Dylan Todd has been Watermark’s Creative Assistant and Photographer for nearly three-quarters of a year, but his quest to join Watermark’s staff began well before that.
In 2015, Dylan was impressed with the quality and community nature of Watermark and wanted to be a part of that mission. He logged onto WatermarkOnline.com and emailed the domain asking how his photography services could be used in the newspaper. He then posted the same inquiry on Facebook. At the time, a position was not open. Fast forward to March 2018, when Dylan won Second Place in the Watermark WAVE Awards for Favorite New Business in Tampa Bay with Dylan Todd Photography, a successful business he still operates today at
The Studios @ 5663 in Pinellas Park’s art district. When receiving his award at the Hamburger Mary’s Tampa WAVE Award celebration, Dylan again expressed his interest in working for Watermark. Still, no position was available. Although, Dylan was able to photograph for the cover of Watermark’s 2018 Wedding Guide and St Pete Pride issue, as well as freelance for a few creative designs for advertisers. As soon as a positioned opened up, Watermark jumped at the chance to hire him full time.
“Typically, I build ads for advertising clients, photograph portraits, events and editorial content for the newspaper,” Dylan says of his position. As to why he wanted to work for Watermark, he says, “I wanted to be in a place where I could include my passion—photography—with helping others in the community. Watermark affords me this great opportunity.”
Immediately after his hiring, Dylan took it upon himself to see how his talent could be used to benefit Watermark, its clients and the community. He concocted a plan to offer photography services through Watermark, allowing the company to expand its service in ways it had not previously done.
Dylan’s inspiration for photography comes from Fine Art portrait photographer and educator Philip-Lorca diCorcia. “His work is reflective of social commentary. He did a series on LGBTQ prostitutes and another of everyday people walking the streets of New York. His use of light distinguishes the subject from the environment,” Dylan describes.
His own work, he says, “was dark, dealing with how I viewed my identity in its relationship to LGBTQ society. It has evolved into a lighter, more flattering view of life.”
Dylan jokes about the perils of having two first names. “I’m often called Todd by mistake. That’s why my autobiography is called, ‘Todd – An Inaccurate Synopsis,’” he laughs.
Regardless of what you call him, Dylan’s talent is undeniable. This year he will accept the First Place WAVE Award for Favorite Photographer in Tampa Bay and Third Place in Central Florida.
Watermark is the collective product of a team of incredibly hardworking individuals. Over the next series of issues, we’re using this space to introduce each member of our staff and contributors to you. When you see us out and about in the community, stop and say, “Hello.” We’d love to meet you.
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