About Dave Stotzer

Dave picked up his first camera during his high school years in Milwaukee, WI., and sold his first landscape photograph at age 18. After receiving his BA from Ohio Wesleyan University, Dave started working in the Chicago audio-visual industry where he was fortunate to study under several highly recognized portrait and commercial photographers  during the 1980's.  He also began shooting free-lance portrait, event and commercial jobs.

He moved to Gloucester in 1988, continuing his studies in professional photography and opening his studio, Cape Ann Photography. Dave built his reputation in "people photography” of all types over the years. He was encouraged by his portrait clients to expand into his current specialties. In a recent interview, David reflected:

“I’ve found that  asking people about themselves and really listening to them is one of the things I enjoy the most about my craft. When I have a true conversation with someone allowing them to open up, it lets me capture the essence of that individual. People are not just a portrait they are  a business owner, an artist, a musician, a high school senior…they are multidimensional and my studio has grown to accommodate them. I value the opportunity I have had to serve many of my clients over a number of  years."

Besides serving his clients for over 29 years in Gloucester, Dave's works have been published internationally in newspapers and magazines including Forbes, Sail, The Boston Globe, Art New England, Northshore Magazine and the Gloucester Daily Times. Photos have been printed in books by Putnam-Penguin, Reader’s Digest Condensed Books, Houghton-Mifflin, and the  Zygmund Jankowski Art Retrospective. Many additional photos have also been used in company advertising brochures, fine artist personal publications, annual reports, classical music program booklets, museum posters, CD covers for professional musicians, and company web sites. Recently he had as article published about his business work history in the winter 2018 edition of Cape Ann, North of Boston Life.

Outside the studio, Dave has been a member of the PPA (Professional Photographers of America) for over 20 years.  To him, giving back to the community is a vital part of his life.  A couple years ago he completed a nine year term on the Board of Directors of the Cape Ann Symphony Orchestra. He has also served on the Gloucester Rotary Club for many years.

Dave's wife Dani  assists him with business operations and on large photo shoots.