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Praise


 ”I am over the moon about the pictures Donavan Freberg shot for my new show Swing This. He instantly got what I was trying to accomplish and because of his talent as a photographer and the fact that he is a one of a kind guy, he exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t have thrown a more complicated assignment his way…a 60s’ Mad Med, Rat Pack vibe, seven people in most of the shots, a car, musical instruments, no set decision on location, and yet the pictures came out as if we had been planning every detail for weeks.  Donavan came prepared, with two very capable and lovely assistants. He was calm and flexible when we had set backs and changes of plans. We all had a lot of fun and it shows in the pictures which was the most important element I needed  him to capture… well that, and making me look fabulous.”

– Debby Boone, Grammy Award Winning Recording Artist

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 “Not only is Donavan determined to get a great image (which he does), he’s also intent on capturing what’s unique about his subject (which he also does). No small complement when a knock out head shot can make the difference between working and not working.  I have nothing but praise for Donavan. The shoot was not only relaxed and fun but the resulting images were stunning. So stunning, in fact, that numerous friends and fellow actors who saw them suddenly decided it was time for new head shots and asked for his contact info.”

 –David Slaughter, Actor, Los Angeles

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 ”Donavan totally nailed it. The acting management company that reps me was thrilled with the headshots, as was I. And I also got a great portrait shot for the bio section of a poetry book that’s coming out soon. Donavan delivered big-time for me….money well-spent!!”

 –Jed Rowen, Actor & Writer, Los Angeles

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 ”Shooting with Donavan was a blast. First and foremost, it’s completely casual. I happen to have the good fortune of being his friend, but even if you’re entering into a shoot with him with no prior experience, I can’t imagine it would be anything less than supremely laid back, relaxed, pretenseless and all about capturing you in your most natural element. We walked around the neighborhood at the dawn of the golden hour, played around when we found a fun spot where the light was perfect, and the tone remained conversational and playful throughout. Added bonus: I’m also a photographer and  just in modeling for him that day, I ended up picking up a whole bunch of  techniques on using natural light that I have since integrated, and my own portraiture has gone to the next level. Plus: Lot’s of girls complimented me on my shots. Donavan will make you look sexy.”

 –Morgan Spencer Klein, Actor, Model & Photographer, San Francisco

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 ”Before working with Donavan I was convinced I could not take a good picture. My favorite thing to say after a shoot used to be, ‘They are OK but none of them REALLY look like me’. Donavan captured my essence and spirit.  He creates a relaxed, fun, and playful environment allowing you to be you.”

 –Tessa Ferrer, Actor, Los Angeles

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“Donavan Freberg is not only a photographer, he’s a writer, voice actor, puppeteer; a storyteller. When I asked Donavan if he would take my (animation) director’s head shots, I ended up with so much more than I expected. He not only took photos that captured my personality, he wove a sincere narrative of me and my creation, Pubertina. Our shooting locations ranged from an old school diner to a supermarket where I pushed a shopping cart full of lady products. Donavan takes creative risks and the outcome is always marvelous. Many people can take head shots. Donavan takes “soul snaps.”

–Emily Brundige, Animation Director, Voice Over Artist and Creator of “Pubertina”.

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 “Shooting my head shots with Donavan was my best experience with a photographer yet. His energy is uncommonly compassionate and playful, and just being in his presence is instantly relaxing. He made me feel beautiful and unique and excited about being an actor. I felt that we were creative collaborators and we tapped into some great inspired energy! The session was fun and exhilarating and the shots have gotten nothing but great responses. Thank you Donavan!”

 –Marisa Viola, Actor, New York City

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 ”Donavan is the just what you want a photographer to be: charming, kind, fun, focused and utterly professional. My shoot was a challenging one for me to take on, but he put me immediately at ease with his gentle smile, humor and infectious enthusiasm. I truly could not be happier with the photos he took. They are honest, artistic and wonderfully unique, beautifully capturing the spirit and essence of the moment and myself. I have and will continue to recommend Donavan to everyone as his is a talent and gift that one is lucky to engage.”

 –Renee Herman, Singer/Songwriter, Los Angeles

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 ”As a writer, I didn’t want a typical actor’s headshot–I was looking for something a bit more interesting and unusual. I have absolutely no experience with getting headshots taken and was preparing myself for an awkward hour or two in which I’d likely get one or two usable images. How wrong I was! My session with Donavan was one of the most fun and creative experiences I’ve had in a long time. He completely got what I was looking for and brought so much more to the table than I ever thought possible! With every suggestion, he made me feel more and more comfortable in front of the camera. When he sent me a selection of images to choose from, I was amazed that there were at least 6 or 7 images that I loved. I can’t recommend Donavan highly enough!”

 –Emily Brochin, Writer, Los Angeles

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 ”As a professional actor for the past 30 years, I have had my share of headshots taken. My last sitting was guided by that inimitable photographer, Donavan Freberg. What made Donavan’s session so fantastic was his graceful insistence on having fun. He put me at ease while searching for the right moment, which is a most difficult task for an actor during that unnatural act of posing. But he did!  And my photos truly reflect that comfort. Thanks Donavan, you’re the best!”

–Phil Abrams, Actor, Los Angeles

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 ”I had the pleasure of working with Donavan on a fashion project involving moving and still photography with professional models. Although the project was a success as a whole, Donavan’s photography truly stood out from the rest. He has a talent for capturing stunning moments in images which cannot be seen with the naked eye. We were all very fortunate to have been able to collaborate with Donavan and I look forward to a long working relationship with him in the future.”

 –Jason Carpenter, Producer & President of Tigerhouse Films, Los Angeles

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 Donavan is king of the cameras, ruler of the zoom, doctor of lenses galore, mad scientist of freakalicious exposure and master einsteinian professor of making-you-look-gorgeous. A photo shoot with Donavan is like cashing in on your golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s factory, dancing with the muppets and getting whisked away to NeverNeverLand all at once. Don’t get me wrong though, there is nothing juvenile or make believe about Donavan’s professional works-of-art. Not only is he a master craftsman with a refined and delicate aesthetic, but he has a profound understanding of light. Even on those days that your first inclination is to pull a sheet over your head and climb into a cave of boo-hooing introversion, Donavan will snap shots that turn your self-perceived flaws into lively marks of character and beauty. Anyone looking for magnificent, tasteful and unique portraits should head Donavan’s way–which reminds me, I better give him another call soon. Cheese!”

 –Rebecca Kanengiser, Actor & Writer, Los Angeles

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 ”I asked Donavan to capture an elusive side of me that almost no one sees: The innocent angelic side. I figured that it would help me appear more approachable while I was whoring myself out to literary agencies and I chose the right person to do it. Not only did he capture exactly what I wanted to portray, but he also quickly and successfully changed gears when I suggested something more sultry, just in case…”

 ”…As soon as I had proposed the mood change, I found myself half-naked and completely vulnerable. Fortunately, Donavan has this amazing gift for eye contact and there wasn’t one moment in which I felt uncomfortable. In fact, his friendly and open disposition actually helped me feel more confident in my own skin. I don’t even feel that comfortable while I’m alone and in the nude!”

 ”…It turns out, the City of Angels ain’t so angelic, but Donavan’s photographs certainly were. I look forward to shooting with him again, for the cover of my book.”

 –Miki Swarthout, Writer, Los Angeles

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 ”The amazing thing about my headshot is that Donavan took it impromptu when we were out to dinner. I didn’t prepare. I was completely exhausted. I didn’t look even close to my best, and yet, somehow, he still took the best picture I’ve ever had. Working with Donavan is very easy, and a very special experience. He always brings out your best.”

 –David Lampert, Actor & Writer, Los Angeles

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 ”That Donavan is an extraordinary photographer is easily discovered by reviewing the magnificent images he captures. However, it’s how he works with his subjects that sets him apart. Because he’s so very comforting, so at ease, so joyful, playful and humorous and easy to work with, that he gets the very best from his subjects- capturing their very essence in their most natural and beautiful. I recommend him frequently and those referrals are never disappointed.”

 –Adam Sadowsky, Actor and President of Syyn Labs, Los Angeles

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 ”My photo session with Donavan Freberg was amazing. He made me feel so comfortable and at ease. He worked tirelessly, offering so many ideas and a great positive energy. A true artist, Donavan has the incredible ability to find the honesty and beauty in every moment thus creating magic in every shot.”

 –Kiki Ebsen, Singer/Songwriter & Keyboardist

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“Donavan Freberg? Yeah, I know him and more than that I am honored to have had the privilege to work with such a brilliant artist and what a great pleasure it was. I researched several L.A. based photographers, and could simply not find a match, until I sought out the help of a wonderful artist named Sara-Ross Samko. She led me to Donavan (thank you Sara), I read his amazing “about me” section on his website and instantly knew he was the one. When we met and spoke I was elated by his personality, experience, life views but most importantly his boyish looks. Connected? Not a sufficient word to describe how I felt in-front of the camera with Donavan clicking away, and for me that is the most important thing. We shared ideas with my vision in mind and he never lost sight of it. I appreciated that more than I can say. I noticed while shooting that he was slowly bringing the best out of me as the shoot progressed, and his energy was amazing. He clearly loves photography, and he loves his life because he gets do to what he was born to do…what else can you ask for. Donavan, you are the BEST!”

–Sebastian Montoya, Actor, Los Angeles

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What industry professionals are saying…

“As a talent manager in Hollywood, it is my sacred duty to steer people clear of scams and time-wasters. I have and will continue to recommend Donavan to anyone in search of professional head shots that POP.”

–Pete Detroit, ICONOBLAST Talent Management, Los Angeles

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“If all of our actors would have taken their head shots with you, we wouldn’t have to pick and paw with ‘so-so’ shots. You really know how to capture your subject’s personality. Every time I go back to your website, I see more and more images that I fall in love with!”

–Ruthie Crossley: Bohemia Group Talent Management, Los Angeles

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“As a TV producer and casting director, I have to sort through dozens of head shots every day. I can always tell when I come across a photo taken by Donavan Freberg. His photographs have a certain ‘look’ to them. They don’t look like your average everyday headshot which is a good thing. He knows exactly what works and what doesn’t. Donavan’s photos are exquisite and genuine. What he brings to the table, through years of experience, is an unerring ability to recognize the way light loves a face. He takes time during the shoot to connect with you so he can really capture your strengths and bring something new to the photos. He also understands the business and tries many different ways and many different looks that can be used to get you into that audtition room. He is professional and extremely bright. I would definitely recommend Donavan Freberg to anyone looking for new pictures. He really knows what he’s doing.”

–Alison Martino, Producer & Casting Director, Los Angeles

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“When I’m casting, I sort through a ton of photos, to get the few I want. Sometimes, one shot, one face, catches my eye, and the whole…thing…stops. I hold my breath. There’s the shot, the face that stops everything. Usually, Donavan Freberg has taken that shot. Donavan has a rare gift, an ability to stop time, just at the moment when the face he’s capturing is good as it can be. The light is good, the setting is perfect, because Donavan chose all that earlier. This instant, the face is feeling something good. It is happy and alive and joyful in this moment, and Donavan captures its beauty, its humanity, its love. I don’t know anybody who does any better photos, his headshots are in a class by themselves, and nobody makes pretty girls look as good as he does. I know lots of photographers, but Donavan Freberg is the one I recommend to people.”

Sam Longoria, Producer-Director-Actor, Hollywood, CA

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“Donavan’s super power is photographing Los Angeles through a golden sunlit looking glass. His world is all soft light, subtle gestures, intimate moments and unadulterated bliss. His portraits are effortless. His images are timeless. His subjects gleam. I am constantly in awe of his talent and love losing myself in his vision.”

–Catherine Wygal, Los Angeles Event Photographer, FOUR EYES PHOTOGRAPHY

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“I have had the privilege of getting to know Donavan and his work over the last number of years and I am always find delight at the level of refinement in his photography. Donavan is able to connect with the people he shoots in a way that their personality is projected into his camera and the images that are the final result. He does not rely on gimmicky, overdone processing. What he sees and what he senses in his subjects are the means in which the essence of their personalities come to fruition in his final art.”

Son Dao, Art Director & Photographer, San Francisco, CA

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“I think Donavan’s photography can speak for itself, in that when you look at his work, it’s pure and genuine. I’ve known and worked with quite a few photographers over the years, sure their work is ‘very good,’ however, none of them ever made me want to leap INTO the photograph itself and wish very much to be a part of whatever was going on in the scenario. Somehow, when I look at his photography, it’s as though he’s managed to encapsulate a myriad of lights and shadows, dancing in the background which in turn frames whatever he is shooting. It all just seems to magically fold forward into the focal point and frame the subject like a gift. His work is playful, warm and brimming with life. In viewing Donavan’s portraits, one senses that he doesn’t just love what he is doing, he loves his subjects and that love leaps from the photograph to the viewers eye like a shooting star.”

–Heidi Clinton, Web Developer & Art Director, Hampshire, England

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“Donavan shoots fantastic photos. His portraits are second to none. He knows how to find the best natural lighting in any circumstance. They’re all very natural, without relying on the gimmicks that a lot of amateurs use to feign artistic vision. Donavan knows how to make his subjects look natural and they show authentic emotion.”

–David Robert Wright, Photographer, Saint Louis

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“Donavan is the bee’s knees.”

–Angela Martini, Photographer & Illustrator, New York


1 comment

unseen - December 5, 2011 - 9:41 pm

Quite impressed Donavan

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