A little while back we were very sad to hear about the passing of our good friend and irreplaceable community member, David Chesterfield.
The way in which David's departure has resonated in our community and has been profound the overwhelming response in our little photography group got us thinking about how he had a huge impact on us outside and the group of people who come through our doors for a common love of photography
When it was announced on the forums and to our group, a lot of people left messages of condolence and recited many wonderful memories about their interactions with David both online and in person. And a lot of us were simply left speechless.
“If there’s a heaven for photographers, David is in it and shooting spectacular photos of angels, light, God, and infinity.” – Marty E
For over a decade David has been a pillar of strength and support in our community for literally thousands of budding photographers. As well as being a beloved moderator a generous judge and an avid contributor David really embodied the spirit of what we try to do here at Light Stalking. He just got it
He was also one of the most creative and proficient photographers in our little group with his images of light painting as well as macro being especially loved by the community.
What set him apart was the generosity with which he would share his insights and knowledge of the craft to anybody who wanted to know. And there were many!
“To say there is going to be a hole in the site where David's shares brightened our days doesn't begin to say it.” — Robert Apple
David was prolific here and elsewhere! He joined Light Stalking in 2011 where he participated in thousands of forum conversations and Flickr in 2012, and across these 12 years, he published 17,871 photos there. And as the meticulous photographer he was, we are sure this is just a glimpse of all the shots he ever produced. Today, we want to share a brief overview of his relationship with photography.
Light-painting
Macro
Landscapes
Water-drops
A few of us were even lucky enough to know David in person I know that is generosity extended both offline and online.
For many of us who love the craft of photography One small Comfort will always be that for those of us who are keen sharers, as David was, our images will live on for a very long time. Given David’s creativity and the popularity of his images, this will almost certainly be doubly so.
Farewell, you brilliant image maker and friend!
🕯️🕯️🕯️
Perhaps it's best to let some of the messages left at David's passing through the talking
I am so sorry to hear this sad news, my condolences to his family and friends — Lesley Kiker
so sorry to hear this. I started following his photos on Insta and he was an incredible photog. thanks for sharing – Ann Zeilman
My condolences to you and David’s work family and to his family family. His spirit will live on through his contributions to the Light Stalking community. – Richard Davis
May he Rest In Peace. My condolences to the family. – Hugh Zammit
Really sorry to hear this news. I can understand your loss. May his soul rest in peace. – Sudipta Ghosh
So sorry to hear that, may his soul rest in peace – Vagoni Vebasa
Thanks for the email and deepest sympathy for your loss. Death is always a shock, it’s so final. RIP David. – Joe Rice
May the departed soul rest in peace. Amen ! – Alok Baranwal
With Deepest Sympathy & Heartfelt Condolences to Mr David Chesterfield! – Alistair Leo
I'm so sorry to hear about this. My his soul R.I.P – Maria Alexandra Paez-Pumar
My condolences to you and his family, such sad news. – Tracey Clark
So sorry to hear that bad news. – Darren Armstrong
My deepest sympathies for the loss of David 🕊️ – Elizabeth Dilliplane
Love and prayers for his friends, family and the Light Stalking team. I am so sorry for your loss. – Kimberli Swenson
So sorry for your loss – Síle Horan
Deepest condolences for your loss. 💐 – Jane Currie
Very sorry about David and condolences go out to his family from the photographic folks – Heather Iles
My condolences to his family and for all who knew David. May he rest in peace. – Sandra Garnier
My prayers are with the Family. Heartfelt Condolences – Arul Ramalingam
So sorry to hear this! Please share my condolences with his family and the Lightstalking family. – Bruce Gordon
I’ve been off the forum for quite a bit, but will be hopping back on soon. I'm truly sorry for the loss of your friend. 🙏 – Susan Snyder
My deepest condolences to you, your team, and all who knew and interacted with David. – Allena Graciani
So sorry that’s very sad – Xecute Farrow
Sorry to hear. May he rest in peace. – Sanford Ibrahim
So sorry for your loss, he will truly be missed. – Peter Methner
My most sincere condolences… – Santiago Proaño
And more memories of David in our forum.
Written with Federico Allegria and Rob Wood.
