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David Imhoff - Custom Printmaker
Being a Custom Printmaker is no small task at West Coast Imaging. On the average day, David Imhoff makes Exhibition Prints from our customer's original film; prepares files from our archive to fulfill reprint orders; prints images for our preflight customers; and works on giclée prints for discriminating painters. All of his duties require extensive contact with our clients--one of his favorite parts of the job. "I love getting an email or phone call from a customer that is so excited because they never knew their prints could look so good," David said. "I really do care about our client's happiness and success as photographers. It's not about shipping a print and making a profit. It's about making beautiful prints that communicate what the photographer wants to say." David joined the West Coast Imaging staff in 2002 as a part-time assistant in our Print Finishing Department. At that time, he was also working as an assistant to Landscape Photographer William Neill. "Working with Bill gave me an entirely new perspective on photography," David said. "He provided inspiration to start shooting and to try to reach his level of expertise." David often ventures into the field with his 35mm camera and his Bronica 645, and is drawn to the simplicity of the world captured through macro photography. Printing photographs is his main love, and he is inspired by the commitment to high quality held by the West Coast Imaging staff. "At West Coast Imaging, perfection is the final goal. We never settle for the average print, or let it ship when it's just 'good enough'. If it can be improved, we strive to go to the next level." Imhoff's background includes time as a flight instructor at the Academy of Aeronautics in Oakland, California. A licensed pilot, a career in aviation was Imhoff's original ambition.The events of 9/11, coupled with the birth of his son six days before on September 5, 2001, changed his life's direction. Even though he's not flying every day, aviation plays a role in his life at West Coast Imaging. "One thing that I know rock-solid is flying -- I know it to the level of teaching it. And aircraft design is similar to making a photograph," David said. "Aircraft needs to be put together so, when someone applies direction to it, it performs in a certain way. The design must be perfect. It’s the same thing in photography. If you don't take your photograph well in the field, once we start trying to apply direction to it in making a print, it’s not going to work well. When photographers focus on making excellent work in the field, the image takes flight as a print."
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