David Haefflinger is a French photographer and filmmaker based in Paris.

His work explores identity, movement, spiritual practices and living traditions, with a particular interest in the relationship between beliefs and transmission. He approaches photography as a dialogue with his subjects, allowing time and proximity to shape the work.

His visual approach is rooted in chiaroscuro, with a strong use of shadow and simple, precise compositions.

David lived in Indonesia for several years and speaks Indonesian. He has always been fascinated and inspired by the faith of Indonesians, and by the place spirituality holds in their lives. This fascination lies at the heart of his long-term project WANGSIT, which explores the transmission of Javanese rituals and living traditions. The project was selected for the Rencontres photographiques de Boulogne-Billancourt and Paris Photo Days in 2025, and received an award at the Quai de la Photo portfolio review.

Before photography, he trained in advertising and art direction and worked for agencies including Publicis Singapore, Wunderman Thompson and Colman Handoko in Jakarta. He spent four years as an Art Director, with work awarded at Spikes Asia and the Singapore Creative Circle and shortlisted at Cannes Lions. This background continues to inform his approach to composition, visual storytelling and image-making.

He works with artists, cultural organisations and creative projects in photography and film, as well as selected commissions.