DAVID STETSON Backstories
STORIES FROM BEHIND THE LENS
Photography and backstories that reveal the inspiration, challenges, and unseen details behind each shot.
Alfred Hitchcock
Alfred Hitchcock was already a name that resonated in every cinephile’s heart long before I ever held a camera. Yet nothing could have prepared me for the surreal, heart-pounding day in 1971 when I, a young 16 year old photographic assistant trainee was entrusted with capturing an image of the master himself.
Princess Diana
In the autumn of 1990, I was commissioned to photograph HRH Princess Diana and Prince Charles during their official visit to Japan. They were representing Her Majesty The Queen at the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Akihito
Sophia Loren
Few assignments have stayed with me the way my encounter with legendary movie star, Sophia Loren has. It wasn’t just the high fashion or the celebrity allure, it was the sheer grace and presence of the woman herself that left a lasting imprint on me, both as a photographer and as a person.
Placido Domingo
In the world of celebrity photography, some shoots stand out more than others. Over my five decades behind the lens, I've photographed countless famous faces—from Hollywood royalty to actual royalty—but one encounter in particular has always held a special place in my memory.
Annie Leibovitz
Being asked, as a professional photographer to photograph another professional photographer is a very daunting challenge… Especially when that other photography is one that I have the highest professional respect for, namely Annie Leibovitz, world renowned celebrity photographer.
Whitney Houston
While living in Japan, I was hired to direct a TV commercial featuring Whitney Huston. The client was Nissin Financial Bank. The TV commercial was to run in collaboration with an advertising ‘print’ campaign.
Talks and Events
With over 50 years behind the camera, David Stetson has a lifetime of stories to share—from photographing global icons like Princess Diana and Joanna Lumley to working on international fashion and commercial campaigns.
His talks are engaging, insightful, and full of behind-the-scenes moments that bring the art of photography to life.
Let's work together
Whether you’re hosting a corporate event, gallery, university, or photography society, David’s talks offer a rare chance to hear from one of Britain’s most accomplished photographers. Audiences leave inspired, informed, and entertained.