Hello. I’m Dave Lawrence, hobbyist photographer and creative professional based in Jackson, Michigan.

To me, photography is an excuse for adventure.

It’s a way to make art that’s based in real life. With a camera, I can frame what’s beautiful, interesting, unique, or dilapidated — and then share it. Much of my work focuses on my local community, such as my portrait projects Artists In Jackson and Musicians In Jackson.

This blog is a collection of my thoughts on photography, creativity, and hobbies that interest me. It’s mostly about making photos, working on projects, and creating things to put out into the world, but it’s also about anything else that comes up.

You can buy many of my photos in my online store. You can also browse my Flickr collection, and follow me on Instagram or Twitter.

My photography is mainly a hobby, but I am available for portraits and special events. Hire me, and make your creative idea come to life.

Gear Dave Uses

I’m a Canon guy. Always have been.

Digital Cameras:

• Canon 5D (mark 1) – still my go-to for most projects. Nothing beats the look and feel of the photos.
• Canon 6D (mark 1) – my for-hire camera, used for weddings or portraits.
• Canon EOS M (mark 1) – my travel and family camera: small, portable, mirrorless. Just what I need.

Digital Lenses:

• Canon EF: 20mm f/2, 28mm f/1.8, 40mm f/2.8, 50mm f/1.8, 85mm f/1.8, 100mm f/2.8 macro
• Canon M: 22mm f/2, 32mm f/1.4
• Tamron 24-135mm zoom lens

Film Cameras:

• Canon AE-1 – mostly paired with the 50mm and 28mm.
• Canonet QL17 – Small rangefinder.
• Olympus Trip – Another small rangefinder with almost-fixed focusing.
• Bronica ETRsi medium format

And my iPhone is always with me.

(Portrait by Tiffany Marie Photography)