Today we’d like to introduce you to David Marshall.
David, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have been taking photos since I was ten years old, but my life led me in a more academic direction at first, pursuing degrees in philosophy, communication arts, and anthropology. While doing fieldwork in northeastern Pennsylvania, an opportunity arose to direct a cultural center dedicated to the arts and ethnic studies. After that I ran a second arts center, worked as a folklore consultant, served as a museum curator, and finally worked in state government as the Program Manager for the Arts in Education at the Connecticut Commission on the Arts and, later, the Massachusetts Cultural Council. While I was working in these areas, my interest in photography continued; I documented many arts events along the way. In 2012 I decided to shift careers and pursue my lifelong interest in photography. I studied at the Center for Digital Imaging Arts at Boston University and started my photography business shortly after graduating.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The biggest challenge we face confronts all photographers-the explosion of high definition cell phone images. One of our most pressing responsibilities has become explaining to potential clients why they should invest retaining a photographer who can go beyond the snapshot to the memorable image. The making of a photographer involves multiple factors beyond simply manipulating a sophisticated technical device. Great photographers have had years of training, know the history of photography, understand how to manipulate light, can grasp the “decisive moment” for the shutter’s release, and have developed good interpersonal skills.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with David S Marshall Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
David S Marshall Photography is a general purpose photography business covering weddings, portraiture, architecture, and fine art images. We have a special interest in theatre photography and have done related work for several Boston area theaters and head shots for actors.
As a company we take pride in delivering images that exceed client expectations. We spend considerable time bringing every image that we shoot up to its fullest potential.
Many excellent photographers work in the Boston. However, we think that we are distinguished by our deep grounding in the arts and humanities that provides us with a perspective that flows into our work in photography. We bring a sensibility that is not merely technical, but rich in experience and intellectual context. We believe that photography is not merely a business, but a medium to create connections among people and to reveal the profundities of the human experience. We bring beauty to light.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Currently wedding photography comprises most of our work. I feel privileged to be an intrinsic part of one of the most important days of client’s lives; it is extremely rewarding. However, I will continue to expand our involvement in both portrait and theatre photography, both of which offer conditions in which you can exercise greater control over lighting and composition and develop even deeper one-on-one connections with the subjects.
For the past several years I have been collecting old sheet music, photographing it, and restoring the cover images to near mint condition. I intend to market these images, which can be used for cards or stand-alone fine art prints, more actively. Ultimately, I plan to create an annotated exhibit of these images, both online and in a gallery setting.
Pricing:
- Six hours of wedding coverage with two photographers and DVD averages $1,000. Except in exceptional circumstances, we recommend no more than six hours of coverage for weddings. Albums and physical prints involve an extra cost.
- One hour portrait sessions begin at $150. We provide a minimum of 50 images on our website and on a DVD. The fee includes intensive touch-ups on three images.
- Theatre (dance, music) photographs for non-profit theatre companies start at $150 per hour. Rates are negotiable for actors.
Contact Info:
- Address: 36 Kenwood Street
Dorchester, MA 02124 - Website: davidmarshallphoto.com
- Phone: 617-877-3552
- Email: davidsamuelmarshall@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Sleeping Weazel Theatre Company (image with shears)
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