Interview with David Schelske - Andrea Ahlson

I interviewed David Schelske who is a sports and lifestyle commercial photographer. He describes himself as:

 “A professional freelance photographer based in Portland, Oregon for over 20 years. I have worked on assignment both here in the NW, and all around the country, for industry leading production companies, ad agencies, studios, designers, and magazines.” David has worked with many great companies in and around the Portland area to produce ads featuring their products. He is also a single parent and an outdoor enthusiast.

Here's what David had to say:

Q: What inspired you to choose photography as your career?

A: After a horrible motorcycle accident at Portland International Raceway, where I almost lost my hand, I was encouraged to take up rock climbing for rehabilitation. Spring break the year after I healed, I planned a trip to Yosemite to rock climb with my friend from college. I wanted to document this epic journey, so I bought a camera and a tripod and started learning how to use it. After that trip I had found my calling and enrolled in the Photography program at MHCC.

Q; How did you get your start in commercial photography? (20 years! That is fantastic!)

A: With my program finished at MHCC, I still didn’t know what I was going to do with Photography. I took a few classes at Portland State University and knew that it was not for me. While, working at Albertson’s as a checker, I started researching other schools that might interest me. I found a commercial photography program at the Art institute of Seattle. This was the right fit for me and what I was interested in pursuing as a career.

Q: How has changing technology impacted your photography throughout the years?

A: The use of digital cameras and drones in my work now has impacted so much of what I do. Technology has sped up the time it takes to set up the equipment and styling the sets. I first started using large format cameras for commercial shoots. It would take us up to 2hrs just to set up the cameras and tripods. Now I can pack all the gear I need in a small pack and take it anywhere I want.

Q: Will you tell me why you decided to use Aerial drones in your work?

A: Some of my biggest clients wanted video footage as well as stills for ad campaigns. It all started when go-pro was first introduced, and as a hobby I was into flying quadcopters. Naturally, I put them together to see what I could do with this set up. I decided to show the art director what I had Macgyvered and it was a success. The tech has caught up to my vision, and I now am a certified FAA drone pilot.

Q: What advice would you give a student who is interested in doing what you do?

A: The best advice when you are starting out is to build a good relationship with clients. Pursue more clients even if it’s out of your comfort zone. My first job out of school was working for Studio3, at that time I was shooting products. I was in a dark studio or editing photos for hours, being the outdoors type, this was hell for me. We were working for Freightliner which required outside work, and that is when I became a location specialist, and have loved working outdoors on sets ever since.

Q: Is your personal approach different from your work approach?

A: I have incorporated the things and activities that I love with work. In my spare, time I enjoy outdoor sports, motocross, hiking, kayaking, biking, and camping. I feel that my work represents my own personal lifestyle.

Q: I have noticed that you have recently redesigned your website. Why?

A: A friend of mine was helping me design a new logo for my site. The old site was having problems (Flash and HTML), I took that as a sign that things needed to be revamped. I had some time during the slow season which took me two weeks of editing and rebranding. In the long run it was worth the time putting up new work to make my website better.

Q: Being a parent myself, how do you balance family life and work?

A: This past weekend, the boys and I spent time together looking for a toy hauler. Our plans are to use it for work and play. I need it to accommodate gear, Digi-tech station, and most importantly a bathroom for on location. We plan to use it on vacation this summer to explore new locations.

Q: What photographers inspire(d) you?

A: The first name that pops into my mind is Ansel Adams. It brings me back to my Spring Break trip in Yosemite that started my photographic journey.

Then second is Mark Gamba whose work in National Geographic inspired me to pursue a career in adventure photography.

I found this experience to be so amazing! David said that he’d love to get our families together this summer, and offered to help where he can. It was inspiring to meet an alumnus of our program who has gone on to have such a successful career. It makes success appear much more obtainable.

I encourage you to check out more of David's photos and life at David Schelske Photography and at his Instagram page here @nw_scout.

Photo credit: David Schelske Photography  photos 1-7 and video. 
Photo credit: Mark Gamba - National Geographic