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Ann Marsden and the Spiritual Craft of Photography

By Trent Gilliss | Monday, July 9, 2012 - 2:44pm

"I picked up a camera in journalism class, and it was truly spiritual."

The 55-year-old photographer Ann Marsden passed away last night after a protracted battle with cervical cancer. We've had the honor of working with her many times over the years. Her passion for her craft inspired all of us at On Being, and we’ll miss her deeply.

Ms. Marsden should have the last word. Be sure and watch the video above as she describes her own creative process and off-angle approach to photographing and seeing the world.

photography, craft, art, obituary

9 Comments

Thank you for this. I'm

Permalink Submitted by Cam Mannino on Sat, 2012-07-14 07:30

Thank you for this. I'm older than Ann and just a few years into my exploration of photography. I wish she'd had longer to break her own rules but I'm grateful that you shared her thinking about her art with me. I can tell that you were lucky to have known her personally.

Thank you for documenting the

Permalink Submitted by Christopher on Tue, 2012-07-17 11:10

Thank you for documenting the work and words of inspiritation from this wonderful human being and artist.

She was a great artist and,

Permalink Submitted by Leah White on Thu, 2012-07-26 01:24

She was a great artist and, we know that her passing will not only leave a void in our lives, but a great loss to photography world also.

I watched this three times

Permalink Submitted by Diana Greene on Sat, 2013-02-02 18:48

I watched this three times already and it's only my first night knowing Ann Marsden. As a photographer myself and a curious person also in love with shoulders and places and lines of light, I am illumined by this piece and I thank you.

Love her work and her words.

Permalink Submitted by Diana Greene on Tue, 2013-02-05 13:22

Love her work and her words. Ann inspires me in all ways. Knowing now of her passing, the motto she delivers at the end takes on greater weight - "If you haven't done it yet, you probably should go and do it." Thank you.

Such an inspirational video

Permalink Submitted by Esenam on Fri, 2013-02-08 20:20

Such an inspirational video to me personally. What a mature and emotive artist. I just learned so much from her words.
thank you Ms. Marsden.
Chicago Wedding Photographer

When I click on the video is

Permalink Submitted by Kathleen Cacouris on Wed, 2013-02-27 16:29

When I click on the video is states that it is private

So sorry Ms. Cacouris, I see

Permalink Submitted by Susan Leem on Wed, 2013-03-20 14:07

So sorry Ms. Cacouris, I see that the owner of the video has changed the privacy settings, and it will not be accessible on any site that it is embedded on. We'll do our best to find a replacement.

I love photography and

Permalink Submitted by Jessica on Tue, 2013-04-16 04:14

I love photography and videography that is why i landed this kind of Job. it's really my passion make beautiful memories with the people that I know...

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