David Katzenstein began taking pictures at age eight and hasn’t stopped since. After graduating from college with a major in history and minor in art, Katzenstein, a Boston native, spent a year traveling in Europe and the Middle East. Returning to the U.S., he settled in New York and began a career in commercial and corporate photography to finance his passion — photographing the daily life and rhythm of the world’s indigenous cultures.

For over 22 years David has traveled throughout the world, either on assignment for publications or on personal journeys. His photographs have been exhibited at several galleries in the United States including Marlborough, DTW, Photonica, and Bone, all in New York City, and the Anne Reed Gallery in Ketchum, Idaho. “Distant Journeys: cultural Explorations of David Katzenstein,” opened in February, 2000 at The Lamont Gallery in Exeter, New Hampshire. It comprised a collection of over 180 photographs spanning 20 years of work. “WorldViews: Ritual and Celebration” opened at The National Arts Club in New York City on May 1 2001. The photographs were selected from his ongoing project about rituals around the world.

In 2004, using David’s experience as a documentarian of international cultures and David’s extensive knowledge of how to work in any part of the world, AES awarded him a unique assignment, which goes beyond creating outstanding global imagery for their annual report. It involves a total branding campaign for the energy company. In the past three years David has traveled to 26 countries creating a singular body of work that explores the depth of AES's infrastructure and also its commitment to the countries where it does business. The photographs are being used in annual reports, and all collateral materials as well as fine art exhibition prints that have been commissioned for the corporate headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Under Katzenstein's direction and guidance AES has set up a searchable library of images from all over the world that will be used by its employees in many countries to represent the variety of businesses and social/environmental projects they are involved in. AES went a step further to use David’s excellent communication skills. Using his photography David developed and delivered a powerpoint lecture to the AES employees to help them better understand the global reach and goals of their company as they pertain to the communities they operate in.“When we began developing the brand and image library for AES we wanted to represent the company as a truly global organization, not an American company abroad. They understand the markets they serve more than anyone in their industry. They live there, they work there and are committed to helping the countries they serve to grow and prosper for the long-term. At AES, “here” is everywhere. David Katzenstein was not just the perfect choice for this project but from our perspective, the only choice.” David Kohler, Creative Director Addison.

David Katzenstein speaks Spanish and Arabic

Client List

Jim Beam, Qwest, Cheron, Mastercard, QVC, Goldman Sachs, AES, Stolichnaya Vodka, Sony Music, Nexium, KIPP, McGraw Hill, Hewlett Packard, NYU, IFF, Atlantic Records, Black & Decker, Bowne, Peugeot Auto, RCN, SL Green

Awards

Mercury Award (top honor for annual reports) AES 2005