Community Spotlight: A snapshot look at Dallas photographer D’Marcus McDowell
Photographer D’Marcus McDowell got his start taking photos of friends and family and has since been involved in many shoots and projects in the Dallas area. | Photo via D’Marcus McDowell
Dallas is home to many creatives who have made their mark on the city’s vibrant landscape. Today, we’re spotlighting a local lifestyle photographer, D’Marcus McDowell, whose work has beautifully captured the essence of the city.
Editor’s note: This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
How did you get your start in photography?
What got me into photography was making memories. In high school, My first camera was a Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 and I would take a lot of Polaroids of me, my friends, family trips, etc. I loved how “the moment” looked. I did more research on photography and I discovered that I could make a profession out of it. I decided I wanted to go to school for photography and I committed to the craft and taught myself how to get better at it.
I think what solidified for me was the feeling of creating and knowing that my work could be appreciated, valued, and praised, especially in the digital/social media age. I think that’s something all artists would want to experience.
Describe your style — what are your influences?
When I first started out, my overall style was “versatility” and trying to show that I could do pretty much anything. Now I’m finally coming around to a style that I can side with. I like to think my work is nostalgic. That realization happened when I posted my film pictures that I took on random days with random people and friends.
My compositions in this moment makes viewers feel like they’re in it or looking at that moment from an angle or distance. I love that it also resonates with the audience as well.
What are some accomplishments in your career so far?
I also find accomplishments in working with people and them loving my work. I know recently I did a photoshoot inspired by the band The Marias and their recent album “Submarine”. The band liked it on X and I was so hyped. It may not seem like anything, but if a celebrity sees your work online — it’s a win in my book.
I’m also glad that I’m able to share my story on platforms like this recently. That’s also a great accomplishment.
How does the city inspire your work?
I told a friend recently that the reason why I love Dallas is the people you meet. I don’t know if it’s the Southern hospitality but the people you meet here give you the energy to push and pursue your passions. That’s why I love the creative community here in Dallas so much. Of course, you hear about the enormous boom of creatives in LA, New York, Chicago, etc. but there’s also creative potential here in Dallas and overall in Texas.
It’s like what Andre 3000 said when Outkast won best new rap group at the Source Awards: “The South got something to say.” I wish for everyone to strive here in Dallas because their personalities make them so deserving of it all.
Asked
Which location “falls” into your perfect vision for a season photoshoot?
A. Deep Ellum B. Bishop Arts C. Trinity Grooves D. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
Mexican Independence Day Celebration | Monday, Sept. 16 | 5 p.m. | Legacy Food Hall, Plano | Free | Celebrate Mexican heritage through food and live music as you enjoy dinner from nearly 20 eateries and craft cocktails from 5+ bars.
The Marley Brothers: The Legacy Tour | Monday, Sept. 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Dos Equis Pavilion | $40.50+ | Celebrate the music of Bob Marley with his legacy of musicians.
Tuesday, Sept. 17
Meet ‘n’ Greet Wild Animals | Tuesday, Sept. 17 | 6-9 p.m. | Vector Brewing | Free | Show up for a live meet and greet with the North Texas Wildlife Center.
Nicki Minaj Presents: Pink Friday 2 World Tour | Tuesday, Sept. 17 | 9 p.m. | American Airlines Center | $52+ | Enter Gag City as the queen of rap graces the stage during her Pink Friday 2 World Tour.
Wednesday, Sept. 18
Komodo Wednesdays | Wednesday, Sept. 18 | 8 p.m.-2 a.m. | Komodo Lounge | Free | Experience a free show at the Komodo Lounge featuring hookah, happy hours, dancing and much more.
Looks like Josey Records is expanding with a new store. Their Instagram has got Dallasites talking after a photo of a leased building in Garland area was posted. A date for the opening has not been announced yet.
Plan Ahead
McKinney does it big for Halloween. The town’s annual Creepy Coffee Crawl returns next month on Saturday, Oct. 12. Tickets are on sale now.
Eat
$9.36. That’s the average price of sandwiches in our state. According to Toast, Texas has some of the least expensive sandwiches. This is a good excuse to grab lunch at one of our favorite cafes.
Trending
We will get ‘em next time Cowboys. After a 16-win game streak, the Dallas Cowboys lost Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. The final score was 19-44, WFAA has the full play-by-play.
Real Estate
A French chateau-style townhome on 2828 North Hall Street has attracted attention due to its uptown vibe with downtown views. Take a peek at this D Magazine gallery.
Correction
In Thursday’s newsletter, we mentioned the new 2024 MICHELIN Key ratings for hotels with four being in Dallas. We also mentioned Austin and Fort Worth. Austin actually has eight Michelin Keys, and Fort Worth has two Michelin keys.
Sports
Mavs season starts next month at the American Airlines Center with the first home game on Thursday, Oct. 24. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Dallas Mavericks with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Number
22%. That’s how much auto insurance rates have increased over the last year. Stop overpaying + find a better rate when you get a free, no-obligation quote from Savvy.*
Art
From the lens of a photographer
From the lens of a photographer — Best places for photography in Dallas
What are the best photogenic places in Dallas? we asked local photographs to get the 411. | Photo by Matthew T Rader, via WikiCommons
Finding the perfect location for a photo in the Big D can be daunting. So we got to thinking — what are the best places for photos in a huge city like Dallas?
We asked local photographers D’Marcus McDowell and Justin Hoard for the answers.
Deep Ellum
The neighborhood is known for its history of jazz and blues music as well as its art, which can be found throughout.
Photographer tip from Justin Hoard: “ I shoot a lot in Deep Ellum and walk around all East Dallas just learning the area and its characters.”
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
Located in Plano, if you are fascinated with nature photos or looking for inspiration, D’Marcus says this park is right up your alley.
Photographer tip from D’Marcus McDowell: “In Plano, there’s this really great forest park called Arbor Hills Nature Preserve that you can go with anyone that likes to cosplay forest characters.”
I don’t know about you, but for me, the holiday season is officially here. I have already started putting up my Halloween decorations and buying my Trader Joe’s pumpkins for the season. Let me know, What symbolizes the holiday season for you?
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