We’re looking forward to introducing you to Marcia Ward. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Marcia, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Speaking strictly to the work side of my life I would describe my business as highly diversified and thus I wear a number of different hats during the day. The Image Maker began as a commercial photography studio. It still very much is, but I’ve taken on a number of additional roles besides photographer. As a photographer I specialize in the photography of art, portraiture, architecture, events and weddings, though I am not limited to these genres. I usually begin the day by getting ready for a photo shoot or completing work to wrap up a job.
I am also a wedding officiant so there may be a variety of details I have to attend to concerning a wedding.
The Image Maker is also actively involved in small press publications and co-hosting spoken word events, so there may be something in that department that needs tending to. By 10 AM my head is usually spinning.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I describe myself as a Soloist. I have had a business, The Image Maker, since 1992 and it has been a wild and fun ride. I started as a commercial photographer. My business partner and husband, Ed Ward, was a creative and energetic poet, writer, storyteller, producer, publisher and master of ceremonies who infused a wide variety of artistic events and experiences with a different dimension of The Image Maker. He was very active in bringing live spoken word to the Denver community up until 2020. Sadly, he passed in 2023 and I have been trying to resurrect some of his energy into the area of literature. I feel I’m just getting my footing in that endeavor while keeping the photography end of the business healthy as well. The Image Maker’s mission is to provide quality photography services and be supportive to the creative and artistic community that is Denver.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
I believe the cultural shift that took place from the 60’s on taught me most about work. Feminism has had a strong influence on women whether they actually adopt the concept or not. Women are now equals in the work place and they must work every bit has hard as a man. Work is rewarding and when you give it your all and become fully invested in making your career of choice successful, one has a lot to be proud of. I think a work ethic is fundamental: honesty, integrity and hanging in there during the fun and the not so fun times.
I’ve also learned so much from the people who are my clients. I’ve been lucky to work with successful and talented artists and they inspire me to contiue to hold creativity and art as meaningful aspects of life.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The most difficult part of my life was losing my partner and husband after 45 years of collaboration. Besides creating a family together we were business partners and artistic collaborators. I have had to embrace the fact that life goes on and we all have to make the best of the very short time we are given. Work is my therapy. I have had a successful business and it always takes a great deal of time and effort to keep it going. So I dive in and have had to take over many of the jobs Ed did for the Image Maker including being the business manager. Before, I was the photographer, and now I also am the bookkeeper and manager. I take care of all aspects. The challenge helped me through the grief.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
I’ve had a studio for 32 years and some of the trends that I see in the photography business just don’t work for me. I’ve never found social media to be of any value when it comes to business. My work is mostly generated by referrals and networking. I think social media can be really beneficial for interpersonal relationships but I don’t think it necessarily works to increase business.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
I build strong alliances with the people I work with. Some of my clients have been with me for the entire life of the Image Maker and we have created special bonds. So business often crosses over into friendship and I would hope, if I retired tomorrow, our friendships would continue.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theimagemaker.qwestoffice.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20image%20maker
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@marciaward7685
Image Credits
All photos by Marcia Ward/the Image Maker Denver
