David Mapletoft

Profile

David Mapletoft: Photographer

PLEASE NOTE:All work on RedBubble is limited edition of 12.
No more than 12 of any images will be sold in all formats ie framed print, card, poster etc.

David started taking photos in 1974 as part of a science experiment in high school. Within a year he had started working as a part time freelance photojournalist for the local newspaper, the Penrith Press, and also as on field action photographer for the Penrith Panthers rugby league team.

His connection with Panthers enabled David to photograph some of Australia’s top bands of the 70’s. “Panthers had a pre season rock concert on the football ground. I was lucky enough to get on and backstage to shoot bands such as Sherbert, TMG, Buffalo, John Paul Young.”

From this came a series of free concert tickets, given to David by some of his school friends.

“One night I went to a Bay City Rollers concert with a ticket given to me by a fan. The deal was that I was to take as many photos as I could, and give them to the fan who gave me the ticket. Looking like a pro, two cameras around my neck, I had free range at the Hordern Pavillion. The security were more concerned about keeping the screaming girls away from the band members than they were about who I was or what I was doing there.

Within weeks of this concert I had young women all over the state selling my photos to their school friends. I made a small fortune doing this. It was great to make a good start in the industry. I was doing weddings, parties and portraits. I love people, and my favourite style of photography is anything to do with people.”

David also became photo editor of his school magazine, and spent more time taking photos in his last years of high school than he did studying.

David had his photography exhibited at the Australian Centre for Photography, Paddington, in his first year of shooting, as well as an image published in the Daily Mirror’s “Your Sydney” competition. He won numerous awards as a student still under 18.

Sadly the photography business who was planning to employ David when he finished school went bankrupt six weeks before he sat his HSC. This put a fear into David that took him away from photography for many years.

David then put his passion for working with people into his role as a registered nurse and midwife. He has been employed at the Nepean Hospital, Penrith, for most of the past 25 years. He has worked 15 of those years in delivery suite as a midwife.

David’s passion for photography was re-ignited when his nephew came for a visit from the UK in 2003.

“My nephew bought a new digital camera, and wanted some tips on how to take photos of quality”.

Around this time David also reconnected with a friend from his school days, artist and art teacher Ellen Legge. Ellen was the instigator of David first ‘art’ project, “Female by Nature’, shot between 2004-7.

“I enjoy photography because it takes me away from the field of health.
People with chronic health problems are very draining emotionally. Photography recharges my batteries and gives me a feeling of wellbeing.

Hiking around the Blue Mountains National Park in search of landscapes, waterfalls and interesting rock formations, helps to keep my level of fitness up. Working with young vibrant people who also like to be creative helps me feel young.”

David’s plans for the future: connect with other artists and learn as much as I can. Teach those who want to learn more about photography.

If you are interested in being a part of any of David’s art projects connect with him by email or phone.

“Collaboration is a key word in my art. I like to meet with potential subjects, discuss what works for them and fits with what I want to achieve. Most people who are subjects for me enjoy the experience and come back time and time again to experience and contribute to the creative process”.

I must be doing something right… I have had 11 photographs featured 8 groups here in the past two 3 weeks.

NEXT EXHIBITION:
Springwood High Art Show
August 1,2,3.

Until August 8th
Aroma Cafe
Springwood

August 16th
Eden Cafe, Penrith

More of my work can be seen at http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagine_david/

Regards,
David
0425238703
47306554
david_mapletoft@hotmail.com

you can also see some of my photos at Flickr

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