From a young age, David showed a keen eye for photography. As a small child, he was given a box camera, sparking a lifelong passion. While attending Montebello Junior High School, his brother gifted him a more advanced camera—one he had to secure with black tape to block out light. It used 127 film and allowed him to adjust the shutter speed, giving him more control over his images. During this time, David received some formal training in photography and was proud to have many of his photographs published in the school’s yearbook.
After retiring from the Navy, David returned to photography as a source of joy and personal expression. These humble beginnings laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable photographic journey.
His artistic path deepened when he met his wife, Kim, who introduced him to the world of professional equine photography. Together, they launched a web-based business dedicated to the promotion of American Saddlebred horses. David served as the webmaster and became known for his action, candid, and posed photos of show horses. He especially enjoyed capturing the “behind the scenes” moments—owners, trainers, caretakers, and the ever-present dogs that traveled with them. These images became the heart of their website’s beloved “Around the Show” feature.
Their move to Lexington, Kentucky, marked a new chapter. Their work in equine photography earned international juried show awards, magazine cover features, advertising placements, and a loyal customer base both across the United States and abroad.
In 2014, David and Kim closed SaddlebredWeb and moved to Yucca Valley, California, to be closer to David’s family and the desert landscapes he had cherished during his youth. He quickly reconnected with the rugged beauty of Joshua Tree National Park and the surrounding Hi-Desert. His lens shifted naturally toward the wonders of the natural world—landscapes, birds, animals, and native flowers. This transition led to numerous judged show awards and photo sales within the Morongo Basin community.
David was especially honored when his photograph of a roadrunner was juried into the 2018 Joshua Tree National Park Juried Art Exhibition. His work was also displayed in featured shows at the 29 Palms Art Gallery, Healthy Generations, Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, Rainbow Stew, and at the California Welcome Center.
He was an active and valued member of the Twentynine Palms Artists’ Guild, Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council, and Chaparral Artists. David’s heartfelt goal remained constant: to share the beauty of God’s creation, especially the serene and wild splendor of Joshua Tree National Park and the Hi-Desert.
David’s passion, kindness, and creativity touched many. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
BIOGRAPHY
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Photographer
Contact the Artist directly to discuss purchase options.
DAVID W. CLEMENTS
From a young age, David showed a keen eye for photography. As a small child, he was given a box camera, sparking a lifelong passion. While attending Montebello Junior High School, his brother gifted him a more advanced camera—one he had to secure with black tape to block out light. It used 127 film and allowed him to adjust the shutter speed, giving him more control over his images. During this time, David received some formal training in photography and was proud to have many of his photographs published in the school’s yearbook.
After retiring from the Navy, David returned to photography as a source of joy and personal expression. These humble beginnings laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable photographic journey.
His artistic path deepened when he met his wife, Kim, who introduced him to the world of professional equine photography. Together, they launched a web-based business dedicated to the promotion of American Saddlebred horses. David served as the webmaster and became known for his action, candid, and posed photos of show horses. He especially enjoyed capturing the “behind the scenes” moments—owners, trainers, caretakers, and the ever-present dogs that traveled with them. These images became the heart of their website’s beloved “Around the Show” feature.
Their move to Lexington, Kentucky, marked a new chapter. Their work in equine photography earned international juried show awards, magazine cover features, advertising placements, and a loyal customer base both across the United States and abroad.
In 2014, David and Kim closed SaddlebredWeb and moved to Yucca Valley, California, to be closer to David’s family and the desert landscapes he had cherished during his youth. He quickly reconnected with the rugged beauty of Joshua Tree National Park and the surrounding Hi-Desert. His lens shifted naturally toward the wonders of the natural world—landscapes, birds, animals, and native flowers. This transition led to numerous judged show awards and photo sales within the Morongo Basin community.
David was especially honored when his photograph of a roadrunner was juried into the 2018 Joshua Tree National Park Juried Art Exhibition. His work was also displayed in featured shows at the 29 Palms Art Gallery, Healthy Generations, Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, Rainbow Stew, and at the California Welcome Center.
He was an active and valued member of the Twentynine Palms Artists’ Guild, Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council, and Chaparral Artists. David’s heartfelt goal remained constant: to share the beauty of God’s creation, especially the serene and wild splendor of Joshua Tree National Park and the Hi-Desert.
David’s passion, kindness, and creativity touched many. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.