References for DaveMackinnon

Samantha Lucy

Another amazing shoot with Dave and I couldn't be more pleased with how it went. I have never felt so good about myself after a shoot, he is so talented at creating beautiful and artistic images suited to each model. The way he uses light is incredible. I honestly cannot recommend him enough!

Samantha Lucy

Incredible experience working with Dave. His communication both before and after the shoot was great, he was happy to answer any questions I had and was very responsive. When I arrived I felt immediately at ease as he spoke me through his approach and made sure that I was comfortable the entire time.

The shoot itself went by really fast and we had so much fun. I received the images quickly afterwards and I was blown away by how good they were, I couldn't quite believe it was me. He has such a unique style and a genuine talent for capturing the best of people. I really can't recommend him enough and I can't wait to go back!

Nothernphotographer

Had a 1-1 workshop with Dave. The theme was dramatic lighting.

Dave is a lighting wizard and keen to share his knowledge.

We covered a variety of lighting set-ups and moods.

He has a vast knowledge and experience

Most helpful and inspiring.

Recommend to any photographer who wishes to improve their photography.

Irongem / Gemma

I was recently booked as a model for one of Dave's lighting tutorial days with another five photographers.

Pre shoot comms were excellent and I knew what to expect from the day with outfits, styling, how many set-ups Dave was expected to get through etc. Dave checked after each enquiry to make sure I was happy with who would be along for the day.

The four hours absolutely flew in. I didn't get much of a chance to blether with Dave but the event ran smoothly and well, with a bunch of lovely humans. I picked up quite a bit of knowledge along the way from Dave too who was great at explaining each lighting set up.

I would recommend Dave as both photographer and for his workshops - the time flew by and it was nice working with so many different faces! :)

Megan Beth McDonald said...

Highly recommend working with Dave. I approached him on Instagram and discussed the style I was going for. He was very responsive and keen to collaborate on my ideas. We shot at his studio flat which has everything needed to create some absolutely stunning photos!

As a new model Dave made me feel very comfortable and gave me some helpful direction on angles and lighting. Dave captured a fantastic variety of shots with different lighting. Very quick and professional editing and great communication after shoot also.

Dave is absolutely lovely, laidback and can have a good laugh along the way! Already planning new ideas for my next shoot with Dave!

anasteyshaa

Had my first shoot with Dave. I reached him via Instagram as I was amazed by the style of his shooting and would be interested in working with him. We were working in his home studio. This photographer is a real professional. Nothing would beat the good conversation and laugh after which you feel quite relaxed during the shooting.

Dave was setting up the light in different way so in the end we received incredible pictures!

Highly recommend this photographer and looking forward to work again😊

Ozzygala

I attended one of Dave's Lighting Workshops. He was very clear, and gave use simple but effective suggestions how to set up, use and place lights on set.

He gave use his personal view and also few secrets to obtain very dramatic and delicate photos.

He organized the workshop in a very nice small studio full equipped although it was big enough for all the photographers and the model of the day

Dave is also a nice person because I asked for a bit help prior of the workshop to find a studio and he gave me few suggestions and also he gave me the ability to use his own studio

D Geneveive

Dave invited me along to model for one of his workshops at Meow studios and what a day it was! Dave’s communication from the get go was brilliant; he was very clear about what he was looking to accomplish, and informed me of all the photographers who were attending which made me feel safe and comfortable. Dave sent over some example images for me so I could bring along a wardrobe that would be suitable for the event, and so I could envision what kind of shoot it would be. I may not have been there to learn about his lighting techniques, but I absorbed a lot of information because Dave is an incredible teacher (and photographer of course!). He was kind enough to let me see the images as we were shooting, was totally blown away by some of the shots! The photographers in attendance were completely respectful towards me and I really hope they were as pleased with the workshop as I was. I honestly couldn’t recommend Dave more, he is a fantastic photographer and is very easy to work with - really hope I get the opportunity to work with him again soon. Thank you again for a wonderful time, I love many of the images you have shared with me and I can’t wait to upload them.

J'Art (he, him)

Asked Dave to help me make my photographs more dramatic. Had an excellent session with Dave who pitched the learning just right. I'm not an absolute beginner re using studio lighting. It was a brilliant session and if you have the chance to work with David, do not hesitate. Do it.

Katie-Jayne

Had a shoot with Dave at the start of the year and felt very comfortable and safe! Had a good laugh and got some dramatic photos! Also was very interesting to see his unique approach to lighting 🙂

Marlenka

My first shoot after covid pandemic with Dave was on point.

I'm really happy from the outcome. Atmosphere was great, really relaxed. At first I thought I'll be so stressed but as soon as I met Dave, he didn't let me feel this way and I'm very thankful :) we had good time, laughing and getting along. Highly recommended.

Mel-R

Amazing shoot with Dave in this beautiful church and the lighting he used was amazing. Absolutely enjoyed my afternoon. Very welcoming and laid back and had a great laugh with Dave. The church setting was a great atmosphere so would definitely recommend and would love to shoot again with Dave.

ShootMeLeonie

Dave is phenomenal, he has a very unique lighting technique and explains as he goes. I felt very involved in the shoot. The photos he took are stunning and I felt very comfortable to go out of my comfort zone as Dave is a very trustworthy photographer. He respects boundaries and everything is up to the model. His lighting is very flattering to bone structures and enhances good qualities such as natural curves and toned areas.

Dave as a person is humoristic and just so much fun to work with. I learned a lot during our shoot, he is very patient and tells you as it is and how he likes it, while also giving plenty of space and freedom for the model to express themselves as they are.

I would definitely recommend him for a shoot!

Aria_

This was my third photoshoot with Dave and my first one since an accident left me with a broken arm for months. Couldn’t have asked for a better comeback!

Easy and clear communication on the date and time, quick replies with no confusion. He met me at the bus station and we drove to the location - a gorgeous church I have had the pleasure to visit twice now. Cheerful and lighthearted atmosphere, we laughed and chatted through the hours, all the while creating beautiful images, which I am extremely happy with. He was as respectful as it gets, discussing poses and attires beforehand with me and not once making me feel pressured to do anything I was not comfortable with.

Time really flew by and the photos we created ended up being my favourite shots up to date. Cannot recommend him enough - an absolute pleasure, as always, and I am looking forward to working together again! (if he agrees to work with a blue menace like me, of course)

SP Photos

I attended one of Dave's Lighting Workshops. He puts a lot of effort into setting up the spaces beforehand, so that the time spent photographing is maximised. I found him to be very clear in explaining what we were going to do. The session was well organised but also had space for me to try things out.

I've got some great shots out of it, and have a better understanding of how I can light a model. These are methods I will use in my own photography going forward.

I thoroughly recommend these workshops, and I would attend again.

Inked_kt

First time shooting with Dave and I had a great time! We shot at trinity house, Dave gave us a tour around beforehand and a bit of a back story to the place, it started off the day really well!

The shoot was enjoyable and we all put our ideas together and got some amazing shots!

Dave was professional but really friendly and made me feel really comfortable, we had the same kind of humour which made the day even better!

Can’t wait to see the images and hope we can work together again! Thank you so much and definitely worth the trip!

Red_Kali

Had a second fantastic shoot with Dave - his lighting and photography skills are phenomenal and he's a pleasure to work with. Once again he produced amazing shots that I am really chuffed with and, as before, they were turned around in super-quick time.

Highly recommended again.

Red_Kali

Dave and I initially made contact with each other in 2020… Just about the time the whole world went mad due to COVID! Circumstances more recently led us to re-establish contact and I am so pleased that they did 😊 Pre-shoot communications were fantastic and I was really excited at the prospect of shooting with Dave at the wonderful venue that is Trinity House.

Dave was kind enough to pick me up in Edinburgh before we headed off to the church. He was friendly and respectful throughout the whole shoot. His lighting set-up was simple but incredibly effective. I’m a sucker for dark and moody 😋 His set-up for tethered shooting was the best I’ve seen and it was great being able to review and adjust the shots and posing as we went.

The images were available incredibly quickly following the shoot and I absolutely love them. I would be very happy indeed to shoot with Dave again. Highly recommended!

A24

Dave is amazing. Several people recommended me to work with Dave and now it is my turn to tell you that. We went off to Dalkeith at a church. Dave was very kind to give me a lift. Although the place has no signal, the garden and every single room in the church is just amazing. I believe that Dave is one of the best photographers I ever worked with so I totally recommend Dave!

Kristina Blyth

After planning a shoot for a long period of time we finally got to shoot together and I couldn’t be happier with the overall experience as well as the images we captured. He’s very talented and skilled when it comes to lighting which helps the shoot to flow well,and all round lovely person and great manner that made me feel at ease throughout. Highly recommend shooting with Dave,especially any models starting out or any that would like a change in portfolio :)