Life & Work with Marcus Wynn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcus Wynn.

Hi Marcus, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Originally, I was a photography major in high school at Cleveland School of the Arts in Cleveland, Ohio. This only lasted for one year; however, little did I know it was the beginning of a legacy. I didn’t touch a camera for almost six years but one day, it crossed my mind to purchase a DSLR camera to get back into it. This also did not last long as the everyday runaround of college did not allow much free time. Fast forward another year or so something in my head clicked. I realized I could turn this natural talent into a source of income if I put in the work. Inspired by many creatives in the Jackson, MS area where I attended school, one morning, I woke up and decided to make it happen. I went on amazon and maxed out my $500 limit credit card to purchase equipment in order to begin taking “studio style” photos. I continued with this entry-level equipment for almost a year and I noticed my work was progressing as well as my support.

Luckily, I had many supportive individuals around me who believed in me and gave me ample opportunity to perfect my craft. Not too long after, it was time to invest in better equipment such as a full-frame camera (Canon 5D Mark II), studio strobes, and other necessities to deliver high-quality images to paying clients. It was at this point where I notice a significant jump in quality and clientele. What started as a hobby turned into a lucrative side-hustle and began to take the campus of Jackson State University by storm. I have to give credit to the individuals who really taught me a lot about the studio photography world. From editing to lighting to the business side of things, I can truly say that with the help of these people, I was able to grow to the point of being booked in and out of state on the regular basis for years to come. Those individuals to which I obtained a substantial amount of knowledge and wisdom within the industry are Twane Hatfield (IG @vintag3god), Brian McKenny (IG @bryan_mckenny1), Terrence Thompson (IG @cooperdinero), and Tobias Juan Cooper (IG @juan.plato).

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As any creative knows, the road is far from smooth. There were plenty of great months but also just as many trying months. I had to constantly remind myself to stay focused and continue to soak up every bit of knowledge I could to perfect my craft. There were times where I did get burnt out from the sudden influx of clientele and there were also times where I got distracted from photography as a whole. Things such as a lack of experience in some situations definitely kept me humble, all while making things more difficult also taught valuable lessons about the industry and myself along the way to shape me into an overall better photographer.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a photographer that specializes in beauty, lifestyle, and portrait photography. I grew my brand from a lot of birthday shoots and graduation shoots originally, but along the way found a niche in beauty photography. This style attracted me mainly because of the clean and eye-catching looks they provide. I am most proud of the amount of noticeable progression I have achieved in such a short time but most importantly, my work ethic to overcome complacency and strive to still improve myself in all aspects. I believe the thing that sets me apart from others is my humbleness and willingness to help others. Those who are working and seeking knowledge just as I was and will continue to do. I am a believer that no one can achieve greatness alone, as I have lived first-hand, so I will always do what I can to pull others up and put them in a place to grow their business/craft whenever possible.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I would have to say that most people don’t know the number of hobbies and talents I have along with photography. Most of the things I have done over the years I don’t promote but a phrase that describes it would be the “Jack of all trades.” Outside of photography, I majored in Computer Science, so the tech world is very familiar to me on top of things like cell phone repair, gun building, graphic design, “Mr. Fix-It” around the house, cooking, golfing, and fitness.

Pricing:

• Mini Shoot (1 Hour) – $300
• Basic Shoot (2 Hours) – $450
• Half Day (4 Hours) – $850
• Full Day (8 Hours) – $1500

Contact Info:

• Email: wynningshots@gmail.com
• Website: https://wynningshots.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wynningshots/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wynningshots/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcus_wynn15?lang=en