David Levêque (b.1984) is a French photographer and printmaker based in Tochigi, Japan.

My approach to photography is spontaneous. While certain themes may recur, I work without a fixed project or concept. What matters most is being open to the unexpected.

My goal is to create objects that embody a handmade quality. I use a range of cameras—35mm, medium format, 4×5 pinhole, and digital—to capture my images. These are printed on handmade Japanese paper using the polymer photogravure technique. In this process, the image is etched onto a photopolymer plate, inked, carefully hand-wiped, placed in contact with the paper, and then run through an etching press under high pressure.

Using my hands is the most important part of my work.

The paper itself—its tone, texture, and the absorbent quality of its fibers—plays an important part in the final aesthetic of each print.