from advertising exec to cultural photographer .....
David was born in Chile, traveled all over Latin America and lived in countries like Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. So, you could say that Latin America runs in his blood and is the primary focus of his photography.
Many, many, many years ago he moved to the U.S. and studied Latin American History and Journalism at the University of New Mexico. Later, with a Master’s degree from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in his tight fist he went to work in advertising and marketing. A fun career helping smarter people guide the marketing of major brands reaching the burgeoning Hispanic market: toothpaste, beer, tourism, packaged goods, retail, banking, panty hose, soft drinks, government, you name it, Flynn worked on them all.
David Flynn at Macchu Pichu, Perú shortly before that country closed its borders, airports, and other ports of entry.
“As a Cultural Photographer I try to look for scenes, people, or situations that reflect local culture and life. Sometimes I just shoot what I like. But whatever the motivation to take a picture: I have a deep, personal connection with the places and people represented in these photographs. As I shoot, I try to take nothing for granted knowing that the moment in time I am freezing may never happen again.”
His interest in photography began in New Mexico on the mesas, mountains, and deserts explored in a copper-colored 1969 Dodge Coronet; a graduation gift from his father. After retirement he started bouncing around Latin America in bush planes, chicken buses, tuk-tuks, riverboats, and tricycle taxis capturing life and soaking up the atmosphere.
Feeling lucky to have been able to live in the colorful 500-year-old city of León, Nicaragua until a nasty political environment exiled him to Colombia. He is now back in Austin planning future trips and spending time with his grandson.
David Flynn's influences include Diego Rivera and Fransisco Goya.
Awards and Recognition
2016 Fotoclub de Costa Rica, “Yo Amo San José “ Second place for OVNI.
2020 Auburn Art Gallery, Los Angeles. This is America Exhibition: Third place for Wrought Iron Artist.
2020 Auburn Art Gallery, Los Angeles. Black and White Exhibition: First place for Man Walking Away.
2020 International Photography Awards. People/Lifestyle: Honorable mention for series on Work in Latin America.
2021 Auburn Art Gallery, Los Angeles. Travel Exhibition: Man Walking (Arequipa).
2022 Noir International Photo Magazine, Photographer of the Year
2022 Noir International Photo Magazine, Silver Camera Award
2022 International Photography Awards, Official Selection
2023 Noir International Photo Magazine, Winter 2023
2023 Budapest International Foto Awards, Honorable Mention
2023 International Photography Awards, Honorable Mention
2023 Noir International Photo Magazine, Photographer of the Year