Today we’d like to introduce you to David Mercieca.
Hi David, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My first camera was a used Canon A1. I picked it up just before i moved to the UK to base myself in London and travel. I traveled to many places and the more off the beaten track the location i was visiting, the more content i seemed to be. Long journeys were the norm in those days and being on the road for up to six months at a time was not unusual. My photography was mainly a journal of my travels but even back then, the landscape was what i enjoyed to capture the most.
I have never stopped feeling that urge to travel, even when family and career took centre stage, there was always that yearning to go back to that way of life. I put the camera down for many years and then in 2018, i finally got round to getting a corporate headshot for work. Sitting in that studio, it all came back to me – those journeys atop the roof of buses through remote mountain passes, camping on deserted beaches and diving untouched coral reefs. That day in the studio, I made the decision to have another try at photography.
I am fortunate enough to live on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the most beautiful stretch of coastline you will see anywhere. I picked up a used Fujifilm XT-2 and decided to try some new techniques, starting with long exposures. I couldn’t believe how impactful the effects created by long exposures are and i was instantly hooked on the genre.
Over the next five years I started to broaden my skills and decided to compete in national and international competitions. In 2024 I gained the EFIAP Distinction from the International Federation of Photographic Art.
Utah has a wild, ever changing beauty that is hard to beat. I first went to Utah in 2019. It was December and I was very fortunate to have the first heavy snows of the season. I returned in the Fall of 2025 and still haven’t seen it all but I definitely will be back.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For me, the road has meandered along the way. The turning point was when I made the commitment in 2024 to work towards a Distinction (Honour). What did that even entail and what new skills would I need to gain to improve both in the field and at home, in post processing.
If there was one technical challenge for me it was post processing. Part of the learning curve over several years was, to reach the level of skill i needed to meet the standard, took many, many hours and did not come naturally.
So at one point I was a little lost. I always work better with a little structure and there were too many ‘unknown unknowns’ so I started looking for a mentor.
I would recommend to anyone wanting to really improve to get yourself a mentor. Reach out to photographers you may admire and talk to them and if you feel you can work with them, over time, you will see a great change in your work. I warn you though, it is a confronting process and you need to leave your ego at the door.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Technologist in my professional life. My main focus over my career has been Software Engineering with a primary focus on Financial Services. I am a leader but a builder first and foremost and still love writing code and building mission critical systems. My current role is a Software Architect and Advisor working in Technology Consulting.
My core skillset is transforming business problems into technical solutions and being able to translate technology to non-technical business leaders.
My areas of specialty include Software Engineering Architecture and Leadership, Cloud and Data.
I am most proud of developing young engineers and building high performance engineering teams.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happy in no particular order is:
Being knee deep in a large swell with camera in hand. Seascapes are still the most rewarding of all the genres of photography I practice and I love nothing more than facing off to a large swell and coming away with a great image!
Backpacking through the developing world and meeting real people. This is still my favourite way to travel. In 2022 I travelled to Indonesia and loved the place and the people.
Having the freedom to choose my own schedule and live for today.
Music has always been my therapy. I have enjoyed playing guitar since my twenties and I love many genres of music.
Last but not least, my family and my dog, Jasper. As a remote worker for many years, Jasper has been my constant companion and moves from room to room as I do throughout the day which drives me insane from time to time, but I and the family are his whole world and we love him dearly.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://davidmerciecaphotography.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/back_behind_the_lens
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/backbehindthelensphotography
