David Callinan
A series of short, quickfire interviews with photographers we admire, who push boundaries with their work and continue to develop and grow as artists.
This week’s interview is with Boston Street Photographer David Callinan (aka LarryDavey).
Larry’s work is pure, uninformed, gritty street work that is pure ‘heart of the matter’ stuff.
You can follow his work at @larrydavey_ on IG
A film every photographer must watch: I actually need these types of recommendations. An obvious one for me is the documentary “Everybody Street”. I’ve enjoyed watching it multiple times. Another personal favorite is “The Terminal Bar”. I’d say if you love up close bnw portraits this is a must watch, and it’s an interesting story as well. Shout out the legendary Phil Penman for suggesting it to me.
An album to edit to: So many choices depending on my mood. Just about anything Nas. Gang Starr’s Moment of Truth. All types of Tupac. Stuff like that.
Shout out an Instagram photographer: Todd Visser @zoomento Got me inspired to go to India. Big shout out for that!
Your favourite photographer of all time: I can’t say all time favorite but one whose work and story I really appreciate is Ricky Powell. I’m not somebody who knows the history of street photography like crazy. That’s not what got me into doing this. I’m much more versed in classic hip hop artists of my generation. So when I discovered Ricky and his work he instantly became a favorite with his legendary life and style.
A photo accessory you can't do without: I’m not a big accessory person but I’ve recently realized I’d rather have the flash with me and not need it, than need it and not have it. I still don’t always carry it though.
Something we probably don't know about you: Interestingly enough I was born w/a lazy eye. It was much more noticeable as a kid. I’d have to wear an eye patch to correct it. Also, I’m left eye dominant.
What's the most surprising thing that's happened to you because of photography: A student in his senior year at Boston University studying photo journalism covered me as the subject of his final report. This was a fun experience and one that came about very serendipitously like all good things in the street. I first met Ryan, the student, by chance outside of Fenway Park one night during a baseball game. I saw him walking past with his camera and I struck up a small conversation about photography with him. He took a picture of me and we exchanged Instagrams. A month or so later he messaged me and asked if I was interested in being the focus of his report that was part of his finals. This was the closest I ever came to going to college, and a pretty darn good one. It felt really cool. I wish I could have been there to see the presentation but almost cooler that I wasn’t.
If you could photograph anybody past or present, dead or alive, who would it be: More than any specific person, something I actually often think of is what I if could go back and put a camera in my hands sooner, like twenty years sooner. All that time and what I could have photographed? I wonder about this a lot.
Your desert island item: A trusty Swiss Army knife so I can do whatever I want like MacGyver.
Round Table Dinner: Albert Einstein, Vivian Maier, Confucius, DMX
(Editors Note: Big thanks to David for this.)
Remember to check out Larry’s Work on IG
More Q-Shot Interviews
Check out this awesome quickshot interview with Larry Callinan. His work is pure, uninformed, gritty street work that is pure ‘heart of the matter’ stuff.