If you’ve spent any time in Ogunquit, or even appreciating the beauty of Ogunquit from afar, then there’s a good chance you’ve been exposed to the photography of David Sullivan.
Sullivan’s colorful compositions invite you on an idyllic journey through the picturesque magnificence of all the enticing hallmarks of Ogunquit, Maine. Craggy coastlines. Seething surf. Spring blossoms. Rainbow buoys. Weather-worn dinghies. Summer beaches. Pops of autumn foliage in Perkins Cove. Off-season splendor along the Marginal Way. And blankets of fresh snow covering Ogunquit’s cozy downtown.
Sullivan also publishes one of the most popular annual Ogunquit photography calendars; now in it’s 14th year. The 2023 edition includes 12 new images celebrating the beauty of the seasons of Ogunquit. Also a 2023 high tide chart + a bonus 2024 calendar at a glance. Perfect for anyone who wants to encounter evocative depictions of Ogunquit on a regular basis! Click here to purchase…
Now that the holidays are over and there’s a little bit of a lull in the always-busy Ogunquit activity calendar, we were able to track down Sullivan for a long overdue conversation about his photography and his life in our “Beautiful Place by the Sea”.
A conversation with Ogunquit photographer David Sullivan
Thanks for taking a little time to speak with me today. To start, can you speak a little to your background and the type of work you are best known for?
I started my photography business about twenty years ago. After escaping the corporate world fairly unscathed, I decided to turn my passion for photography into a second career. My work is simple, uncomplicated. I strive to capture the essence of Ogunquit, its natural beauty.
How has Ogunquit, Maine had an impact on your art?
I am a full-time resident of Ogunquit. Being in town year-round allows me to capture the splendor of each season – the color, the light, a mood, a moment. Ogunquit never disappoints. A walk along the Marginal Way, the fishing boats of Perkins Cove, our glorious beach…. Inspiration is in abundance.
I absolutely agree. There’s always some surprise around the bend in Ogunquit. I always say, if you visit Perkins Cove (or walk the Marginal Way) twice in one day, you’ll almost certainly have two distinctly different experiences. The quality of light. The clouds. The boats. The wildlife. The people. There’s always something to look at. For the next question, let’s change gears for a minute. If you could go back to the beginning of your journey as a photographer – what is the one piece of advice you’d give your former self?
Take lots of photos and beware of slippery rocks.
Excellent advice. Slippery rocks, indeed; especially down near the water in Perkins Cove and those ice patches hidden under the snow along a winter’s Marginal Way! Now you’ve taken quite an abundance of photos in Ogunquit, can you share a few details about one of your personal favorites from among your Ogunquit photographs with our readers?
A photographer often says his latest is his favorite and I do not disagree, but there are a few “oldies but goodies” I’m still very fond of. “Perkins Cove Truck” comes to mind. Several years ago, I was meandering around Perkins Cove as I usually do. Not a lot happening. I stopped to take some photos of the hand-made bird houses on the Harbor Master building when right in front of me a vintage International pick-up truck pulls up and out steps a gentleman who I would later find out to be the then assistant harbor master, Sonny Perkins. I say to myself “thank you very much” and start shooting.
There’s lots to do even when not carrying a camera in Ogunquit. Do you have a favorite Ogunquit shop or restaurant?
Although I do have quite a few favorites, I have never had a bad meal or service in Ogunquit. We have an incredible diverse offering to choose from and I like to support all of the locals. That said, memories with mom and dad enjoying a rum punch on the deck of Barnacle Billy’s in Perkins Cove cannot be beat.
Where can we see more of your work, David?
I am proud to have my work offered at several fine local shops. On The Main located downtown Ogunquit, The Blue Whale Trading Company in Perkins Cove and the gift shop at the Ogunquit Museum of American Art on Shore Road. As well as my website at dsullivanphotography.com.
Do you have one more parting thought to leave us with?
You asked me earlier about a favorite photo of mine. I think my truly favorite shots are the ones that evoke memories for those who have also come to love Ogunquit. Because I participate in all the local art/craft shows, I get to meet a great deal of the people who buy my work in-person. They share their Ogunquit stories with me, both happy and sad, often bittersweet. This emotional connection shared through my work is my very favorite thing about being a local Ogunquit photographer.
Ogunquit photography by David Sullivan. Click any image below for a larger view.
RELATED: Have you seen some of the AMAZING work and Ogunquit Art Colony history being shared at our Ogunquit Art Colony Facebook Group?
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