Ben Marcum Photography

10/20/2026

how I became a photographer.
So this wasn’t my planned path in life.
I thought my entire career would be in the theatre.
I was just as surprised as everyone else when I ended up with a camera in my hand.
…and when I started, I wasn’t good. I didn’t really know what was doing with photography or business.
I learned (and am still learning) as I went.

10/20/2026

“Fashion you can buy, but style you possess. The key to style is learning who you are, which takes years. There’s no how-to road map to style. It’s about self expression and, above all, attitude.” —Iris Apfel
Portrait sittings are available in my studio. Contact me for details.
From a recent portrait session with DANIELLE MULLINS

10/19/2026

Makeup artist, how do you find a good one?
First thing is think about what style of makeup you need, but I assume with the question coming from a new photographer they are looking for something similar to mine.
After working with The Beauty Patrol Louisville Wedding Makeup and Wedding Hair for over a decade now, I highly recommend searching for wedding makeup artists in your area. Look for established artists who have a consistent portfolio and great reviews.

10/17/2026

Celebrities? Another creator claimed they are watching our videos. I don’t believe it, but am I shameless enough to test it? Absolutely!

10/16/2026

Bo***ir portraits, Louisville Kentucky.
Bo***ir can be elegant and beautiful.
Sessions are available in my studio. Contact me for details.
Portraits from Shirley S’well💋 sitting
Hair and makeup by Pam Jean of The Beauty Patrol Louisville Wedding Makeup and Wedding Hair

10/15/2026

Shirley S’well💋 is a burlesque performer, but that doesn’t mean she struts around as her stage persona all day everyday, but why not capture both personas?
For her classic portraits I suggest that the styling should be something that she feels like the best version of her self. Something that, when you wear it, you just feel amazing.
For that, she selected this beautiful, 50’s inspired, little black dress.
For the portraits I guided her as I do in posing and to get genuine expressions.
Then we moved to the stage persona.
“You know this character better than I ever can. Go full tilt” I said.
We started the music and she turned it to 11.
How wonderful is it to see two totally different sides of one person?!
We also created bo***ir images that I will share with you in the next couple of days.
Thank you, Shirley! The energy you brought to the studio was simply awesome! (…and I’m still finding ostrich feather everywhere)
Makeup by Pam Jean of The Beauty Patrol Louisville Wedding Makeup and Wedding Hair

10/14/2026

Spooky season!
These are a couple of still life vanitas artwork I created and I like to share them are d spooky season (I mean, they stay up in my house year round)
I will likely make new pieces in the future as well.

10/13/2026

Professional headshots in Louisville KY.
My name is Ben Marcum and I have been specializing in professional headshots since 2013.
As for social media, absolutely that is one of the reasons many professionals, doctors, lawyers, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, founders, venture capitalists, and anywho list of other people book sessions with me in my studio. They use them for social media, their websites, business cards, bill boards, books, speaking engagements, press releases, and so many other reasons.
I have space available and would be happy to update yours!

10/12/2026

10/09/2026

as of now I use all strobes for my work. I’m at a low enough power and close enough to my subject that refresh isn’t a problem 98% of the time.
At some point I may get the set up that Peter Hurley | Headshot & Portrait Photographer currently uses for headshots, the Westcott Lighting flex kit.
I think it could serve multiple purposes for me between headshots and all of the video I’m doing these daye.