We had the good fortune of connecting with Shoccara Marcus and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shoccara, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started my company because I found it hard finding a photographer that was experienced with dancers growing up. I remembered preparing for my college audition and wanting a photographer that would make sure my poses were polished and looked its best. Years later I find myself being that voice guiding dancers from one pose to the next in the studio. I did not think that the experience I encountered would inspired me to establish a company specializing in dance photography. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is that I am a dancer and a photography. I received my BFA in dance from Howard University and my MFA in photography from Savannah College of Art and Design (Atlanta). I step to the plate with knowledge that guides the dancer and I have fun doing it. I am most proud about my most recent shoot which was a project commissioned by Brown Girls Do Ballet called, Dance Atlanta!. This project consisted of 18 dancers from ages 8 to 40 being photographed in iconic locations around the city of Atlanta. From in front of the FOX Theatre, Jackson Street Bridge, Wooddruff Park, Arts Center Train Station, and the High Museum of Art. Dance Atlanta! is a set of 6 postcards available for purchase on the Brown Girls Do Ballet website. Funds from the cards go towards there studio grant to help a local dance studio.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The most exciting things to check out is the art scene here in Atlanta. I believe every Thursday there is either an art opening to check out. So I would take them to the Hammonds House, the Zucot Gallery, Arnika Dawkins gallery, and then if its a Friday night I would let them experience Friday Jazz at the High Museum. Those are just a couple of places I would hit up.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to Shoutout my Mother, Vernelle Marcus. She is amazing. She is strong, creative, and I would not be the person I am without this great woman in my life. I love her too much.

Website: www.shocphoto.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shocphoto
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoccara-marcus
Twitter: @shocphoto
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shocphoto
Youtube: www.youtube.com/shocphoto

Image Credits
Keith Anthony

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