About David

There’s a buildup to a photo shoot—a preparation. Pulling together ideas and whatever possible to convey a message of the vision that is hoped to be achieved. David is a visionary on his own and had the graciousness to look over my collection of thoughts and help me achieve it with his myriad lenses. He does so in a humble and honoring way. He may have to assert himself to get a shot—or as many as he can despite the limitations—but still has the perfect touch as he sets up each model, eliciting exactly what is needed to achieve our vision. He is this way with everyone around him. His shots capture the moment we wanted and some we didn’t know we wanted until we saw his vision captured on the screen. That’s what’s great about working with David!

Karen Moore - Art Director, American Heart Association

At the end of August, I wrote an article in simple style recommending the photography works of David McGhee. At first, I fell in love with this photographer from Texas because of his words. He said, "Photography is like a mirror, reflecting a better or worse self. No matter how difficult this cognition is, it is so important for photographers to look inside." David sent me an email to express his gratitude And asked about the columnists. Examine your heart, follow your inner wishes and thoughts, and live a simple and real life, just like the feeling we get from admiring David McGhee's land photography works Pinal County. His interview reminded me of the poem written by the symbolist poet Rimbaud at the end of the 19th century: "La vie est d'ailleur!", run away, stay away, wander, let the soul exile. The man who calls himself the "Son of the Desert." Simple Style was very honored to invite American photographer David McGhee to be our seventh columnist.

Qing Zhou - Editor - Simple Style

As a Creative Director, I look for a photographer that can capture much more than the still images for a campaign. I seek photographers that can capture the emotion of a campaign to tell our story successfully. David McGhee is this type of photographer.
I’ve worked with David on several shoots, and he always brings professionalism and creativity to his projects. His approachable and flexible style makes him a joy to work with, and his friendly demeanor makes the entire set comfortable, which shows through in the finished results.

Doug Simpler - Director of Marketing, TeamHealth VirtualCare at TeamHealth

David’s shots copyblock me. His pictures fill in where my words should. He visually tells a story between frames. Marketers jones for that sweet spot in the decision gap. A spot where a possible consumer wonders even fantasizes about using their product. David knows how to capture it, which makes him a picture snapping badass. My personal favorite McGhee picture is a simple red leather chair that sits in a bright center-stage spotlight. The viewer doesn’t know what the chair is for, but when grouped with a picture series title: Late Night Burlesque, your mind fills in the dirty bits. You smell the smoke-filled venue and even create personal seedy narratives for all the dancers. David doesn’t need a writer’s copy to muck up the sale. David’s shot has already forced his audience to submit, emotionally and financially.

Lee Porter - Writer

He has a good eye for the capturin’ of the moment kinda thing, and a whirlpool of knowledge about photography & Adobe PhotoShop….When you view one of his fab way-out images the body can’t help but twitch….oooooo….I’m feelin’ it,…yeah this it it baby! Are you feelin’ it? If you isn’t, then you gotta a blown fuse, and should have your oil changed, as well. I guess in short, Dave be da man!

Jason “Bat” Huerta - underground artist

When I think of photographers, I think in categories. Different names mean different types of photography – from landscapes to fashion, corporate, food, products, and high concept. David McGhee could put together a portfolio in any one of those niches and convince you that it is all he does. I don’t know anyone else like that. David is passionate without pretense, a tireless worker and a wonderful collaborator. In the 20 plus years we’ve known each other, he has never stopped impressing me.

Kevin Miller - Creative Director, Partner, Signature Advertising & Marketing Solutions

You were so amazing to work with and I sincerely thank you so much for your time, effort and guidance during this shoot. I absolutely LOVE LOVE THESE! They look so amazing and I’m so proud of them!

Erica Plemons - Director of Sales and Marketing, Aloft Hotels

David, I think that if you went to Hell to photograph it, you'd come back with pictures that look like Heaven.

Sara Petty

Info

david@davidmcghee.net

+1 214 686 8006