David Marcou's photographs are mainly "lens-gathered from found life." He's worked this way more than 30 years. He does not generally invent or overly direct his subjects or otherwise insert his personality. Marcou prefers to express the authenticity of life by his spontaneous style for street and event photos. In Marcou's own words, "[I] let the life of each subject flow into my lenses, as is, and shine forth from the images I've gathered."n Marcou's own words, "[I] let the life of each subject flow into my lenses, as is, and shine forth from the images I've gathered."Marcou's Influences
He gains inspiration from the British photographer Jane Bown, who also shares a similar approach to creating art. Other photographers who he feels have influenced his work include Bert Hardy, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Dorothea Lange and Edward Steichen. Although he has photographed most of his recent work in color, he often publishes them in black and white, preferring an emphasis on the underlying patterns of light and the simplified image.
Responsible for Many Publications
Marcou has made quite a name for himself through his publishing efforts. In addition to his 29 published books, including his award-winning "Spirit of America" series, he has published more than 1,000 written pieces and more than 2,000 photos. His work has appeared in major media sources including the British Journal of Photography, RPS Journal, The New York Times and Smithsonian Magazine. He has exhibited his work in La Crosse and Madison and in Seoul, South Korea and elsewhere.
Having studied journalism/photojournalism, history, literature and art at three Midwestern universities, his work embodies a holistic presentation of Wisconsin life. Primarily working in La Crosse, Marcou photographs a great variety of subjects including street scenes, local personalities, businesses and political campaigns. While many photographers neglect the mundane, Marcou's work celebrates the richness of everyday life in La Crosse and around the world.
David Marcou is a writer, father, former college instructor, and an avid and active Wisconsin photographer.
