Name: Dashun Mack
School/grade level: Senior, Sparta High School
Passion: Photography
Sparta — From high-octane sporting events to senior portraits, Dashun Mack is enraptured by the way photography can stop time and seize special moments before they slip away.
The Sparta High School senior is well on his way to turning that passion into a career. He recently established his own photography business, TheMediaMack, where he’s using his chops to tell clients’ stories with each shutter click.
Learn more about Dashun:
What do you love most about photography? “The ability to capture moments that otherwise would be lost to memory.”
When and how did photography become such a big part of your life? Dashun first got some multimedia experience by participating in the high school’s Spartan News class, and then decided to take an advanced multimedia class at Grand Valley State University to learn more.
In addition to these courses, Dashun has long been inspired by studying the work of others in the photography field.
“Last summer, coming into my senior year, seeing fellow photographer Jake Szetela’s sports pictures was my biggest inspiration,” Dashun said.
This year, he’s taken photos for Sparta’s baseball, football, basketball, volleyball, track and tennis teams, along with photographing homecoming events and helping the district with livestreams.
A few related accomplishments: His business, TheMediaMack, recently became officially licensed and Dashun is excited about what that means for the future.
“I acquired my LLC recently, being recognized as a business in the state of Michigan and legitimizing my business,” he said. “I plan to expand and hopefully begin working directly with sports teams.”
Through his work with Spartan News and GVSU, Dashun has been able to create some projects he’s truly proud of, including a documentary about the high school’s basketball team, which Dashun created while playing on the team himself.
Do you plan to pursue photography professionally? Dashun hopes to keep leveling up his business by offering additional services and getting more experience with senior photos, wedding photography and family portraits.
What are your educational goals? First up is high school graduation. Then he plans to head to college, either attending Michigan State University or Davenport University. He hopes to minor in photography.
Do you have teachers or other people who have made a big impact? He credits his tech teacher, “Mr. (Chad) Wagner, who initially taught me most about editing and photography (and) videography.”
Wagner said he is impressed by Dashun’s drive and professionalism, calling the senior “creative and adaptable.”
“Dashun understands that to run a freelance business, you have to be consistent and reliable,” Wagner said. “He posts frequently on his social media page. He schedules photo opportunities on the weekends. He does all this while being a two-sport athlete and keeping up in his core classes.
“I am very optimistic for Dashun’s future and I can’t wait to see where life takes him,” the teacher added.
Other interests or hobbies? Dashun enjoys playing basketball and volleyball, which are also the same sports he photographs the most.
Read more from Sparta:
• Teaching is a ‘sacred exchange’ for Sparta educator
• Homeland Security cadet academy simulates real-life careers
