08/24/2022
An update from David Frank Photography, and the move to Edmonds:
Dale Sutton, the owner of Magic Photo, has been my business partner for nearly a decade with our seasonal Santa Photos in Downtown Edmonds. Dale is an incredible Photo Lab Expert and a bit of a mad scientist. I am convinced he can mix any chemical correctly and figure out any piece of equipment or gear, no matter how old or complicated. His Development of Prints is the best I have ever seen. This September, I will join Dale in a new Studio venture on Sunset Avenue in Edmonds (next to the Cascadia Art Museum). I know the studio will be called Sunset...something. Maybe Sunset Studio, maybe Sunset Photo, maybe just Sunset...we will have to figure that last part out. This is a venture that has been a long time in the making. I first began talks regarding this idea, well over a year ago, after Dale approached me with the idea of joining him as a Photography Studio Manager. Since then, I have spent a lot of time at his current studio on the outskirts of Edmonds; helping in the Lab with Film Development, Restoration Projects, and also running a few Studio Sessions here and there (as the pandemic has lifted). I have also been carefully considering what a business move would look like for David Frank Photography. I have built this business over 20 years and with that has come the development of my own design and style signature. That signature is a part of me and will remain. I am, however, looking to let it evolve and expand beyond the business name David Frank Photography. I'll come back to more of what that means in a minute.
A lot is happening right now as the move for me draws near. My sister, Elizabeth Frank, is an incredible artist and I have already "borrowed" a lot of her work to help fuel some of the projects that are soon to begin. Dana Little, with Cakewalk Co., has been a great resource and will be helping me to keep on track this first year. I am also hoping to utilize her for help in studio decoration and style. Jeremy Wingfield has been a great advisor in regards to studio space and Construction Biz advice and just all around therapy during the last year...oh, and also vehicle provider. Brenda has been available to help anywhere: studio renovation, assistance in the Lab, and also been the book keeper on the budget (as it's been a bit of a hit making this transition). In the studio, my daughter Reagan Frank, has managed the bulk of patching and painting. My daughter, Bostyn Frank, has picked up the paint brush as well and has begun helping with Photo Preservation projects. Jenna Rutherford has also been available whenever we need a hand. Juan Parra with JP fencing and decks has spearheaded the restoration of the space and has also helped whenever he has been asked.
Of course, Dale Sutton and Beth Sutton have spent countless hours in front of the scenes and behind the scenes. They are the owners of this great establishment. I want to make sure I do everything I can on my end to help make it awesome.
I am excited to share a lot of fun projects that I have been working on. Those will be unveiled soon. The "evolution" I spoke of earlier is this: I am looking to expand and form a community of those interested in photography, to offer guidance and/or support through resources and education: A "Camera Club" is in the works. I am excited to invite anyone who wants to be a part of it (more will be revealed on that soon). I am also excited to invite numerous talented Photographers and Artists to showcase their works and their ventures. We want to be an added support system for them and to provide a space where they can help influence others. I also look forward to having a ton of fun Photography Sessions for the public that are hosted by great local photographers.
Stay tuned...
