Sometimes in life we stumble across a hobby that we fall in-love with, and if we are brave enough, we take a chance and make it our career. Dave Simpson did just that. He turned a 15 year hobby into a paying profession doing what he loves the most: photography.
Watching Dave glide around his studio to get the “perfect shot” and then watch as he, with an expertise that only comes from years of practice and study, navigated around Photoshop to make that “perfect shot” exactly what his client wants, is like watching a symphony. He is GREAT at what he does, and it shows in his work.
In 1983, he was working in the family brick business when he got his first camera from his father to photograph artwork for insurance purposes. Many people told him he should do this for a living, and it was years later, in 1998, when he decided to do just that. Since then he has gone onto photograph such iconic people as former Ga. Rep. Newt Gingrich and former Ga. Senator Zell Miller.
A self-proclaimed “Ansel Adams wannabe,” it was the dark room that hooked him.
When asked if he liked digital photography better than film, he said, “I can do more on the computer than I ever could in the dark room,” and proceeded to work his “magic” on the photograph on the screen.
We caught up with Dave to ask him questions about his life, interests and love for Hall County to share with fellow members of our community.
Question: If you could only eat at one place for an entire week in Hall County, where would it be?
Answer: “Rio Balsas Taqueria on Dawsonville Highway”
Q: How long have you lived in Hall County?
A: “Off and on since 1967 when we moved here from Tifton. I went to Candler Street School for half of my 5th grade year.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met in Hall County?
A: “Rosemary Dodd. We both have a love for theater.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
A: “Tuscany, or more broadly, Italy.”
Q: What song most reminds you of Hall County?
A: “’Glory Days’ by Bruce Springsteen.”
Q: What is your favorite social outing in Hall County?
A: “The theater.”
Q: What is your favorite thing about Hall County?
A: “I’d have to say the geographical location.”
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: “’Cool Hand Luke.’”
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?
A: “Duck!” And of course we both laughed. He went on to say something much more sincere, “Find your passion, and make that your profession.”
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, alive and a non-relative, who would it be?
A: Newt Gingrich.
- Why? “He’s brilliant.”
- What if another seat opened up-who would join you? “Dr. Ben Carson.”
- Where would you have this lunch? “Scott’s on the Square.”
- If lunch cancelled, where would you take them to dinner? “Luna’s.”
The Faces of Hall County is a project to showcase the amazing people that live or work in our community. If you would like to nominate an interesting person to be featured please email babernathy@gonorton.com.
