Creating a visual journal with fashion

David Saavedra and the Leica SL3-S
13/05/2025
A person is taking photos with the Leica SL3-S

A Way of Seeing

David Saavedra utilises a rare glimpse of sun in the Scandinavian winter to travel to a beautiful area of Sweden’s West coast to capture his model and create a unique perspective of the moment with the Leica SL3-S.

Using behind the scenes video of his subject alongside standalone fashion shots, David uses his camera to create a visual journal, capturing his creative direction just as he views it through the lens.

Photography is more than just a hobby or a skill, it's a way of seeing the world. Each image tells a story, it's like building a visual journal that captures emotions, experiences, and memories that words sometimes can't express.

David Saavedra

Capturing the Moment

David’s approach is deeply rooted in capturing raw, authentic moments that reflect the true essence of his subjects and surroundings. His work combines elements of portraiture and fashion photography, always with an emphasis on storytelling. His style is a blend of fine art and realism, focusing on natural light, subtle compositions, and a sense of intimacy that invites the viewer to connect emotionally with the scene. Rather than focusing on perfection, David embraces imperfection as part of the narrative whether it’s the play of light and shadow, the movement of people, or the textures of his surroundings.

Incorporating video into my photographic process has significantly enhanced my perspective and approach to capturing fashion. Fashion photography is often about capturing not just the clothing, but the movement of the model, how the fabric flows, and how the clothes interact with the human form. Video allows me to observe my subject in motion, providing insight into how poses and fabrics react in real-time. It also creates a unique experience of behind-the-scenes moments from the shoot, allowing a different perspective than images alone can provide.

The Leica SL3-S

Try to keep things simple, one camera and one lens is my favourite set up. Photography isn’t just about creating beautiful images, it’s about evoking a feeling, telling a story, and capturing the true spirit of the moment. It’s this commitment to authenticity and the ability to make the ordinary feel extraordinary that makes your work resonate strongly with the viewer.

A person is taking photos of a model with the Leica SL3-S
A person is taking photographs with the Leica SL3-S

About David Saavedra

David Saavedra is a Spanish photographer who has been living and working in Sweden for nearly 20 years. Working predominantly in the world of fashion and portraiture, both independently and for commercial studios, he photographs for clients such as Zalando, Helly Hansen and Scandinavian fashion brands and agencies.

More about David's work on Instagram