We caught up with the brilliant and insightful D’Marcus McDowell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

D’Marcus, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

There was at least two factors that helped me learn how to master photography, school and YouTube. Around 2017 to 2021, I went to college to study photography and in that time, I learned how to technically be a photographer like learn how to properly photograph a subject, how to set up lighting and set up a studio, how to shoot in these different lighting settings, and know terminology. I also watched YouTube videos on how to be a creative photographer & how to find my voice as an overall artist. It helped me find inspiration in things to create, people that inspire me, a certain style of photography to create, etc.

The obstacle that I deal with is versatility. Though it can be a really good thing to have, in a way you lose your signature thing that makes you stand out-but I feel like being versatile can also make you stand out. I think my problem is trying to figure out my identity, like I know I’m a photographer but what kind? and if I’m this kind, how can I become a better version of this? I know in time I’ll have it all figured out with so I’m not too worried but it’s something to recognize.

D’Marcus, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi, My name is D’Marcus McDowell and I am a freelance photographer from Dallas, Texas. My love/profession of photography started as an interest and from then on grew to something I adore to do. I really want to make sure I can be the best photographer there is so I try my hand at any kind of photography I can do whether it’s shooting portraits, product photography, sports photography, fashion and even weddings so that I can expand my skills. I’m also an artist so I also want to express myself through my photography in the best creative way. I also express the best customer service there is, I make sure my client/model is comfortable & confident and make sure the environment is an overall fun and productive environment. I’m proud that I am always progressing and always finding ways to elevate my skills as well as the experience.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to be inspiring and to be able to live a life full of financial freedom through my art. Whether it is the art that I do, the creative process, or my story, I want to be looked at as someone who worked their way, beat the odds, and is willing to help others in any way they can. I also want to be able to travel & explore to fuel my creativity so that I can continue to create without burning my wallet or savings and really truly live a life that I know I want for myself and I know that through photography, it will be possible( had to say “will” instead of “could” for manifestation). I have people that I can always look up to for advice, support, and even inspiration and I try to have those kinds of people around me so that I can always be inspired to become the same person. That’s why I’ll learn what I can, do what I can and support & encourage those I look up to and those around me so that I’ll always be that someone that anyone can come to in hopes of shaping their careers & to show compassion & support.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect is mainly the process. Yes, I love a great outcome and an outcome that’s exactly the way I planned it to be but most importantly I love how it is all being moved in place. From planning to outlining to booking, I always appreciate the hard work that comes from it because it shows how much I care for what I do. Even if it’s to shoot something for 30 mins, I will make sure that in those 30 mins, it shows how professional, creative, and well thought out I can be as an artist/creative.

Contact Info:

• Website: dmthecreator.myportfolio.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/dmthecreator
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dmarcusmcdowel
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/dmthecreator