their skateboards with his old Pentax. He says, “I didn’t know it at the time, but the Pentax K-1000 that my father taught me to use would guide me through so many experiences, adventures, a college degree; and eventually usher me into a successful photography career.”

 

Creative Works:

About his take on photography and his own work, Wes says, “We learned all about fine art photography in school but I do not believe the word ‘fine’ should be placed before art because not all art is fine…some of it is gritty, abstract, and uncomfortable. I believe that photography is an art form because at its core it’s just painting with light. My recent art shows have included abstract light paintings and studies of motion. I challenge myself to use my equipment in innovative ways and to break all the rules about photography when I am creating a new project.”

The abstract light work you see a lot of here begins with photographing fireworks and other kinds of light patterns. He says, “I like to think about the motion of light and how it can paint a scene inside the camera. There is lots of motion in light if you wait for it to happen!” His patience pays off because–although it’s difficult to capture these sort of photographs–when he gets it right there are a lot of things he can do in post-production to play with the final product and produce lovely, abstract images.

 

wes-davis
Photo by Wes Davis

 

Other Photographic Endeavors

In Summer of 2008 along with his friend and fellow photographer Lindsay Calmettes, Wes co-founded Beatnik Studios–Sacramento’s premier gallery, studio, and arts venue. What began as a shared photography studio space grew (“through blood, sweat, and tears,” Wes notes) into a multifaceted business, encompassing photography services as well as a creative atmosphere for myriad events–both private and public. Wes says, “We are taking the wedding and private event industry by storm by helping to craft some of the most innovative and unique events ever imagined.”

In addition to the private events, Beatnik Studios hosts gallery shows (this month’s show features work by Joseph Peters, Cassandra Reeves, & Les Birleson), with “Final Friday” openings that feature live music. Also, Wes always has a couple of pieces on display at Beatnik Studios–including prints from the abstract light work–so keep your eye out for them next time you stop by!

 

Video, Too!

In addition to his photography, Wes also works with video, producing pieces for musicians, events, weddings, sports, and more.

Check out his video of blues musician Terry Hanck playing live at the Torch Club below, and watch even more videos on Wes’ Vimeo page.

 


Keep up with Wes:

Website
Blog
Vimeo
Beatnik Studios
Sac365 Artist Profile

You can also contact Wes directly via
email: we*@be*************.com
or
phone: (916) 821-6794.

He is easy to reach and loves to talk shop.

Grey Eagle by Wes Davis