Today we’d like to introduce you to David Mausey.
Hi David, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey to becoming a photographer started when I joined the Navy right out of high school. While going to school to become a Cryptological Technical Technician, I had a small point-and-shoot camera, and I was asked to take pictures at a small wedding. I then got my first duty station in San Vito, Italy, and one of my fellow sailors decided to steal that camera, and I ended up with a very nice Camera with several lenses. With that camera, I had a few friends ask me to do family photos and weddings to send back home. Even the Navy asked me to take pictures on my off time. I was hooked after that. When I went home,
I went to school and got my MBA, but I have always taken pictures on the side ever since. I got an accounting job for a Baseball League called the Texas-Louisiana League in Springfield, Missouri, and was able to take pictures of the local team at night and sit in the dugout with them. I then went to Kansas City and got a job working for a media firm called Geoff Howe Marketing and Communications. We had a vendor that allowed me to take pictures of the Kansas City Chiefs twice a year. I moved to Garland, Texas, several years ago and started my own studio. I now take pictures of underwater models, the Marine Corps ball, family, weddings, newborns, maternity, kids’ sports, just about anything that involves people. I love showing people how beautiful they look through my eyes.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road by any means. Being a self-taught photographer, I have made a lot of mistakes. I did not understand the logistics of posing people, or, to be honest, how even to set up a camera. Pricing was the hardest part, I didn’t consider myself a professional until I learned how to do underwater photography. Even while learning that, I ruined two nice cameras.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in people. I love the joy I get when someone sees my work and goes wow. I would say underwater photography gives me the most joy. It is the hardest modeling out there. One of my models said it best, “You have to be comfortable with drowning.” I worked with a modeling agency once, and I was taught that anyone can take a thousand photos and get a few good pictures, but can you take a few photos to get one great photo?. I use that as my inspiration for my career.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Find someone better than you, smarter than you. They should also have a style that you like and want to be like. I have been fortunate to meet people who have inspired me to be a better person and photographer.
Pricing:
- Weddings: 1500 – 5000
- Underwater: 300 – 500
- Family: 200 – 500
- Events: 300 – 500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mauseyphoto.com
- Instagram: mausey_photography
- Facebook: mausey_photography
