Meet David Fonda.
I’m an architectural and interiors photographer based in Philadelphia. I have a background in fine art (BFA-Photography), and experience in the editorial, corporate, and industrial, as well as architectural spheres. My clients include architects, interior designers, real estate investment firms & developers, architectural product manufacturers, construction companies, advertising agencies & graphic designers, and editorial.
I live in East Falls, and have offices in the Design Church (www.ennisnehez.com/designchurch/), a renovated 1890‘s church in East Falls.
DAVID FONDA Architectural Photography
Where the Art of Architecture intersects the Art of Photography
610.564.3624
davidfondaphotography.com
david@davidfondaphotography.com
And now, the 12 Questions.
1. What kind of kid were you?
Well, outwardly, I was tall, skinny, and shy; inside, curious, thoughtful, and unsure. Your basic suburban kid.
2. What influences have shaped you?
Geez, how do you answer that! Every experience leaves it’s mark. I guess I’d have to say that the people I’ve encountered have done the most to shape me. Every person has something to teach you if you’re willing to see it.
3. Ever done anything really dumb?
Yeah! Do you want them chronologically, or in order of significance?
4. How’d you learn to do what you do?
Practice. Practice and never being satisfied. Henri Cartier-Bresson said ‘Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.” Hopefully, your most recent is your best.
5. What are you working on now?
There’s always a dozen different things that, if I’m not working on them, I should be. Photography-wise, though, I’m putting together an editorial portrait of the former lead guitarist for a quadruple-platinum progressive rock band, who’s now a lawyer. Quite a transition, huh! I want to put him in an empty concert hall, with a guitar and a three-piece suit. I think it’ll be a neat shot, and he’s into it. Finally got a hall that’ll let us shoot in it, so it’s coming together! I’m pumped!
6. Walk us through a typical day at work.
There is no ‘typical’ day at work … that’s what I enjoy about it! If I were to answer ‘what is typical about a day at work’, I’d say ‘creativity’. As a small business person you have be able to do it all, and you have to be able to bring creativity to every task. Not just to the photography itself (the most fun creativity!), but to all of the problem solving that goes into making a photo shoot happen, and to all of the chores that make a business run.
7. Who do you love?
Who do you love?… sounds like a George Thorogood song! I love my kids, my parents, my siblings, and my friends. That’s a question that begs for a more philosophical answer, but I think I’ll just leave it at that!
8. What are you passionate about?
Another philosophical question! Beyond my work, which is where passion comes to me most freely, I’m passionate about equality: all people should have an equal opportunity to live, thrive, and grow. Enough philosophy!
9. What are you proudest of?
Well, I’m proud of many of the photos I’ve created, and I’m proud of my kids … but I guess what I’m most proud of is what I’ve overcome. Yeah, most of the obstacles I’ve overcome were one’s I put there myself, but they’re the hardest to get past.
10. Describe a great night out.
John Lee Hooker, Jr. at Warmdaddy’s! Great blues, great food, and great seats! Little Ed & the Blues Imperials would do it, too!
11. So what’s next for you?
If I knew what was next, it’d take all of the fun out of it! Marketing. That’s my most immediate need. Work doesn’t just come your way, you have to go out and get in the way of it! Easier said than done. I need to come up with a ‘creative’ way of giving myself a good, swift kick!
12. What will your epitaph say?
He gave it a good shot.
