Greg Davis - World Class Photographer and Storyteller

When I first began my blog, I knew I wanted to write an article about Greg Davis. I have been following his work for several years after seeing his exhibit at a local arts festival. His photography is powerful and compelling, leaving you curious to know more about the faces in the photographs. His images capture the very spirit of his subjects; telling a story that transcends language and cultural diversity.

I wanted to know more about Greg and his personal story, so he graciously agreed to take time from an already packed schedule to talk with me. I had promised him that I would only need about fifteen minutes of his time, but fifteen minutes turned into an hour. He was very candid and open to discussing the path that led him to this point in his life.

His experience with a camera began as a photographer for his high school newspaper in Livingston, Texas. He readily admits that "I wasn't very good at it," and it was seventeen years before he picked up a camera again. After high school Greg wanted to go to art school, but his father wasn't too keen on that idea, so Greg followed the family tradition and went to Baylor.

The journey from being a struggling photographer showing his work on the street, to full time international photographer was not an easy one. Working in the tech world for Dell and Hewlett-Packard left him feeling empty. Life in a cubical was not for Greg Davis. He was struggling with his personal life as well, dealing with the loss of loved ones and the break up of a relationship; he was in a downward spiral that prompted some serious soul searching. At some point Greg started paying attention to the little signs pointing him in the right direction. He took a leap of faith that turned his life around. He quit his job in 2004, saving enough money to take a year off and travel the world to the places that intrigued him. Turkey was first on his list, and from there his passport became really interesting.

The Blanket Weaver

During his travels in Vietnam, Greg encountered a woman on a mountain trail. He noticed that her hands were colored-one green, the other blue. Using some simple sign language, he pointed to her hands with a questioning look. She made a motion indicating that she was a weaver. Greg took the shot, not realizing until later that this was his "aha" moment.

Soul's Windows

Returning to Austin after his travels, with no idea of what was next, he juggled small part-time jobs like tending bar to pay the bills. He really didn't have any idea that the photographs he had taken on his trip would amount to anything, but decided to try his luck at an art venue on Sixth Street. The response to his work, especially The Blanket Weaver, convinced Greg that this photography thing might work out after all.

Things have worked out. He turned his life around, found his passion, got the dream job and got the girl. Greg is living an inspired life doing what he loves, and we are all the better for what he shares with us through his amazing photographs.                        

Motapa

                                                                                  

Road Less Traveled

Santeria Sass

As for the future, Greg says "I want to return to Vietnam and find the woman with the blue and green hands. I want her to know how she has changed my life. Then I want to write a book about the journey."

Greg's work is represented by the National Geographic Image Collection Group.

You can view his portfolio or purchase prints on his website:   www.gregdavisphotography.com