A French magazine asked me to photograph [film director] David Lynch for a feature, which I was excited about. The shoot would be at his house near Mulholland Drive in LA.

I arrived at the house, and his rep showed me the places where others had set up shots. I asked her where he was now. She said he was up in his studio, where he makes his fine art.

That was it, that’s what I had come for! I knew I had to photograph the maestro in his natural surroundings, where he is most comfortable.

I asked her if I could walk up there with no crew, just me and my camera, and take a few pictures of him working. She called up to David and he said sure.

I took one roll of film, and they are some of my best ever portraits. The reason why is that he was in his element. He barely stopped to pose for me; just a couple of times.

I love the candid moments of an artist at work. It felt to me like we were both respecting each other’s craft.

~ Patrick Fraser, photographer