David Yarrow is not one to take the expected route. Now one of the world’s best-known fine art photographers, he began his professional life in finance – first as an investment banker, then running his own hedge fund. UBP Monaco is currently exhibiting David's work, and we had the chance to interview him about his career and his creative process.
David's journey into photography was anything but impulsive. It took years of planning, sacrifice, and bold decision-making. After juggling both careers for a time, it was one impactful image that convinced him to sell his finance business and pursue photography full time. ‘It was the best decision of my life,’ he says.
In the interview, David draws clear parallels between his two careers. Research, capital allocation, and emotional intelligence are just as essential in his creative work as they were in asset management. And like a concentrated investment portfolio, his focus remains sharp: ‘Eighty percent of our revenue comes from 20% of our shots,’ he notes. ‘Those shots have to be exceptional.’
One such image is his iconic photograph of Diego Maradona, taken with a simple camera at the 1986 World Cup final. Now considered one of the most famous sports photographs of all time, it underscores David’s belief that storytelling and emotion matter more than gear or gimmicks.
His creative process is rigorous yet instinctive. Ideas are refined meticulously over months, even years, before a shoot. He is selective, patient, and tough on himself in the pursuit of quality: ‘I maybe take five strong pictures a year,’ he admits. Indeed, what drives him is not commercial success but a lifelong commitment to excellence and authenticity.
He speaks passionately about legacy, about capturing emotional truth, and about reminding the world of its beauty—especially through his immersive wildlife photography.
"The key to photography is emotion. If it doesn’t move you, why look at it?"
For David, authenticity is non-negotiable in creative endeavours. ‘You must have your unique DNA,’ he says. Whether in art or finance, his message is clear: real impact demands discipline, originality, and the courage to stand apart.
