Bisbee has long been a muse for artists, writers, and curious wanderers, but few have translated its character into imagery as consistently and lovingly as local photographer David Day. For more than two decades, Day has been pointing his lens toward the town’s winding streets, eclectic architecture, and the people who give Bisbee its unmistakable spirit. His work, now familiar to many in the community, began with a simple fascination that stretched back to childhood.
Day recalls being captivated at a young age by the way light filtered through holes in the shed behind his home, creating images on the wall. That early sense of wonder never left him. Instead, it evolved into a lifelong connection with the photographic process and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the world. Whether found in nature, on the weathered surface of a rusty car, or in the face of an extraordinary person. Photography, for David, is a way of honoring those encounters. “I don’t know why,” he says, “but I just love creating images and the photographic process.”
His love affair with Bisbee began in the late 1990s, when he started taking photos around town purely out of his passion for photography. Social media eventually gave him a platform to share that passion more widely. Day began posting his images on Facebook around 2009, collecting a loyal following of locals and admirers from afar. Although he stepped away from posting for several years, the isolating early days of the pandemic inspired him to return. Facebook had become, in his words, “so depressing,” and he wanted to offer something uplifting, a reminder of beauty, familiarity, and connection during a time when all three felt scarce.
Among all the corners of Bisbee he’s explored with his camera, Erie Street in Lowell remains his most cherished subject. Its nostalgic charm and lingering sense of suspended time resonate deeply with him. The vintage storefronts, abandoned vehicles, and cinematic stillness of the street offer a perfect stage for the timeless quality he strives to capture. For Day, Erie Street isn’t just a location, it’s an atmosphere, a memory, and a reflection of the town’s layered past.
For many years, Facebook was the only place Day shared his work publicly. He was content with the accessibility of it. Anyone who wanted to see his photos could simply visit his profile. But recently, his creative path has expanded in exciting ways. Day has begun exhibiting his photography in the real world, showing pieces at Chimera 27 Gallery and participating in several local exhibitions. Seeing his images displayed on gallery walls has been a gratifying experience. “It’s been wonderful for people to see the images in the real world,” he says. “I love to see people enjoy them in that way.”
One of the highlights of this chapter has been showing alongside fellow artists. The Carriage House exhibition, “The Infinite Face”, which featured over forty creators across various styles and mediums, was a particular joy. Being part of such a diverse creative community reinforced the collaborative, supportive environment that makes Bisbee such a thriving hub for artists.
Through every image he creates, David Day continues to share what first moved him as a child: the magic of light, the quietness of everyday moments, and the enduring beauty of a town that has captured his heart.
