Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion The Water Cooler Some good fortune of late….

Like many here that have been busier during the warmer months, I've been here less often recently. My professional life has taken some recent turns for the better, and it's keeping me busy and smiling at the same time.

Some quick background: Ever since I was 12, I wanted to be a photographer….and was for many years….having only taken up video production for the last 15 of my 30 years in the field. I gave up still photography 5-6 years ago, though, as I was feeling bored and uninspired. I concentrated on video production, with which I was certainly busy enough. But there was a part of me that felt as though I "failed" at photography, since I went off on a different tangent.

I've gotten back into photography over the last year or so as I enjoy working digitally and with Photoshop. About six months ago, I started offering photography professionally again, and I've been busier than ever and with great types of work! I've been doing a lot of higher-end corporate portraiture, model shoots and now, in the last few weeks, concerts.

I've been made the "house photographer" for a large concert venue nearby and have all-access flexibility. I've only done a few concerts do far, and the shoots are challenging in that the Tour Manager determines how many songs of the performance myself and other media have access to. For instance, the first concert I shot (Goo Goo Dolls and Counting Crows) I was only allowed to photograph during the first three songs. Last weekend, I shot "Hippiefest" and was only allowed to shoot the first song from each of the eight or so performers! Upcoming concerts are Kenny Rogers Saturday and 311 on Sunday, and I have the Allman Brothers, Steve Miller, Alan Jackson, Eric Johnson, Charlie Daniels and several others for this season. This facility has had huge expansions this year and is expected to host very big tours next year. As important as music and photography have been to my life, I'm amazed that I'm suddenly combining my two loves! I wish this had hit earlier; maybe I would have had the chance to photograph and meet SRV.... but I'm thankful it's happening now!

Anyway, as we're all music lovers, I thought some of you might enjoy these. Take it easy with me, though… all of there are un-retouched, compressed JPEGS from the original RAW camera files!

Concert Venue (Goo Goo Dolls, Counting Crows and "Hippiefest"; password is " DM Meadowbrook " and is case-sensitive)

A Roomful of Blues concert (not at the previous venue; password is " Music " and is case-sensitive)

And finally, for non-music lovers, my last model shoot (warning, "R" rated; password is " Spiders " and is case-sensitive)

Fabulous work Mark, you are obviously awesome at what you do for a living. I admire people that actualy enjoy their jobs. Maybe someday I'll find that opportunity and can tell my corporate job to shove it. Some day I would like to be my own boss, if my wife will let me...

Good to see that you're enjoying the work, Mark, but does the Boston Symphony ever get up there?

Some nice shots, although i'm not so sure that last one rates an "R". In todays' society, i would say that barely makes a PG12.

Wonderful, Mark! I'm so happy for you!

I have been reminded - again and again - how many talents you must have to excel at photography. I think many people overlook not only the artistry, but especially the "people skills" and decisiveness required and focus simply on the craft.

Enhancing, creating and capturing the beauty of our world sounds like noble and satisfying work to me.

Love your work, Mark, and greatly admire your talent.

Congrats Mark on the new gig. Pics look great keep up the good work. Now can we really see your R rated work? lol

Congratulations Mark, this sounds fabulous. I admire your work and it is no surprise you have found success. It truly is a success if you can do something you enjoy and get paid for it! Very nice and I am looking forward to more concert pics as time goes on.

Wow, Mark! You're work is beautiful! Thanks for sharing it with us. I'm envious that you've been able to combine the things that you love most and make it into your profession. It's obvious that you're very good at it too! Please keep up updated on your future projects.