I earned my chops the old-fashioned way by shooting feature-length assignments around the world for National Geographic Magazine. The stories varied but the mandate was always the same: work with every kind of person under any kind of condition and create timeless yet contemporary images for a client with the highest visual standards. My assignments took me to six continents and often required 200 days on the road each year. 

 As a photographer and filmmaker, I specialize in exploring big questions across a range of subjects by telling intimate stories about real people. I’ve shot seven feature stories for National Geographic Magazine, photographed the #1 NYT best-selling Blue Zones Kitchen which recently became one of the top 30 best-selling cookbooks of all time, worked for major brands like Sony and Apple, and was Director of Photography for the feature documentary Bounce, which premiered at SXSW. My primary tools are curiosity, an ability to listen, and deep empathy for people who inhabit different realities than mine. Attentiveness to others, to my craft, and to my clients are at the core of everything I do. 

 I live with my wife, artist Anne McLain, in a 220-year-old Maine farmhouse with a post and beam barn we share studio space in. Our two children, Finn and Myla, were born and raised in Maine and are amazing young adults, one an aspiring builder, the other studying in Patagonia. My family, my home, and Maine ground me and fuel the boundless sense of possibility and hope I bring to my work. I continually marvel at how endless the opportunities are. Now is the time to start exploring them.

David is represented as a speaker by Changemaker Talent. Founded by Deborah Benson, who co-created the National Geographic Speakers Bureau, Changemaker represents a broad range of dynamic thought leaders who are exploring the planet, solving proble

David is represented as a speaker by Changemaker Talent. Founded by Deborah Benson, who co-created the National Geographic Speakers Bureau, Changemaker represents a broad range of dynamic thought leaders who are exploring the planet, solving problems, documenting life around us, connecting us, and helping us think creatively about the future. For speaking fees and availability visit : deborah@changemakertalent.com

The Sony Artisans are a talented and diverse group of photographers who are helping Sony break new ground and reimagine what cameras can do in the 21st Century. I'm unbelievably proud to be one of the five founding members of the program. Over a dec

The Sony Artisans are a talented and diverse group of photographers who are helping Sony break new ground and reimagine what cameras can do in the 21st Century. I'm unbelievably proud to be one of the five founding members of the program. Over a decade ago, it became clear to me that Sony was in a unique position to reimagine what a camera could do in the digital era. They have exceeded my wildest expectations.

I’m a founding partner of Slipstream, a production company focused on reporting on the biggest health stories of our time. Through original reporting and ethnography, we explore complex issues in the context of real people and their everyday lives.

I’m a founding partner of Slipstream, a production company focused on reporting on the biggest health stories of our time. Through original reporting and ethnography, we explore complex issues in the context of real people and their everyday lives. Nothing we do is scripted or contrived. Instead, we let the truth arise from people’s stories – and let the voices of our subjects speak: in their words.