Hey, I’m David – a photographer who’s all about the ocean, sea life, plants, animals and landscapes. I spend a lot of time near the water, capturing the moments that usually go unnoticed. Being autistic gives me a unique way of seeing the world, and I aim to share that through my photos. If something here speaks to you, I have prints for sale that are perfect for bringing a little bit of nature into your space.

“ Their strength is our future, their growth brightens our future, their insights help us grow. Our world is a better place because of their differences. We should always respect differences, for without any differences there wouldn’t be any uniqueness in the world.”

~David Shively

When I was 12 years old, someone once told me, “David, you want to be a scientist, maybe you can find a cure for autism.” I told her, “ Why would I do that? Autism is not a disease. Autism is who I am. If I find a cure, it would take away who I truly am, my smartness, my love for marine life and science. Autistic people just see the world differently from you. We do not have a disease.” 

I was born the oldest of three boys, never feeling I fit in, always having to work harder at everything to accomplish the same things my brothers did and feeling my whole life was a one big ABA therapy session. For as long as I can remember I had a love for marine life. My mom, who wanted to make sure she helped develop any interest I had, allowed me to have three fresh water aquariums at one time because of my love for fish and all sorts of sea life. She took me on endless trips to all our local as well as distance aquariums, Marine Summer Camps and of course Sea World. 

School was especially difficult for me.  Kindergarten to fifth grade was extremely difficult with teachers as well as other students thinking I was “weird”, being bullied and seen as though I was broken. My school life was so hard that my mom decided to homeschool me. She partnered with a charter homeschool and I thrived. My teachers said I learned through osmosis. Although that was the best decision for me, and I felt a sense of belonging I did not feel at the other schools, making friends was still very hard for me.  Not many people truly understood who I was and how I saw the world. 

For as long as I can remember, I was going to become a Marine Biologist or a scientist so I can help make a positive difference in the world. I wanted to find a way to prevent the extinction of endangered animals, keep our oceans free from pollution and save sea life. But in my junior year in high school I fell in love with photography. This was due primarily to one of the best photography teacher in the world, Mr. Stewart. Although I always saw the world differently, whether it be while swimming under water, visiting the zoo or safari park or just going on a hike with my mom. He inspired me to look at the contributions I can give to the world, how my photography can bring joy and  impact someone else’s life. So in my second year of college, I decided to change my major from Marine Biology to photography. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.