Captured On My Camera

LOVES LANDSCAPES

Yorkshire lad, Dave Zdanowicz always carries his camera, he loves nothing more than visiting his favourite northern places to capture stunning landscapes. Bradford born Dave has travelled the north to collate images for his latest book ‘Bradford in Photographs’. We chat to Dave about his passions for pictures and share a few sneaky peeks from his book…
To order a signed copy for £14.99 visit davezphotography.co.uk.

WHEN DID YOU START SNAPPING?

Around eight years ago now. One of my friends at work was selling his old camera and he was pestering me to get into photography, so I just decided to take the plunge in 2013 and I’ve never looked back. I used to be really into my music, and was in bands, but it got to a point where my passion for that died and I sold all my music equipment and purchased photography gear instead. I dabble in music every now and then but it’s nothing like photography.

WHAT DO YOU USE?

I use my Canon R6 camera, but for the book I used a Canon which the majority of the photographs were taken on.

WHAT MAKES A PERFECT PICTURE?

Something that sparks my imagination and makes me want to be in that space looking at the view or one that brings a fond memory back.

LANDSCAPE OR PEOPLE?

100% landscape. I do some portrait stuff but I’m not really a fan of it. I much prefer landscape. My favourite place to visit is, Judy Woods. In general, I just love the Yorkshire coast, it never disappoints. I like to photograph the places I like to visit. I think the photographs I take people can relate to and places they’d like to visit.

INSPIRATION

My main influence is my dad, Dave, who’s also into photography. He’s the one I could turn to for advice, he’s definitely my main inspiration in photography. He’s into similar styles as myself, landscape.

ADVICE TO BUDDING SNAPPERS

Get out there and do it as much as you can. Don’t be over critical, if it’s something you enjoy and want to get into. Start with your phone, everybody has a camera on their phone nowadays. You can start with that element and if you find that you really enjoy it, it’s a good idea to purchase a camera. It’s one of those things where you learn more about it the more you get into it. I definitely learned more by getting out there and taking photographs. The cameras on phones nowadays are just phenomenal and really powerful. It’s always in your pocket so you could never miss a shot.

FAVOURITE PICTURE YOU’VE TAKEN IS…

That’s a tough one… I’d say it’s the photo at my local park, Harold Park, Bradford. It’s my favourite because I’ve grown up in the area, it’s a place where I visit often. I love my home city and really wanted to explore it more and capture it in a positive light. I hope the book inspires people who live in the area to visit some of the locations.

HAS IT HELPED WITH LIFE’S CHALLENGES?

Anxiety. It definitely helps me with anxiety. Photography is something I enjoy doing, and when someone enjoys something that much it’s something you should try to do all the time. When you have a hobby or an interest it helps you forget about everything else that might be going on in life. It gives you a chance to go out and enjoy life. It’s really relaxing.

PHOTOGRAPHY FULL TIME?

I don’t know… photography is my second career and my side income. I’ve started selling more stuff now like books, jigsaws, calendars and prints. In five years’ time I just hope I still enjoy doing it. I’ve got a job in a school too. I’m a technician so I do a lot of media work, photography, video, music, a lot of design work within the school as well.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR 18-YEAR -OLD SELF?

I’d tell myself to just jump at every opportunity that you are given in life. So, if somebody grants you the opportunity to do something, just take it and go for it.