More about Mark
During my time at Otis Parson Art School I worked on getting my Bachelors of Fine Arts in Communication Design. After graduating in 1990 I did various intern jobs doing graphic design work before settling into my current position as the creative director at Body Glove International. Over the last few years I created Joyrides Art Company as an outlet for creative freedom with no outside distraction or burden of having to make money from it. It was purely for the joy of meeting new people and shooting photographs of the things I like. As I continued with Joyrides I was asked to join into another venture with two of my close friends Brandon Holstein and “Denver” Dan Begakis. We started up a company called “The Speed Merchant” that produces motorcycle parts and apparel geared to the Harley Davidson and Triumph crowds. My position with The Speed Merchant is to handle the creative and marketing activities.
How did you get introduced to photography? When did it become apparent that this was your calling?
I got introduced to photography when the photographer for Body Glove left. With the position open I jumped at the opportunity to expand my creative skills to a new medium. I had a little bit of knowledge of photography from taking a class in art school, but I still had a lot to learn! At that time I was shooting slide film so I was trying to figure out how to get the right exposures and what films to use. Most of my shooting at the time was to shoot our team riders out surfing or doing lifestyle shoots on the beach. I was fortunate to have two local surf photographers help me out when I needed it.
When sizing up a subject or shot, what’s the first thing you focus on?
Lighting. What time of day it is and how the subject is being lit up.
Capturing that perfect slice of time – how do you know where you need to be for a shot?
There are so many variables that go into capturing the perfect slice of time. Subject matter, lighting, angle of the shot, etc. Sometimes it’s just plain luck that plays into getting that perfect shot.
How have you evolved as a photographer from your first days at this craft?
Going digital. That’s the biggest jump in how my photographs have changed. The other part was the introduction to flash photography and my growing understanding on how to control light.
Your best shots, do they come from perfect planning or accidents?
My best shots did come from planning but it wasn’t what I originally set out to do and came out with a different look. Some of my best shots are by accident.
If you could shoot any event in the world…
I would have loved to have shot the 2012 Stanley Cup Championship game where the LA Kings won the Stanley Cup for the first time in Kings History!
How did you get introduced to photography?
I’ve always been interested in cars so it was only natural to take photos of what I liked for either ideas or inspiration. My photography skills progressed from there.
When sizing up a subject or shot, what’s the first thing you focus on?
Since most of my photography is what I happened upon, I focus on what I want in the shot first then immediately after I focus on what I don’t want in the frame. The latter is most often the hardest part to work around.
Capturing that perfect slice of time – how do you know where you need to be for a shot?
That usually happens right after I’ve missed that moment, but you remember the mistakes, learn from it and move on to making new mistakes.
How have you evolved as a photographer from your first days at this craft?
I started out just shooting cool cars or ideas I wanted to use on my own projects. Now I find myself shooting for other people. By that I mean trying to capture something that creates an emotion for others.
Best piece of advice you ever received about photography?
Don’t throw anything away. Even if it’s a horrible photo, look at it, study it, figure out what is wrong with it and what you could have done differently. Obviously, this is easier in the digital age.
From your experience, have your best shots come from perfect planning or accidents?
Accidents by far. Even if it was a planned shot, I learned how to reproduce it from a previous happy accident.
You’ve spent some time shooting at Bonneville, and you have a book aptly named Salt Shaker. How did this project come about?
I used to mail photo DVDs to friends as a way to share my photographs of the major shows and events I attended. However, some of these friends are PC handicapped or had no means to view a DVD. After my first visit to Bonneville I came up with the idea of making a cheap little book I could send to friends. I printed the first version at home and showed it to a few locals who encouraged me to make a serious effort at it to sell. The project grew from there.
From René Staud Photography: On the 25th-year anniversary of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Calendar, René Staud presents a special edition calendar of top-class cars. Since 1989 René Staud and his 25 man team devoted themselves each year to this automotive legend that celebrates its 60th anniversary. Since 1952, the SL model conveys fascination and myth. René Staud manages to capture these feelings again and again in his fascinating photographs, and with the anniversary edition he succeeded once again.
© 2011
Megadeluxe.
Best when viewed with a nice ham sandwich :: 
Twitter
Powered by Wordpress. Theme by Wpshower Customized by SemiBig
