David LaNeve

Teaches at California Center for Digital Arts

David LaNeve’s portrait photography is to put it simply, much more than a portraiture. Yes, his images reveal character, timeliness, and certainly capture moments that bring a singular stillness to his subjects. But they are more than portraits; David’s unique lighting approaches, sometimes simple, sometimes complex, reveal the essence, the very soul of his subjects. “I want the viewer of my portraits to not only see the subject, but to know them,” David says. “It takes time to create the feelings and atmosphere to portray the emotional range that defines the lives of those who come before my lens.”

David has completed 5,000 portraits during his twenty years as a photographer. People from all ‘walks of life’, and of all ages— newborns to folks celebrating their 100th birthday— have appeared before his camera. And his unique approach has captured and preserved the emotion and events for two hundred weddings in local as well as international locations. “I get to share some of the greatest moments in my customers’ lives, and for me that is an honor.”

David continues to photograph, but he is also a dedicated portrait educator. When not behind the lens or teaching, Dave supports the Brea community, having served as President of Lions Club & President of the Brea Chamber of Commerce. Currently he serves on the North Orange County ROP Board as an advisor to their Photography Curriculum, and directs the photography curriculum for the New Horizons Digital Arts program.

(13 Reviews)

Digital Photography 1: The Basics

Reviewed by William H. on 6/19/2021

David was so informative and very well articulated in explaining to a beginner like me on how to feel comfortable getting off the auto-mode. Great class and would recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about photography.
Digital Photography 1: The Basics

Reviewed by Evelyn H. on 6/13/2021
Beginning Studio Lighting Workshop

Reviewed by Candice D. on 2/10/2020

Really great for someone who wants to learn about lighting! David is great!
Digital Photography 1: The Basics

Reviewed by Tiana C. on 12/11/2019
Digital Photography 1: The Basics

Anonymous review on 7/14/2019
Night Photography Workshop Borrego Springs

Reviewed by Steve Y. on 7/22/2018
Introduction to Studio Lighting

Anonymous review on 1/15/2018

Overall I had a good experience in this class. At times it was a bit more beginner than I had anticipated. Taking time to show us how to turn on the power switch was a little too basic for me. I understand there are some people who don't know how to power on a light... I would have like to have spent more time learning how to actually light subjects, and about different types of lighting... which is what I had thought the class would be more focused on and less on how to plug in lights, turn them on etc.
Digital Photography 1: The Basics

Reviewed by Myra C. on 10/15/2017
Digital Photography 1: The Basics

Reviewed by Juvixa M. on 10/15/2017

I love the class and got right What I wanted from it. The class was perfect. The teacher was great, funny, and educational. Every question asked was answered in a manner everyone in class could understand.
Digital Photography 1: The Basics

Reviewed by Natalia A. on 11/13/2016
Boudoir Photography Workshop

Reviewed by Ilse V. on 9/15/2016
Introduction to Studio Lighting

Reviewed by Olivia K. on 7/13/2015
Basic Lighting – Portable Flash

Reviewed by Hayley W. on 6/14/2015