Interview with Keith Davis Young

How, why and when did photography begin for you? I read your interview on Too Much Chocolate and get some sense of the timing of events but not why. Why photography rather than a different medium

I first became interested in photography in high school and college after taking a few classes. However, it wasn’t until last year that I picked up a camera again. I suddenly felt the need to start documenting my life in methods outside of design, playing music and writing.

I love taking photos as a creative outlet. It differs from other mediums in that there are so many more rules, techniques and challenges that come with it. There have been too many times that I wished I had a camera with me when I didn’t. Documenting those moments are so vital. I don’t want to look back in life and regret not capturing certain moments and experiences in my life.

With my work, I want people to look at things in a different perspective – where I capture daily life and make sense of it. There are too many little things we take for granted that we see day to day. Whether that’s something I see on my way to work or out with friends, I feel that I have to document it. It keeps things interesting to say the least.

Can you talk a little about your background beyond photography…?

Outside of photography, I’m heavily involved in design. I love it; I do it as a career and for fun. I like to surround myself with progressive, creative people in and out of the workplace because it contributes to my growth. Sharing a drive or passion with your friends and colleagues is necessary. I’ve also spent a lot of time playing drums for a number of bands. Music has definitely contributed to my creative process as well.

What thing or things has contributed most to your growth as a photographer?

Understanding what I like and why. Besides that, it’s all from inspiration and personal drive. Building on technique and challenging myself have also pushed me to grow more.

Can you talk about the specific things that have influenced your work over time? Such as specific artists, friends, family, music, movies, books…

My friends and family inspire me a lot. Building relationships and understanding a person more also makes great subject matter. I guess that’s why they play such a big role in my photos.

There are too many bands, films, and books that have influenced me over the years. It’s such a wide range, everyone from Paul Rand to Kubrick to  Bukowski. A lot of inspiration comes from those who are free thinkers and progressive artists.

I’ve pulled a lot influence from artists and friends I’ve worked with personally. Last year I lived in an old house in Hyde Park in Austin with a good friend of mine I’ve known since college,  Matt Genitempo. He and I always talked design, but at that time, Matt was really active with photography. He introduced me to some great photographers like Greg Lutze and Peter Beste had never heard of before. Matt definitely played a role in sparking my interest in getting back into it. It made me realize that I had something to do outside of design that could contribute to my creative growth.

Up until then I was living in Austin and focusing solely on design and music – I had put away my camera for three years at that point. I often think back to all the days I went without a camera while designing and playing in bands. Lost work and lost time, but I think that many other creatives have shared the same feeling. At the same time though, I can’t complain; I’ve met a lot of great artists out there and they’ve all played a role in my life whether they know it or not, especially in Austin. Right now I actually live down the road from Bryan Schutmaat here in  Houston. He’s a great friend, photographer, and knows where to find a great burger dive.

How do you think your three year hiatus focusing on design and music affected your work?

I’m sure there was some reason or other I gave it such a long break. I think it was good that I put it away for so long. It was almost like a fresh start when I picked it up again. This approach definitely contributed to my style and practice.

You learn a lot from each medium and the experience. I still want to grow and do more, even outside of music, design, and photography . As creatives, we love challenges but also love to create beautiful things day after day. That’s what I strive to do every day after coffee.

I’ve also learned that good ideas can be communicated the same way in photography as in design and music. After a while, you have to distance yourself from everyone and focus on what you love and what it means to you.

Are there specific things you look for when searching for the photo? Something that stays consistent regardless of the subject or series?

A current theme lately has been based on the idea of displacement and dead pan. I really love finding objects or people in strange places and environments. This offset idea plays a huge role in my work’s aesthetic look. However, I don’t go out looking for subject matter that fit this look and feel. Usually I come upon them randomly, which leads to a lot of U-turns.

What do you think about before and as you are framing a photo?

I try and choose a perspective that suits or reflects what I’m seeing and define its uniqueness. Light plays a huge role in my photography. It’s usually the first thing that catches my eye, night and day.

And sorry but I must ask the question of gear and photo processing? What’s your weapon of choice and how does feed into you post processing/development?

A lot of my 35mm work has been shot with my Contax G2 and my old OM 10. I am going to be shooting medium format very soon on my Pentax 67. Either way, I’ll continue shooting on film because I love the way it records light. As far as post processing goes, I really don’t spend too much time retouching my photos. What you see is what you get.

If you were to recommend other photographers or artist work for others to look at what would that be?

Stephen Shore, Hopper, Meyorwitz. I recently was given a photobook of Nick Zinner’s work from my friend Kate. Also Brian Guido, Jackie Young, Kat Squier, Mando, Nich Hance, and Will Govus are great too. All of them are amazing people and phenomenal photographers. There are way too many to name off that I love. That’s pretty cool.

Much thanks to Keith for participating.  See Keith’s work at his personal site and his most recent work over at Flickr.   And I’d also recommend checking out his interview at Too Much Chocolate.  Good Stuff.