Today we’d like to introduce you to Dave Schaefer.
Hi Dave, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Photography has been a hobby of mine since I was in elementary school. My earliest memory of taking pictures was going through roll after roll with my mom’s film camera on a 6th grade trip to Washington D.C. Some of my favorite shots to date are still from that trip, using a simple point-and-shoot camera. During high school and college, I fell out of photography due to my busy schedule, but the love and appreciation for the art always remained. In June of 2014, having graduated college the previous December, and with no summer plans, I finally decided to buy my first DSLR camera, a Nikon D7000. Since then, I have acquired more equipment, gotten into portrait photography, and even dusted off my dad’s old film SLR. I continue to learn as much as I can from the multitude of online resources, and I am always looking for that next level of improvement.
I spent much of my childhood in Southwest Colorado which gave me a love and appreciation for nature. My first passion as a photographer will always be capturing the natural beauty of the earth in whatever form that takes. Since delving into the world of portrait photography, my favorite aspect has been meeting new people, hearing their stories, and forming relationships.
Photography, for me, is a fun side gig that I do on the weekends, during travel, and any time I find a spare moment. My full-time job is as a music educator/conductor; I currently serve as the Choir Director at South Garland High School in Garland, TX. I have a Bachelor of Music in Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. These days, I usually always carry a film camera with me, whether it is the one that stays in my desk at work, or even when I am out and about running errands.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Sometimes it is difficult to meet new people/clients when my main job is in full swing, but I never let it get me down–I am much more patient these days. The best photo opportunities have been when I am not actively seeking something. For example, when I am out shooting one of my film cameras, people will often come up to me and ask about it, and some end up setting up a future photo shoot. I am always of fan of striking up conversations with random individuals!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My full-time job is as a music educator/conductor; I currently serve as the Choir Director at South Garland High School in Garland, TX. I have a Bachelor of Music in Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Music has always been the biggest part of life since I began playing trumpet in 5th grade. I was heavily involved in band and choir throughout grade school and college. In addition to my career as a choral director, I have participated in Drum Corps International, taught high school marching band, and sang professionally with Opera Omaha and through Presbyterian Church of the Cross (NE).
One of my current passions as an educator is giving presentations on education-specific topics. I have presented on topics including Technology in the Classroom, Classroom Management, Vocal Development for Middle-Level Voices, and Marching Band/Show Choir techniques in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and South Dakota.
Though I am much more patient than I was when I first began teaching, I am not someone who waits around for opportunities to be placed in my lap. I work hard to seek out opportunities that can help me to become a better educator and to help advance my career.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
When it comes to photography, I always enjoy the opportunity to work with new clients and/or other artists. I enjoy bouncing ideas back and forth and trying new things. People are always free to check out my digital work on my website, www.daveschaeferphoto.com, as well as my film camera work on Instagram – @daveschaeferphoto.
Contact Info:
- Email: daveschaeferphoto@gmail.com
- Website: www.daveschaeferphoto.com
- Instagram: daveschaeferphoto
Image Credits:
Tayloruth Photography
