A recent client confessed she was nervous to meet me—she assumed anyone with this much experience might be “too old.” Then, when she met me, confessed her fears and expressed how relieved she was...we connected instantly and laughed about it through our meeting (and her booking!) 

This is me today. This is the work I still live for. And the truth is, experience has only made me a better photographer than ever. I’m sharper, calmer, faster, and instinctually attuned to the moments of the day. If anything, those 25 years are my superpower.

Museum Grade Documentaries from a pioneer of Modern-Day Wedding Photography.

I began documenting weddings full‑time in 1999, hand‑processing black‑and‑white film in my darkroom and printing fiber‑based silver gelatin photographs using archival printing methods to ensure longevity and gorgeously rich visual depth. From the beginning, my work has been rooted in museum‑grade standards—the kind of craftsmanship you’d expect to find in an MFA program or a gallery, not the wedding industry. That has always been the intention: to offer the finest documentary work available, anywhere in the world.

 “I have already settled it for myself, so flattery and criticism go down the same drain.” Georgia O'Keefe

Its good to be seen!

Cheers,
David

The Original David Bates Photographics

©2026 David Bates / © 2026 Bates Photographic Studio