David Field
Savannah College of Art and Design

Boxing Series: DESCENT

Biography: David Field is a photographer from Augusta, Georgia currently residing in New York City. He began his photographic endeavors at John S. Davidson Fine Arts School and went on to obtain a BFA in photography at the Savannah College of Art and Design. David’s artistic background is rooted in illustration where concept and composition is the key. These basic fundamentals are the backbone of his current work in photography.

David has worked along side the acclaimed photographer, Joyce Tenneson. His work has been featured in top magazines including Communication Arts, Photo District News, and Photographer’s Forum. David’s work is featured on the cover of the 2005 Best of College Photography annual produced by Serbin Communications, Inc.

Objective: These images are meant to portray the mental intensity one faces as an aspiring boxer. This series should envelope the viewer into a dark, gritty, and tactile world in which the subjects of the images thrive. The main point of these photographs is to emphasize a hell (created out of passion), which is only succumbed to by the heroic stature of its occupants.

Tools used: From beginning to end, Adobe® Photoshop® was the backbone of this series. The boxers were photographed in a studio against a white seamless background. Later, authentic gym environments were photographed to match the best poses from the previous shoots. These images gradually were composited and refined using Photoshop. Photoshop was later used to intensify the levels and tones. Subtle warming filters were painted into the fill flash areas while cooling filters were painted into the rim lighted areas. Last, but not least, a very careful sharpening technique was used to intensify certain textures from grimy handwraps to glistening sweat.