you can appreciate how up close to the subject he really gets. Of course this style of photography also offers it’s problems as the general public aren’t used to a photographer at wedding who isn’t’ telling the guests how to stand, where to put their hands or when to smile, so often guests can’t get their head around what Mark is actually doing. Mark however, ignores them and finds that if he starts the day like this then everyone simply gets used to the style and relaxes into the day and forget that he’s in the background capturing the day. On average, Mark will take anywhere from 3000 to 5000 images per wedding due to ten to 14 hours he will work in one day. Jewish weddings are large with the biggest celebration happening in the evening with the dancing, so many images must be taken to insure the perfect moments are captured. It’s understandable as this particular photography style does not evolve any shots being posed or ‘set-up’ which you would find with classic wedding photography styles. Around 10% of these images will then be selected for the client’s viewing and editing is minimal. Photoshop is only used when he needs to straighten slightly, increase contrast or adjust the exposure. Predominantly, Mark will use Lightroom when creating his selection for the
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Bride and Groom. Due to this large volume of imagery that is required and the long working hours, Mark insists on taking a large amount of equipment with him to each wedding to ensure up-most professionalism as well as being prepared for every eventuality. Mark takes inspiration and influence for his particular style through many formats. He has an extensive collection of photography books with most of them based upon documentary photography. Competition entries for other photography organisations and Documentary style forums also give inspiration for him too, along with up and coming photographers who are new to the documentary style and who are delivering fresh ideas, dynamic approaches as well as pushing the boundaries of wedding photography. Concerning his own website, which was designed by himself, Mark is constantly adapting, editing and updating. He is highly conscious of SEO and making sure he is all the right words in all the right places as nowadays, photographers are forming out of highly IT savvy individuals. You may be a fantastic photographer, no matter of which field but you have to been seen by the public. All customers buy what they see, and this is paramount for Mark. He ensures his website is the best reflection of his work and is also easily accessible. Word of mouth and his website are Mark’s main
Creative Light - Issue 4