Spotlight On: John Marshall - Light and Dark Photography

One of the key ideas behind the launch of the Creative Networks in South Yorkshire was to bring together artists in their own community and help combat the isolation that many artists feel simply through the very nature of their work.  Another aspect of the remit was to grant emerging artists the opportunity to receive the wisdom and experience of their fellow, more established, practitioners.

It is this final endeavour of the programme with which John Marshall of Light and Dark Photography in Barnsley can wholly empathise; it is the very reason he began attending the networks last year and, as a result of the people and chances available at the events, he has been able to take up opportunities he never thought possible so early on in his career.

John Marshall has a passion for photography that dates back to the age of 15 and his pride at being able to buy a camera and then build his own dark room by the time he was 18.  As most people can understand, 'passions' are often downtrodden in the pursuit of 'proper jobs' and as such, John's career became education and the sciences; photography was relegated to the back-burner.

Eventually, the passion re-emerged and John set about ways of making his 'passion' his profession.  After applying for a BDA grant in 2004, John became introduced to CIDA and its services, including the Creative Networks events and the mentoring service.

It was at a network event that John met two of the people who have helped to progress his budding photography career into a tremendous success.  The most recent network event focused on photography and digital imagery and featured a presentation from Rebecca Cruz, Creative Director of Images-4 Yorkshire who discussed her own experiences of setting up a digital image library for Yorkshire.  Rebecca actively encouraged submissions from Barnsley photographers and, as a direct result of the network and Rebecca's support, John's photography is now available for all to see on the Images 4 website.

Whilst John's main work at present concentrates on social photography; bridal and portraiture, for example, his long term career aim is to expand into the more commercial side of professional photography.  This opportunity came along at the same network event.  John was introduced to the designer of the Barnsleye magazine, Paul Cotney, and as a direct consequence of this 'networking', John has now completed work for the covers of both the Barnsleye and Huddersfield Eye Magazines.

As a result of his education background, John was able to build up his own website which he claims has been instrumental in his success to date.  With 40% of enquiries into his work coming directly through the website, the significance of having an online presence has been highlighted for all growing businesses.  In addition, the website provides a convenient and permanently accessible gallery in which John can showcase his work to existing and prospective clients.

Whilst John contends with finding his feet within the world of professional photography, the appreciation and admiration for his work is already paying dividends to John's confidence, both personal and professional.

To witness the growth of a rising talent and to see examples of John Marshall’s photography, visit www.images-4.com or contact John direct through www.light-dark.com, 01226 762788/07713630574.