Donavan. Get yours at bighugelabs.com

My name is Donavan Freberg and I am a Los Angeles based professional photographer specializing in capturing sun soaked portraits, magical children and fairy tale weddings.

I shot my first picture in the summer of 1977, the same year that two of my favorite movies came out, Star Wars and Annie Hall.

I was six, and the camera was the Polaroid SX-70.

I can still remember the soft brown leather that smelled like an old wallet and the shiny round shutter release button that was the color of a freshly washed fire engine. I'll never forget that camera and the way it felt to watch the little picture develop before my eyes. It was my first taste of magic. My father told me the story of how the camera was invented by a man named Land and how he had gotten the idea from his little girl who asked why the film lab couldn't go inside the camera. Thank god for little children and brave geniuses.

Sigh.

I've loved photography for as long as I can remember.

Cameras I have owned in a somewhat chronological order...

Nikon FE, Nikon 6006, Nikon 8008, Nikon N70, Nikon N90, Nikon N80, Nikon F4, Nikon FM2, Leica Minilux, Contax T2, Holga, Lomo, Polaroid Spectra, Polaroid Pro Pack, Canon G3, Canon G6, Canon Digital Rebel, Canon Digital Rebel XT, Nikon D40, Canon Digital Rebel XTi, Canon 30D, Nikon D80, Nikon D200, Canon 40D, Canon 5D.

I miss the delayed gratification and decisiveness of film.

I preferred the stuff that came in the green box, save for Kodachrome.

A longtime Nikonian, I made the switch to Canon when I went digital. Then I went back to Nikon. Then back to Canon. Then Nikon. Then Canon, then, then, then...

I think I have a problem with commitment.

What was I saying?

Oh yeah...

I currenly shoot with the Canon 5D, but am lusting for a 5D Mark II. And a D3. And an R2D2.

And of course some fancy glass and uh...a cup of coffee and some more Ritalin.

And, and, and...

Sigh.

I need a candy bar, I'm feeling deeply unwell.

OK, better now.

Wow, Milky Way dark is SO yummy!

Have I mentioned how much I adore Flickr?

Or how much I adore making pictures.

Or how much I adore you?

Seriously, I truly love looking at other peoples pictures, I am a voyeur to be sure. I am constantly inspired, humbled and jealous.

My favorite professional photographers span the gamut from Arbus to Araki, Avedon to Adams. And that is just the first letter of the alphabet.

Speaking of photographers, I've seen some right here on Flickr that would give all of the A bove a run for their money.

Please feel free to leave comments and/or add me as a contact, I'm here to see and to explore. To learn and to connect. To have fun and to be a friend.

:o)

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    opiumdoll says:

    "I think Donavan's photography can speak for itself, in that when you look at his work, it's pure and genuine. I've known and worked with quite a few photographers over the years, sure their work is 'very good,' however, none of them ever made me want to leap INTO the photograph *itself* and wish very much to be a part of whatever was going on in the scenario. Whether it's a child in fun and frolic, fully aglow with warm smiles; a beautiful series of portraits - seeing not only crystal clear right into their eyes, but their warmth and beauty; or capturing an incredible myriad of photo's as having been a photographer at someone's wedding. When I look at his work, it just makes me wish I had BEEN there!!

    There's also a very unique quality in Donavan's work which I find a rarity this day and age. With his own unique style - in lighting, style and passion - whatever he's 'shooting' - he loves what he's doing and it *shows* - Capturing facial expressions, moments in 'flight' (skipping, running, playing); catching a moments with loved ones; portraits, to wedding celebrations, etc.) -Somehow, when I look at his photography, it's as though he's managed to encapsulate a myriad of lights and shadows, dancing in the background which in turn frames whatever he is shooting. Not only do I find this amazingly talented but beautiful -as it all folds forward into the focal point (person, people, places...)

    The oddest (?) but neatest part of all of which I see, is that in most cases - those 'good photographers' - eh..sure, I'll go for a print or two, maybe for my desk or somewhere in the house. But I can TOTALLY see a GREAT deal of Donavan's work - in 'series' - matted and/or framed - in panels - blocks of four or six - or even an entire WALL full. - *beautiful work* - THAT is the difference (in my opinion) between Donavan and most other photographer's works I've seen. I don't want their work covering my entire wall~~ (in series, with special lighting, careful placement - so as not to ruin the 'series' or flow of things!)

    Never stop clicking or 'looking' - Donavan, your incredibly talented eye catches moments which bring us all a tremendous gifts that will last us all a lifetime, especially of whom you've had sessions with... I can only hope that one day Vogue or Life will be knocking on your door and you'll have to 'do what you can' to squeeze them in for a session or two ;0)"

    3rd September, 2010

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    Catherine R. Wygal says:

    "Donavan's super power is photographing Los Angeles through a golden sunlit looking glass. His world is all soft light, subtle gestures, intimate moments and unadulterated bliss. His portraits are effortless. His images are timeless. His subjects gleam. I am constantly in awe of his talent and love losing myself in his vision."

    31st August, 2010

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    David Robert Wright says:

    "Donavan shoots fantastic photos. His portraits are second to none. He knows how to find the best natural lighting in any circumstance. They're all very natural, without relying on the gimmicks that a lot of amateurs use to feign artistic vision. Donavan knows how to make his subjects look natural and they show authentic emotion."

    26th March, 2010

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    Angela. says:

    "Donavan is the bee's knees."

    3rd March, 2010

Name:
Donavan Freberg
Joined:
October 2004
Hometown:
Los Angeles
Currently:
Los Angeles, USA
I am:
Male and Taken
Occupation:
I shoot people
Website:
Donavan Freberg Photography