Today we’d like to introduce you to Darren Maslach.
Darren, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born into a Camera-Family just outside of Cleveland Ohio and lived most of my life in Naples, Florida. My father was a professional photographer and video producer for over 30 years. My mother was a model who owned a branch of Elite Model Management talent agency. My older sister was also a model and she currently owns her own agency, Grey Models and Talent. So, cameras were always a big part of our lives.
I assisted my parents on their various photo shoots and video production projects as a kid and gained great experience along the way. In my teens, I became more seriously interested in photography and acquired my own 8-megapixel digital camera (which was very impressive resolution way back then) and began doing photo shoots with musicians, actors, and models.
16 years later, I’m still a professional photographer, currently in San Antonio. I specialize in creative portraiture for the entertainment industry, publications, and advertising. Many of my clients are aspiring talent who don’t know how to get their foot in the door. Because of my lifelong background in the talent industry, I can provide aspiring talent with eye-catching images that grab the attention of agents and directors.
Becoming a photographer today is easier than ever before. This creates a challenge for longtime professionals like myself because the evolving world today is full of photographers and everyone has a camera on their phone. (Which is probably more powerful than the 8-megapixel camera I started with all those years ago!) So, in order to stand out from the crowd, a photographer must establish a solid reputation and a signature artistic style that people recognize. When you put your heart and soul into your work, the style is formed naturally and success will follow.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In any business, there are challenges. Especially for independent people in artistic fields.
I am largely a one-man-show so every step of every process is done by me. Constant advertising, networking, computer work, meetings, scheduling, travel arrangement, finances, contracts, shoot planning, equipment preparation, and maintenance, taking photos, delivering photos, editing photos, social media, event planning and hosting. Being a photographer is much more than just clicking a camera. In fact, actually taking photos represents a small percentage of my time. Everyone sees the beautiful finished product but don’t know the time, money and dedication it actually takes to achieve it. The difference between a professional and an amateur is a professional has made thousands of mistakes and the amateur only a few. But the professional learned and continued.
Being a professional photographer for 16 years also means I have a reputation to uphold. When people see my work, there is a level of quality expectation that I’ve created and I need to meet and exceed that level for every client. Basically, I have to create amazing images every single time I pick up a camera. How do you do that for every single person? No matter if they are 2 days old or 92 years old. Rain or shine, I have to make beautiful images happen and that can be a struggle. My solution? Again, heart and soul. I love what I do and am so honored to have the opportunity to be a photographer. When you love something so much, putting your heart and soul into your work makes the struggles seem small and the creative process kicks in to overcome any challenge.
The Dude With The Camera – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I specialize in creative portraiture. My clientele is mostly actors, models, musicians, magazines, business professionals and families. I also do wedding photography, commercial products, food, and events.
I am probably best known for my black and white portraiture. I always give my clients a wide variety of pictures with each session but I truly have a passion for black and white photography and love to shoot in black and white at every opportunity.
Five years ago, I was visiting San Antonio from Florida for photo shoots. I had several people who wanted to meet but I didn’t have time to see everyone individually. So, I decided to host an event to meet everyone in one place. To my surprise, 50 people attended. So, I decided to host another event six months later to network and promote my work. I made it a masquerade ball and through social media promotion, 250 people attended. This was very unique and I don’t know of any other photographers who do something like it anywhere. For the past few years, I have hosted my annual masquerade ball in San Antonio as a way to meet amazing people and help local charities while displaying my work. I am very proud to have support different charities as they raise awareness and accept donations at the event for their causes. The next event will be in October 2019 in San Antonio. If you’re reading this, you’re invited!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I like food. The better I do with my work, the better my food will be. Haha!
The true definition of success is peace of mind, and the ability to help others. For many, success means money. But if you have to push your mind, body, and soul to the breaking point to acquire money, that is not a success.
A peaceful night’s sleep is an incredibly valuable thing. Doing work that helps others achieve their goals and feel amazing while making a living, is wonderful. I create something that people will cherish for generations and my work will be on display somewhere long after my life is over. Not many people can say that.
Pricing:
- My standard local portrait session is $300. I give my clients all their photos and they choose their top 10 for retouching.
- Wedding photography rates are customized for any size wedding.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TheDudeWithTheCamera.net
- Email: TDWTC.Photography@gmail.com
- Instagram: @The_Dude_With_The_Camera_
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/thedudewiththecamera
- Twitter: @propictures
Image Credit:
Claudia Lozano, Michelle and Kyle Correia, Paulina Vigil, Takiah Christensen, Randie and Jeff Baldwin, Erica Stewart, Max Carta, Tory Rivera
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
