Reflections from Scott B. Davis at PPSDC – on October 14,2025

Last week, PPSDC had the privilege of hosting Scott B. Davis, whose rich and contemplative body of work offered a powerful lens for us as photographers to rethink our vision, our process, and our purpose. Even though there were problems throughout his presentation, one thing I noticed was most everyone was captivated by his story telling abilities. 

Below is my take away on his presentation.

Seeing “Between”

Scott reminded us that much of his work revolves around what lies between the obvious — the light and dark, the wilderness and the city, the presence and the absence. He said that photography, for him, is not simply about capturing what’s visible, but about revealing the spaces that often go unnoticed.
This invites us, as professional photographers, to ask: What are we not seeing? What are our clients not naming? And how might we become the messenger of a story that’s quietly waiting to be told?

Process & Patience

He walked us through his practice of slowing down: using large-format view cameras, working with platinum/palladium printing, embracing long exposures, and treating photography almost like a meditation.
In his words: making work at night is “an act of paying attention to spaces we pass every day, and looking for beauty where others see nothing.” 
For those of us that photograph portraits in the studio or on location—capturing children, families, couture—this means carving out time to see beyond the quick shot, to linger on the quiet look, the subtle gesture, the space between child and background, story and context.

Identity & Belonging

Though Scott’s landscape work might seem far removed from portraiture, his themes resonated strongly with me. He spoke about how place, light, and subject carry identity—and how photography can help reveal belonging.
Working with children and families, this is especially meaningful: our images aren’t just pretty—they are declarations of identity, value and belonging. The notion that “we don’t take photographs; we deliver messages of light” feels especially apt. For those who photograph the nights wonders and for  landscape artists, this also applies. What's to be highlighted and what's to be left dim-what we highlight draws the eye and the imagination.

The Role of the Messenger

Scott’s talk reminded us that as photographers, we are more than technicians or vendors—we are messengers. We translate something unseen into something visible. We invite viewers (or clients) to see differently.
Put simply: our job isn’t only to capture a smiling child in couture or a family in a scenic locale. It’s to show something they may not know they already carry: courage, identity, strength, belonging. In his tone: we are the interface between what exists—and what is revealed.

Application for Your Work

Here are a few practical take-aways I got from Scott’s talk that maybe we can all apply right away:

• Build in “slow time” during sessions—allow for pauses, for looking, for the child or family to just be. An exercise I use is to have everyone close their eyes and breathe, then open them to focus on what's most important-each other.

• Ask yourself: what am I not seeing? Are there elements in the background, in the moment, that speak to the message you're trying to relay?

• Use your editing or printing process as part of the message—not just correction. Consider texture, light, grain—even if you’re using digital—to reinforce meaning. Dodge and burn to attract the eye to where you wanted your viewer to see what you're trying to get them to feel.

• Beyond beautiful portraits lies the real heart of your brand — the intention that drives your work. Scott showed how purpose transforms photography from service into art. The kind of art that will be timeless and last on the wall for the life of those who deemed it worthy to purchase. 

In conclusion, Scott B. Davis’s visit to PPSDC was more than a technical master class—it was a challenge and encouragement to deepen the why behind our images. As you move into your next sessions, ask: What am I delivering? What am I unveiling? You are the messenger. No matter your subject matter and purpose, always take the last few shots for yourself. Be curious, daring and bold. Try something that is uniquely you and not what everyone else is doing.

Keep in mind that his personal path is always to choose the hardest way, this was how he challenged himself. At PPSDC, this is why we have Image Competitions. Maybe now is the time you step out of your comfort zone and start building your confidence as an artist and as a creator.; risk here. This is the community to risk with and to learn from each other.

Thank you, Scott—and thank you to all the photographers who attended.

Scott B Davis is a visual artist using the 19th century photographic process of platinum/palladium printing in experimental ways. He is the former Director of Exhibitions and Design at MOPA, Founder of Medium Photo, San Diego a non profit, whose mission-focused approach is to mentor artists using photography and has recently accepted the position of Public Program Manager with the Port Authority of San Diego. You can find more about Scott from his website: scottbdavis.com.

Special thanks to Janet Bark of  www.janetbark.com, for the wonderful event photos!