ISPhotographic: Small Business of the Month

A photography class taught by Tom Shafer at West Lafayette High School was all it took for Dave Mason to know what career path he’d choose.

“He presented the material in such a way that he encouraged me to do my own thing with it,” recalls Mason, who today operates ISPhotographic at 505 Main St. in downtown Lafayette (www.isphotographic.com, 765/420-9621). “He handed me the basic skills and then said, ‘Now, take it and make it yours.’ It was a very personal approach.”

Art, Music His Life

During his high school years, Mason was also playing drums for a couple of different bands, and by 17, taking short tours in the Midwest. “I knew then art and music would be my thing,” he says.

Some odd jobs after high school were followed by a six-year stint at Berry’s Camera. “That allowed me to hone the craft, to learn more, to be immersed in the trade every day,” Mason says of his photography work. “I started taking on odd jobs more frequently, working from home, then I felt eager and ready to go out on my own.”

Opened Commercial Studio in 2004

He opened his own studio in 2004, with some former partners. Now, he’s a sole proprietor.

“I do product photography, straight-up portrait work and weddings,” he says. “I’ve found weddings are enjoyable, and I thrive on doing them.” He also photographs for other commercial needs and events.

“I value relationships over volume,” Mason says. “I try and treat each client as though they are my only client.”

Helps Downtown, Arts, Community Programs

Community involvement gives him an opportunity to help, and often leads to referrals for work, he says. Some of his community contributions include Family Services, Hanna Community Center, the Tippecanoe Arts Federation After School Arts Program and Friends of Downtown.

Paige Sharp, director of arts education and regional services at Tippecanoe Arts Federation, says, “Dave is part of what makes living and working in this community great. He is a genuine and talented, organized professional who is keenly aware that active personal and professional involvement is key to a quality community.”

“He is quick to jump at the opportunity to help out when we need things done,” says Ken McCammon, president of the Friends of Downtown.

While self-employment means “Sometimes you work when you don’t want to and sometimes not when you want to,” Mason says, “Doing what you want to be doing does certainly make up for the shortcomings.”

Willing to Travel

His primary service area is between Chicago and Indianapolis, sometimes as far south as Evansville. And now and then he travels further.

“I’ve gone to Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Seattle for weddings,” he says. “If people are willing to fly me, I’ll go.”

His goal: make enough to semi-retire in 20 years, at age 57.

Active Musician

Mason has kept his music interests alive since those high school years. About seven years ago he founded a band, Moonshine Mason and the Rot Gut Gang.

“I play the drums. We have done an assortment of gigs and events around Lafayette, in state and out of state.” The band plays 1950s through 1970s traditional country music.

“Right now,” he says, “music is my hobby and photography is my career."
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