Meet John Davenport

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Davenport.

Hi John, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story. 
I grew up in a pretty rural town in Southwestern, MA, no stop lights no real town center just woods and the kids on our street to battle it out with day after day. We didn’t have much except bumps and bruises and a bunch of fun. But I always was looking to get out and see the world and experience new places. After what I would say was a pretty stereotypical Gen X childhood, I attended Providence College in Providence Rhode Island. Rocked out to all the grunge and punk bands I possibly could and studied Biology. I knew I couldn’t work in an office or be a 9 to 5 guy and thought that Biology could take me to tropical islands, sailing ships, and adventure! All the while I was spending my time playing drums in rock bands and staying up way to late developing film in the dark room. Music was my main outlet for art and creativity at this time. I put everything I had into banging my electric blue drum set (which I got from my sister’s high school friend) into submission at whatever venue would allow us to play. (Most proudly, CBGBs in New York City a dream come true). 

Fast forwarding through a few years of heartbreak, bad luck and really just being broke. I was working as a research assistant for Nancy Hopkins at the MIT Center for cancer research in Cambridge, MA. Where I assisted the post-docs and took care of her zebrafish facility. But also, was able to take all the photo classes offered at MIT and spent once again a ton of time in the darkroom developing and printing photos, playing clubs at night, and thinking about what the next steps were that I should be taking. I left MIT knowing that my documented Dyslexic brain could never keep up in the world of science. But still didn’t know how I could actually become a creative photographer. So, I took a job at Boston Medical Center. I was once again pretending to be a good Biologist and trying to get paid just a little more. I was tasked to set up a Zebrafish research facility for one of the doctors on campus studying Melatonin and sleep disorders. Which I did no problem. Then one day I really just had enough after a lot of things that are just too long to get into. I was asked to finish some crazy project I had no idea how to do and really wouldn’t work out even if I had. I said to my boss sure I’ll get that done for you, grabbed my bag, and went straight home. Never to return! When she asked what are you going to do, I said I am going to be a photographer. Then she told me straight to my face… it would never work out but good luck trying! Hahaha I always remember that conversation so clearly… What a sendoff! 

I finished up my degree at Boston University Center for Digital imaging arts which I had started while I was working. Met some inspirational photographers from National Geographic and the commercial fashion world, assisted and work basically from the bottom doing anything and everything I could to make it work out. 

My first real commercial shoot was just before Christmas. With a stylist’s friend’s help I was called into help photograph toys and Christmas trees for Smart Bargains. Awesome! I was in… I became the studios full-time photographer. This job put me in the position to help lead and launch the creative studio for the company RUELALA.com where I was lucky enough to work as a fashion and product photographer for about 10 or more years. A super fun studio putting out all kinds of work daily. Meeting, playing, and working with creatives all while getting paid. 

Today, I am a commercial freelance photographer and run my own studio. I live with my wonderful wife and daughter. I am still shooting and always trying to stay inspired and creative! I am very lucky to be able to do things I do and only wanna get bigger and better, and will never take this for granted! 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

The road is never really smooth, and when it is, the bumps are just ahead. I remember when I was told early on by a photographer and mentor….  He simply told me that you need to pick a spot on the horizon and start walking. I have always tried to live by this and just take steps forward.  One step, two steps, five steps, however many at a time, but without that start there is no getting there.

I have had so many struggles along the way both personal and professional but one of the biggest and most frustrating  struggles that always seems to crop up is hard to explain.  It took me a long time to feel comfortable with being an artist or allowing myself to create the work I knew I could create.  Getting the ideas that I’m always thinking about and always wanting to do out of my head and into reality and feel like it was ok to make them and promote them.  I think I grew up keeping these things safe in my imagination and still from time to time find myself holding back on projects I would like to start.  But I do know that I am most happy and feel most like myself when I am creating images working on projects and actively engaged in the creative process.

I have never been a look at me kind of person, but photography does have a big element of that. We actually need to some extent keep up with this while also staying positive and motivated to stay true to your style. There is so much competition from a lot of great photographers it can be a struggle to keep your voice, talents and motivations moving in the right direction.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have focused a lot of my work as a photographer on commercial fashion and product work. I love working with a creative team to create looks and images for brands or just for the beauty of it all. I feel like I am known for making images with beautiful soft light that are really clean in styling. This has always been a little odd to me because I am naturally a little darker and Eastern European in nature. I think I pushed myself into a more of a commercial style for my professional work and it has became my well-known aesthetic. I really want the light and the images to look clean and beautiful. Lately, I have been enjoying creating documentary artist profile videos and portraits. I am currently working on kicking off a new video and portrait project with more of a low-tech feel around them. I am excited to see it all come together. 

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I was lucky to have attended The Boston University CDIA as one of the first classes in a newly formed photo school. This gave me real access to some pretty great photographers. I was able to see them work and really learn the process of becoming a working photographer. I would recommend if you are starting out to find a photographer who needs an assistant, it will be invaluable to your overall development. Keep in mind all photographers are different, so you will learn lots of do’s and don’t along the way. Even just learning how to act on a set, how to light, how to talk to clients etc. It would be good to find a photo group in your city and reach out. Finding the right people and make all the difference. It’s all about adding tools to your personal toolbox. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.johndavenportphotography.com
• Instagram: @studioJLD