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David Trimmier Photographer

David Trimmier (a.k.a. Mr. Bad Example) was the first person bearing his surname to be born in Mobile, Alabama. His colonial ancestors hail from South Carolina, Virginia, and, previously, Cornwall. You shouldn’t EVER suggest to him that his name is French, trust us on this.

As a young fellow, he studied at the knee of the late Ray Breneman, a commercial photographer and Brooks Institute alumnus. Later, he studied at the Achilles tendon of the late Roy Thigpen. Beyond that, he was largely self-taught, self-acknowledged, and self-abusive. In his twentieth year, a household intruder relieved him of his equipment.

Consequently, David put thoughts of his photographic efforts behind him in favor of concentrating on his obligations with the U.S. Naval Service and his 2 years old son.

Subsequently, David established himself as respiratory therapist with diverse interests including pediatric critical care and diving medicine. He is a well-known educator regarding sport and commercial diving safety issues, as well as pediatric advanced life support. His interest in the exploration and geology of the underwater caves of the Dougherty Karst District, combined with his mysterious mind-control powers, led to his election to the Alabama Academy of Science. His bibliography includes Underwater Speleology, Journal of the National Association for Cave Diving, aquaCorps Journal, Deep Tech Journal, Journal of the Alabama Academy of Science and the Mobile Press Register.

After a 25-year hiatus, David’s deep and abiding love for the photographic process was rekindled. Whether his criminal record follows suit is yet to be seen. In the summer of 2002, he was appointed chief photographer for Lagniappe, Mobile’s fortnightly alternative newspaper.

Allegedly, he made the acquaintance of his erstwhile editors whilst holding a hand-made sign "Will shoot people for money" on St. Michael Street once upon a hot summer day. Fortunately, they quickly realized that he was a photographer and not an incarnation of Roland the Thompson Gunner.

David also has musical tendencies, playing more than a few instruments, and performing publicly, usually in the most unusual of circumstances and venues. His efforts to found a church based on the lyrics of Tom Waits have lost some of their steam after the federal grand jury proceedings, but David maintains the project is merely resting.

Seriously though, David is establishing himself as a dynamic force in the world of fine art photography. At LaGrange National Biennial XXIII, he was honored by a purchase award from the Lamar Dodd Art Center in March 2004. Mobile Bay Monthly’s annual reader poll in 2004 and 2005 "The Best of the Bay" named him as "The Arts – Best Photographer." The annual juried competition CAMERA SOUTH 2004 honored him with the Board of Governors Award, in addition to several others.

His work is being seen in many regional/national competitions and exhibitions. Locally, his work can be seen at Mr. Jim Cannon’s Brew Pub and Cafi 615/Truman’s. With his images, David seeks a unique view of the common: geometric and rhythmic elements are frequently encountered.

www.davidtrimmier.com

David Trimmier is Lagniappe photographer. Contact him at david@davidtrimmier.com.