Photography, for me, is more than just a hobby; it's a profound source of joy and expression. The thrill of venturing into the breathtaking cityscapes and natural landscapes fills my heart with exhilaration. Equally, the opportunity to meet new people, to capture their essence through my lens, and to witness the delight they find in my art is immensely gratifying.

Critics have described my photography as intense and potent. My aim has always been to transcend the visual realm and evoke an emotional response in those who view my work. Each photograph carries with it a piece of my soul, a fragment of the emotions I experience in the moment.

Photography is not merely a passion; it's an obsession, an inseparable part of my life. Through the lens, I explore a universe of creative possibilities, each click representing a unique facet of my inner world. It's the medium through which I articulate my thoughts, dreams, and sentiments to the world.

Beyond capturing images, I am fervently dedicated to teaching others the art of photography. Guiding individuals on their journey to enhance their photographic skills brings me immense fulfillment. It's a way for me to share my knowledge and pass on the joy I derive from this art form.

My journey with photography commenced in my childhood. I can still vividly recall climbing into my parents' cupboard and extracting the old box brownie camera, pretending to take pictures around the house (although there was no film). In the 1970s, during high school, a science experiment introduced me to the magic of the darkroom. I became the photographer and photographic editor of my high school magazine and eventually ventured into photographing prominent figures like the Panthers Rugby League team and iconic rock bands of that era, including Sherbet, John Paul Young and The All Stars, and Skyhooks. In my mid teens my career then extended into wedding and portrait photography.

Over time, my work has received recognition through awards, publications, and numerous exhibitions in prominent cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, London , Paris and the enchanting Blue Mountains.

My subject selection process is diverse and dynamic. Sometimes, I embark on projects with specific themes in mind, drawing inspiration from the great fashion photographer Helmut Newton or embarking on conceptual projects like my 'Reading Lamp' series, where subjects hold books they cherish while wearing lampshades, transforming into "reading lamps" themselves.

What I choose to photograph is often influenced by the emotions of the day, the surroundings I find myself in, the captivating individuals I encounter, and the work of fellow photographers who inspire me.

My art has graced the walls of esteemed galleries including the Australian Centre for Photography in Paddington, the Brunswick Street Gallery in Melbourne, the Event Horizon Gallery in Katoomba, the Braemar Gallery in Springwood, The Gallery Café in Bilpin, Aroma Café in Springwood, DMF Emporium and Café in Warrimoo, and most recently the prestigious Saatchi Gallery in London.

If you share an interest in becoming a subject for my art or seek personal photography tuition, please don't hesitate to reach out via email at david_mapletoft@hotmail.com. Let's embark on a creative journey together, one filled with the magic of photography and the joy it brings.