dante marshall

Growing up you have this plan. You know exactly how things are going to go. Its like a step by step plan that you feel will go exactly like you want it to as long as you do exactly what you say you are going to do. as time goes on thing slowly start to change, evolve, transform into something a little different. Its not that you’ve gotten off track its just that the track is a little different than expected once you really start to move forward. Sometimes I have to remind myself that this is not a bad thing. Everything is not going to go exactly as you planned for it to go. Thats not important! The important part is making sure you keep going. 

Don’t worry about what those people say that have never been where you are going… They do not have much experience in your field. Build your empire and live your forever the best way you know how. After all, it is your life!

@dantemarshall

I was on the computer editing a project when Suai hit me on ichat and asked for my opinion on a photo she was planning to use along with the release of a song she was working on. Power (No One Man) I asked her to send me the song because at that time I had never heard it.

She sent it to me and before the song was even over I hit her back like yo… we should shoot a video for this… She agreed but mentioned the fact that we didn’t have much time… She was planning to release the song in a few days. Thats all we needed. The very next day we set aside a few hours to shoot a video for Power.

I’ve had the opportunity to work with Suai a few times for the past few weeks which has been pretty cool. The energy she brings on set is indescribable and if you ever have a chance to work with her I think you should hop on it.

A few weeks ago we shot this promo video for Big Sean.
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This is a 30 second promo commercial that we shot for Big Sean’s upcoming video “WUD”

follow me. @dantemarshall follow us. @theartdirection

cash rules everything around me…

If you let money control how much fun you have you will be miserable for quite sometime. Never measure your success with the same ruler you measure your money with. More money never means more success.

Honestly, the most exciting part seems to always be what you encounter on your journey to the money. The people you meet, the places and things you see, you learn so much… The ups, the downs and everything in between. Make sure you take time out to enjoy the long narrow road to success. Once you’ve reached what most would classify as success you realize that you’ve had to compromise, and sacrifice many times. on that journey. Stormy weather is not always a bad thing.

Some of you may not yet understand and may look at this entry like what kinda craziness is this fool Dante talking. You came here to see new photos/videos and he is giving a rev run speech. (He must be broke!) Lol, thats not the case. I’ve been pretty busy lately and I’ve neglected those that come to my blog looking for substance. Its always good to hear/read the thoughts of another artist just to make sure you are not going crazy and that you are still on the right track. Its a reminder that you are not the only one that is starting to notice the things that we have to give up or work on as artists. I do not get a chance to talk to my friends as much as I did when we first got started but when we do catch up it seems this is something that always comes up.

Once what was once a dream starts to develop and really shape into reality you begin to see the problems that come with being successful and even more problems arise when you realize what has changed because of the money. You’d think that once you get money you would have no more problems right? lol, things are moving fast, try your best not to lose control.

For those that are still seeking direction and are getting a bit frustrated when trying to figure out what the next step may be… Just remember to make the most of your situation and enjoy every last bit of your journey. Keep record of the obstacles you face on your way to the top… These are the things that shape you into the person you will turn into. People say they do not change when they get a little fame or success. I find this hard to believe. If you do not change how have you grown at all? Either way just roll with the punches and enjoy every last bit of it.

These things come and go. You do not want to be the only one in your camp that did not get a chance to enjoy it. Make sure you are moving in the right direction.

Oh and one other thing, I know that you think you have to work harder than everyone else to get to the next level. This is somewhat true but that doesn’t mean you cannot have fun. Make sure you take sometime out for yourself, spend time with those that you care about.

When you wake up in the morning you dont have to hop in the shower and get straight to work. Relax a little bit. wake up, fix breakfast do nothing for 20-30 mins… Clear your head and then get started. If you are always in a rush and you feel like you are running out of time then you probably are. Remember you are what you pretend to be. Just remember to take things at your pace.

follow me @dantemarshall. follow us @theartdirection.

Photo Credit: Dante Marshall

They keep telling me God has a plan for me… Something big is coming. If the coach puts me in the game its because he wants me to shoot, right? So imma keep shooting, duh! Idiot. lol…

A lot of photographers are afraid to take a chance. Light doesn’t always have to be even and you do not always have to see the face of your subject. Use what you have and keep shooting. (I think I left the set with a broken light after this shoot)

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photo credit: dante marshall

Things are moving fast, sometimes it feels like I have skipped a few hours in the day and a few days in the week. Thank you again for the support you all have shown over the years.

A few weeks ago I ran across one of the first clients I had ever worked with. coincidentally he stopped by the new photography studio, looked around and said looks like you are still at it… I was thinking to myself why wouldn’t I be? I am not doing it for anyone but myself. People get so caught up in trying to prove things to others they never take the time out to realize they are not even happy with the direction they are going in. You are not obligated to please anyone…

Make sure you know who you are working for. Work hard. Only put your foot on the brake at red lights and stop signs. if the light is green I recommend you go full speed. As my friend P.L. would say… NO BRAKES!

photo credit: dante marshall

Keep it natural… Sometimes we don’t need all the extra stuff.

photo credit: dante marshall

My new website is 90% done. I have been without a personal portfolio site for awhile now. Close to a year. We have been working pretty hard to get my personal site up as well as the studio site up so hopefully I will be able to get those together by the end up this month.

Luckily I have a blog, facebook, and twitter in which i utilize to stay relevant.