Have you ever wondered why some photographs feel flat while others seem to leap off the page with a cinematic, three-dimensional glow? At David Lloyd Photography, the answer is found in the intersection of art and physics. We don’t just "take" pictures; we build them. Our approach is rooted in a unique philosophy we call The Engineered Image, a method born from decades of high-level technical experience.
From NBC Sets to Vivitar Patents
Our journey in visual storytelling didn't start with a digital camera; it began in 1968 on the soundstages of NBC in Burbank. As a lighting gaffer and stage grip, our founder, David Lloyd, was responsible for the atmosphere of iconic productions like The Carol Burnett Show and Rowen and Martin’s Laugh In. This "old school" foundation taught us that light is a physical tool that must be shaped and controlled with precision.
This technical curiosity led to a career as a New Product Design Engineer for the Vivitar Corporation. While designing the hardware that other photographers would eventually use, David was granted a U.S. Patent for electronic flash design. This engineering background is our secret weapon. It allows us to walk into any wedding venue in Arizona and immediately calculate the geometry of light and shadow.
Creating the "Couture" Luster
Most modern photographers rely on "natural light," which often means they are at the mercy of the harsh desert sun. We take a different path. We utilize a "Couture" style of lighting that mimics the high-glamour look of 1940s Hollywood. By using sophisticated off-camera flash techniques, we create what we call Luster—a vibrant, polished glow that makes your skin tones look creamy and your eyes look full of life.
· Scientific Precision: We apply the same principles used in aerospace engineering to our photographic sets.
· Custom Modifiers: We often build or adapt our own light-shaping tools, such as the Profoto OCF Speed-Light Adapter.
· Master Certification: Our technical mastery is validated by our status as a PPA Master of Photography and Certified Professional Photographer (CPP).
· The Anticipated Expression: We use a conversational coaching style to find the "authentic" you, not a stiff, posed version.
· Archival Excellence: We ensure your images are printed on 100% cotton rag, museum-quality paper that lasts for generations.
A Legacy You Can Hold
In an era of fleeting digital files, we believe your wedding day deserves to be a permanent family heirloom. Because of our deep history in film-based color printing—clocking over 2,500 hours in the darkroom—we have a profound respect for the physical photograph. We treat your wedding gallery like a fine art collection, ensuring that the "Luster" we create in the studio is perfectly preserved on the page.
As an author and educator who has published the definitive guide Creative OCF Lighting Techniques for Photographers, David Lloyd brings an academic level of excellence to your personal celebration. We aren't just capturing a day; we are engineering a legacy.
Experience the Difference of Master Lighting
When you choose us, you aren't just hiring a photographer; you are hiring a Master Lighting Engineer. We look forward to showing you how a blend of engineering logic and artistic soul can turn your wedding into a collection of timeless masterpieces. Let’s build your legacy together in the most beautiful light possible!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an "Engineered Image"?
It is a photograph created using the principles of physics and light geometry to ensure a polished, three-dimensional result every time.
2. Why does your engineering background matter for my wedding?
It means we can handle difficult lighting situations (like dark churches or bright sun) with mathematical certainty rather than guesswork.
3. What does "Couture Lighting" look like?
It is a high-fashion, polished look that uses multiple light sources to sculpt your features, similar to the iconic portraits of the 1940s.
4. Is David Lloyd actually a published author?
Yes. David authored Creative OCF Lighting Techniques for Photographers, which is used by professionals to learn the art of off-camera flash.
5. What is the ASP State Elite Award?
It is a prestigious honor given to the photographer with the highest image competition score in the state. David Lloyd earned this in Arizona for both 2024 and 2025.