Street and Portrait Photography by David Kalb
I was born and raised in Los Angeles. My interest in photography started at an early age, watching my uncle develop and print images in his home darkroom. To an eight-year-old it was like magic!
While I was a very active photographer in high school and college, it was relegated to a family related leisure activity for several decades. Then after 30 years helping businesses deal with State Government agencies, I sold my consulting firm to once again pursue my interest in photographic art. After experimenting with several styles, I discovered my passion: Street Photography.
Shooting on the street for the past twelve years has been like a people safari. As I roam the streets of a city, camera at the ready, I keep my eyes open for humorous situations, intriguing expressions, ironic moments, and touching interactions. People are sometimes aware of my presence. Occasionally, I will engage the person and then ask if I can “take their picture”. Often the images are totally candid. Regardless, the resulting photos reflect a mirror image of society. Over the years, one of my favorite places to visit and photograph are in museums, not only to view beautiful art but also to eavesdrop on those who are viewing the art.
It’s exciting and personally rewarding to make a photograph — a moment in time that is unique. In the click of the shutter, an image is captured – one that has never been seen before and will likely never be observed again.
When travel limitations hit in 2020, I expanded my focus to include portraiture. My aim was to capture a person’s beauty by using creative lighting, interesting backdrops, and evocative poses.
I serve as President on the Board of Directors of the Viewpoint Photographic Art Center in Sacramento. I also volunteer as a photographer for the Yolo Basin Foundation which uses my photos in their social media and promotional materials.
Past Exhibitions
- “What Else It Is” Group Exhibit with three other photographers, Viewpoint Photographic Art Center, Sacramento, CA, September 2022.
- Portraits at the Paint Chip, Portrait series by David Kalb, The Paint Chip, Davis, CA, April 2022.
- “Street Photography: A People Safari”, Viewpoint Photographic Art Center, Sacramento, CA, January 2020.
- “Thru The Lens” (a juried exhibition of fine art), Morro Bay Art Association (MBAA), Art Center, Morro Bay, CA May 17 – June 25, 2018. Awarded 2nd place Best Of Show.
- “Street Photography Around The World Exhibition”, Los Angeles Center of Photography; Honorable Mention (Online Gallery), 2018 and 2022.
- “The People of Cuba: A collection of Photographs that capture everyday people and their life in Cuba”, Logos Books, Davis, CA, May 12 to August 3, 2017.
- “Big City Streets: Small Moments in Time”, Street Photography exhibit focusing on people from major cities throughout the United States. The International House. Davis, CA, July 8 to September 5, 2016.
- “Ordinary Lives: Extraordinary Expressions of the Everyday”, A photography exhibition By David Kalb and Mary Christopher. The International House, Davis, CA July 11 to September 5 2014.
In addition to the exhibits above, I have been featured in group exhibits at Pence Gallery, Yolo Arts 625 Gallery, Viewpoint Photographic Art Center, Black Box Gallery (Portland OR) Maryland Federation of Art (Curve Gallery) and The Glasgow Gallery of Photography in Glasgow, Scotland.