Photographer David Heger:
Exploring a Mystical Perception of Reality Through the Lens of Imagination
David Heger, a self-taught Czech photographer, draws deeply from his early experiences as a second cameraman in a puppet animation studio under the mentorship of Miloslav Spala, renowned for his collaboration with Jan Švankmajer. This foundation in animation has instilled in Heger a profound appreciation for storytelling and visual composition, elements that are vividly present in his photographic works.
Residing in a picturesque village near Prague with his family, Heger finds continuous inspiration in the Czech landscape. The serene hills and natural beauty surrounding him serve as both backdrop and muse, influencing the atmospheric quality of his images. His admiration for photographers such as František Drtikol and Jan Saudek is evident in his approach, blending classical techniques with a distinctive, contemporary vision.
David Heger
Heger’s portfolio spans a range of projects including conceptual photography and portraiture, each infused with a poetic sensitivity and quiet symbolism. He is currently focusing on exploring the possibilities of the resinotype process—a captivating medium that blurs the line between photography and painting. This technique allows him to deepen his engagement with texture, materiality, and atmosphere, creating images that feel both timeless and tactile. His use of muted tones and expansive, almost theatrical skies evokes a gentle nostalgia, drawing viewers into a space where memory and imagination gently intertwine.
In his own words, Heger describes his creative process as a journey from visualization to realization:
"Making photographs for me is not just pressing a shutter button. Usually, I visualize my future art in a crowded bus—the best possible place for making creative ideas. After the visualization, I am looking for the best place to take a shot, spending a lot of time creating decoration and finally, on the right place, composing everything together."
This thoughtful approach results in images that are not only visually compelling but also rich with underlying stories and emotions. Heger's dedication to his craft has garnered international recognition, including accolades such as the East-West London Art Award and distinctions in various photographic contests.
Through his lens, David Heger continues to explore the boundaries between reality and imagination, offering viewers a glimpse into a world where the mystical and the tangible coalesce seamlessly.