References for Mr Dave

Carla Monaco

I had a lovely trip down to Dave's place last week, I was shooting with another photographer at Dave's studio and I shot with Dave the day after.

Dave is nothing but a pleasure to work with, he looked after me 100%.

Dave's home studio is so comfortable to work in, lots of space and great natural light throughout the house.

My shoot with Dave was very productive, we worked on some vintage Bardot themes both in the studio and outside in Dave's beautiful garden.

I also got to pose with Dave's dog the lovely Roxy, a perfect way to end a shoot.

Thank you for hosting me and I look forward to returning.

Best

Carla

Natural Happy Woman

I am lucky enough to have been hosted by Dave as a travelling model...

Staying in a beautifully appointed bedroom with all sorts of bits and pieces in the drawers as back-up in case you forgot any of the model essentials.

Dave was so kind, collecting me at the station and taking me to the supermarket to get my food so everything was easy for me...the perfect haven on tour.

Working from Dave's very reasonably priced home studio is excellent- in a 4 hour shoot we got so much done because we could just move from garden to bedroom to lounge to studio backdrop as we pleased- so many possibilities and Dave is always on hand to assist, but never intruding- he is the perfect host.

I experience Dave as someone absolutely community-minded, really positive about helping others to do what they love....

I totally recommend Mr Dave...and of course the amazingly well trained Tim and Roxy....you might forget there are dogs because you never hear them...

Shout-out to Mr Dave, you're the best!!

CMYK

Arranged a shoot at Mr Dave's with Jordan 2,absolutely brilliant couldn't do enough for us both,lots of props brilliant garden and helpful advice will most certainly use again if the opportunity arises.

Cheers Dave!!

Leo Cooper

Had a recent shoot at Mr Dave's excellent studio near Exeter. Pre-shoot communications were very good, and the session went without a hitch.

Helpful but not intrusive Dave is the perfect host. Highly recommended.....Bruce Westbrook.

Summers Abroad

Dave joined us on our Summers Abroad trip to Southern France this month, and it was super lovely hosting him again :D

He is such great company and really fits in to the group dynamic well! He was also super kind this time round in giving Mr Summers lots of video tips for our upcoming vlogs :)

I only got to look through his images properly from day 1 but what I saw looked fabulous and I can't wait to start seeing the final results :D

Highly recommended by us and hope to have him join us on a trip next year!

Rachelle Summers

It was lovely working with Mr Dave again during my Summers Abroad photographic holiday this month! It had been a while since we had seen each other so it was also super lovely catching up too :D

Dave is an absolutely gentleman and a total sweetheart, super easy to chat to and get company. too :) I couldn't recommend him higher and hope to catch up with him again soon!

Ivy Vxlentine

Since shooting with Photofervor I've shot at Dave's studio three times and I love shooting there. Dave's set up is so neat and tidy, he is always around and is polite and friendly as well. Very easy to get along with and I adore using every aspect of it. Studio, garden and bedroom. Love working there! It's quite the establishment so would definitely suggest shooting there to anyone who enquires☺

Keira Lavelle

How to begin - I have literally masses of amazing things to say about this gent any day of the week, but having recently welcomed Dave on a solo Arts Voyage one-to-one shooting trip to the exquisite island of Sardinia... Gosh! Prepare for positive page spammage! :D

Dave had previously welcomed me to stay at his lovely place in Exeter on a number of occasions: of which we’d also got the chance to work together too - he’s a top human through-and-through and you only need to mention his name to merely a handful of models who would equally rave about how lovely a host and photographer he is. So when Dave confirmed his place on my trip: it doesn’t even need saying that I was naturally ecstatic and so excited to be working together in specially reccced locations exclusively one-to-one as well as utilising the large villa complex in which we were set to be staying with both video and stills work. :) The nice thing about the initiation of our time working together in Sardinia was getting to chat about various specific plans and concepts that we’d subsequently tackle: Dave completely leaps at snatching opportunities that arise on such an event (that you couldn’t achieve back home for example) and had such a brilliant, creatively-minded approach from the word go! He handles switching from the momentary nature of stills to the flow of video so effortlessly and has an unquestionable eye for seizing the best from a particular set/concept. During our 3 days, we probably had everything: from 24 carat golden sunsets over the villa offering photo shooting opportunities both into the light and reverse, to soft wrap around light with random bursts of blinding sun (Mother Nature keeping us on our toes - didn’t phase Dave at all mind you with rocking the conditions!) to working with ambient sources in a pitch-dark night scene! Goodness if that’s not one extreme to the other then I don’t know what is... And each and every time; Dave took it in his stride working calmly with the environment at each given time and we literally did not stop bouncing off each other with the usual and priceless model-photographer rapport to keep the ideas flowing and nail the locations that we tackled one-after-another. No, we didn’t nail it... We conquered! Dave conquered! :D I had a set of conceptual looks pre-prepared as a “foundation/creative kick-start” for some of the locations in the line-up, but unsurprisingly... Dave and I rocked those into the ‘smashed-it’ folder and then the ideas and killer shots continued to bloom with extended inspiration working as an epic team! :D Dave typically having some mad rock platform or crazy angle that requires either a levitation device or impossibly contortionist body to grab the shot. He obviously borrowed some flight gear of Iron Man or something because his persistence routinely came back with out-of-this world pictures. I cannot shout it loud enough from the rooftops and beyond just how much credit Dave deserves for his photography... Because it’s not just taking a picture, it’s scrambling about, battling changeable light, running around at ungodly hours to get the desired picture effects. WHAT A BLEEDIN’ ROCKSTAR! :P

Of course there’s other references from myself (and indeed many others) which bear the common attributes in applauding Daves etiquette and professionalism when working with models - my words still stand firmly as before! However, having spent these 3 days exclusively in the company of Dave in a different country where each and every day is as one-to-one as you can possibly get - he’s the most fantabulouslyawesome person that the world could hope to have on it, and a true gentleman with the kindest nature, and enormous levels of respect for his peers/models. We had our shooting time (worked like clock-work as an insane team), then the down-time at restaurants in the evening and during lunch etc. where we chatted non-stop and generally had a good crack. Dave’s an extremely social person and just wonderful company. It really did feel like we blinked and then he was on his way home! That’s probably the biggest (and only) regret that we could have genuinely quadrupled our time working together and still filled it with fresh creative inspiration and laughs.

So YES!!! And a supermassive YES at that... I do recommend Dave, very highly and really look forward to coming to visit him down South again, and/or having him on a future Arts Voyage event. :D He’s just everything that constitutes a delightful person to work alongside/be in the company of and he really does value the work that models bring to a shoot as well. He’s a brilliant communicator/makes it a total breeze to plan things which enabled us to work out a good system to meet up and travel together to the event. He’s just an all-round superstar really! :P

Thank you to the moon and back Dave!

The Sardinian waterfall nymph! :D

Neil S R

Great session at Mr Daves today with Samantha9. 3rd shoot with Sam but first time at Mr Daves. Great location, fab coffee and one very beautifully lit bedroom overlooking the lawned garden.

Would recomend the facilities to anyone thinking of a studio shoot in the S.W.

Artemisian Luxury Photographic Holidays

Mr Dave is a regular on our Artemisian trips (he has been to EVERY SINGLE ONE!) so I can only echo what I have said over the years. This time we headed to Tuscany for six days and it was, again, a superb trip with the gang!

The six days were fab- we all have lots of great memories from the holiday (as we always do) I'm really excited to see the results go up on PP over the coming weeks. I'm loving the images that have gone up so far and really hope to see some more- everyone got some incredible images!! I also hope to see some of the video footage we made- we caught some hilarious moments! ;)

Thank you so much for booking onto yet another event, it's so nice to have you come back each time and the support means a lot!

See you again in October- bring on Tuscany V2!

Jezebelle

I had the honour of staying and shooting with Mr Dave last week, what an absolute star he is :)

A perfect host, Dave is wonderful to hang out with and ever so interesting, it was so lovely to sit and chat about everything! He's young at heart and also ever so wise, a real gem of a human to be around - his home studio is stunning and very spacious with so many shooting opportunities, he put me up in a luxurious room and even sourced an exercise bike!

It was the best stay I've ever had at a photographers place, the images are beautiful and Dave is the most fantastic individual, I shall be visiting him again if he'll have me :)

Totally recommended, 100% - for shooting with and shooting at his beautiful location ♥

Keira Lavelle

Aww, my first shoot with Dave was simply wonderful! :D

I had stayed with him in Exeter before during a previous tour and our paths crossed years ago during a different event... But this trip was the first time we had managed to do a proper one-to-one photoshoot and we've definitely started something now because we got some absolutely beautiful pictures.

We spoke about styles and ideas before the shoot which I think was really valuable because it allowed us to grow each idea into a productive workflow capturing numerous quality images around what started as maybe one specific shot in mind. Dave is a photographer who significantly appreciates the enthused input of the model on a shoot too which means he'll welcome their input and interest and encourage a lovely team system whereby everyone can enjoy the creativity going down and be an integral part of it. To me: that's what model photography is all about... Whilst other kinds of photography still create stunning imagery, you don't get that same rewarding relationship with a landscape or still life (they don't babble on as much/require herbal tea fuelling mind you! :P) thus I cherish this part of my job so highly. Dave also is a very good photographer who has a talented eye for a gorgeous shot... He took some superb portraits of me (a style of which radiates with stunning continuity in his portfolio) but we also explored macro (one of my favourite ever macro shots now sits in my portfolio courtesy of Dave!) and bodyscapes too which was new for him yet we still nailed magic in the bag with this style. :D His vision as a photographer allows him to see a moment/image opportunity which would otherwise not be there if you didn't have the eye for it... A combination of understanding angles/composition and taking time to get the details. Dave's got it!

His studio is also a fabulous place. He naturally knows his place from tip to toe when shooting a model himself to utilise the studio at maximum yield levels and do a shoot style the best possible justice... But it's also a fine place for other photographers to rent out and shoot models where there are literally all the provisions you could possibly need! He has the modifiers, the backgrounds professional mounted, the natural light and even the home itself for a different setting. The scope of image diversity you could create at Dave's goes on and on. I need to get my booty in gear and come down in the summer too thus to make good use of his amazing garden! :D I would definitely say that Dave's place is a gem of a studio for models/photographers of all style interests. He is available if needed for assistance with the studio being one of the most helpful and easy-going people I know in this industry so models/photographers are never left struggling, there's the nice homey atmosphere to chill during breaks and brew-making facilities whenever needed. It's just perfect!

Dave is a celebrity in the model community... You will hear time and time again of models talk about how much of a legend he is. The rumours are true! He is just an profoundly ace gentleman of the highest order and known widely as a such a kind and generous host for models that tour the South-West. As mentioned, this is my second spate of staying with Dave now and on both tours/visits I had an elaborate travel plan to arrive, do the shoots I had I the immediate area then hop on a plane from Exeter to the channel Islands and back! So not only does poor Dave have to endure this crazy sludge-drinking blonde thing from Yorkshire that doesn't shut up, but bless him... He so kindly offered to help run me about the place whilst I was here and meet all the crazy connections I had. Even when it meant leaving in the stupid hours of the morning for me to catch my flight! You just couldn't get a nicer human if you tried... It's impossible! So models, if you're looking for a safe and friendly place to base yourself and location to shoot at when working in Devon - this is the chap to speak to without a shadow of a doubt. :)

Just an all-round amazing person to cross paths with in this industry. A fabulous photographer who has no end of passion for creatively growing the best he can across the styles, a great laugh and fab company to work with/be hosted be and the epitome of professional in his approach.

We have an epic shooting encounter already booked for later this year and I am so much looking forward to working together again!!

Thank you so much Dave!

Huge recommendations all-round.

Tink Kaos

Went over to Devon for the first time in ages to do a mini tour, and Mr Dave was kind enough to host me, and allowed me to use the home and studio area for multiple shoots I'd arranged fairly last minute - what a beautiful location!

Mr Dave is a lovely guy, we chatted about the meaning of life and everything in between, even managed to squeeze a quick shoot in - Mr Dave is quite the excellent photographer too! Super chilled, creative, funny, very easy to be around. Thank you for hosting me Dave! Was an absolute pleasure.

Highly recommended to all models as photographer, accommodation purpose and location area!

Big love to the wee pups too, absolutely adored the gorgeous Labradors ♥

Until next time!

Tink

Hazel modelling

I had a great shoot with Tia Marie and Dave today at Studland.

This was the first shoot I've gad with Mr Dave but I knew I'd be in good hands.

The back of the camera shots looked beautiful! The lighting was flattering and really well composed. I truly can't wait to see the final shots!

100% recommended!

Ayla

I worked with Mr Dave for a week in Portugal for Artemis Faunas 'All inclusive luxury holiday', I had worked with Mr Dave briefly before in Wales quite a few years ago so it was a honour to work with him properly!

Mr Dave is full of fun, he is a great person to be around and I really enjoyed his company. He really helped me out while in Portugal as he gave me one of his phones as I desperately needed one as mine had broke - Thankyou Mr Dave!

He is a cracking photographer and it was great working with him on all of Sarahs ideas and sets.

A really genuine sweet man and I hope we get to shoot together again :)

Highly Recommended

Artemis Fauna

Just come back from another week in Portugal with Mr Dave- who booked onto another one of our Luxury trips abroad and what an epic week it was!!!

So much fun, loads of pool time (LOL) loaaaads of incredible locations and images! I am SO SO excited to see some of my faves go up on PP and see some of the fun video footage from the pool too!

Words don't sum up how awesome that week was. Thank you and see you in Tuscany next year for more awesomeness!! :D

Kassie Payne

Did something totally different this shoot with Dave.... Some beauty close up's using a macro lens.

This was my first time doing this sort of thing so I needed some slight direction with Dave which was able to give me.

Dave new exactly how I needed to pose for this as well the position for lighting to be on point.

Definitely recommended for this work xx

Bad Dolly

Mr Dave is out right one of the kindest, most helpful and understanding people I have ever met. He is the kind of photographer who knows how to bring the best out of a model, he gives little direction unless needed and let's you bring to the table whatever you have.

He puts you at ease with his kind nature and laid back style of shooting, he is a perfectionist and always striving to improve his talent. The shots Mr Dave took of me on my last stay at Dave's Bungalow I feel reflect the real me, and it was a pleasure to shoot with him.

Dave is more than a photographer to me he is my friend, and if you're lucky enough to get a chance to pose for him I suggest you snatch it up :)

Thanks Mr Dave, for all the shoots and the spare bed, all the lovely country walks and tinkering with videos and new lights and staying up late chatting about lenses lights and love island!! Can't wait to be back in September :)

The Baddest Dolly xxx

Carla Monaco

Dave came out for a week on Artemis Fauna's luxury photographic holiday to Portugal last month.

Dave is always such a pleasure to be around and to shoot with, 100% super person and a super photographer.

Thank you for making the trip so much fun and for making lots of great memories for me :)

Best

Carla x

ForArtsSake

It's unusual for a photographer to leave a reference for another photographer, but I just wanted to comment on a recent experience. Dave hosted model Jessica Taylor during her South-West tour and I was fortunate to be able to photograph Jess at his place. Dave's bungalow is a great place to shoot in as he has optimized it for photography with natural and flash lighting and studio backdrops as well as the opportunity to use areas of the property and a wonderful large secluded garden. Dave was a great host and really helpful with setting up the facilities.

I can thoroughly recommend Dave's place as a shooting venue, which is particularly useful when he hosts touring models as he does regularly.