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Mark York
‘The Card Players, Sedile Dominova’
‘Girl with Cigar’
‘Largely self-taught, I began my career in photography by assisting some very good commercial and editorial photographers. This introduced me to working in the various disciplines of photography – including both studio and location work , and encompassed everything from portraiture and fashion, through to still life and product photography. This ‘apprenticeship’ gave me great experience, and of course, some further knowledge and the confidence to branch out on my own.
I started out by ‘testing’ fashion models - shooting pictures to update their portfolios and Z cards. This gave me (much-needed) confidence in working with, and taking pictures of people – and bore fruit later on in my career when shooting portraits for editorial clients. Then one day, on the advice of one of the photographers I’d assisted many years earlier, I went to see the picture editor of The London Evening Standard’s property supplement – ‘Homes & Property’, whom I got on with well, and who subsequently commissioned me on a regular basis to shoot interiors features for the newspaper. ( I hasten to add that my portfolio consisted of more than just pictures of beautiful models at this point…). I enjoyed the architectural and graphical design element in shooting interiors, and the regular publication of my work in this field gave me invaluable exposure, and introduced me to many architects and interior designers, which in turn led to further commissions.
I have always taken pictures ‘for myself’ whenever the opportunity arose on a commissioned shoot, and have been fortunate enough to have travelled widely, which has resulted in some very rewarding picture taking situations over the years. I am now beginning to exhibit my personal work on a more regular basis, which has included a recent showing of ‘The Card Players’ at the newly-opened Saatchi Gallery at The Duke of York’s Square in London. I hope to exhibit further work, and to continue shooting – on film of course, for many more years to come.’
Thank you and congratulations again to Mark York for entering his great photograph and for becoming October’s featured photographer! Don’t forget to take a look at the interview we had with York.
1. What inspired you to pick a career in photography?
I have always been inspired by the work of the masters of the medium – by the likes of Richard Avedon, Ernst Hass, Arnold Newman, Paul Strand, Irving Penn, and by many others that have so skillfully captured for posterity the beauty and wonderment of life.
2. What is your favorite film to shoot on and why?
My favourite film for many years was Kodachrome 64. For photographers and printers alike it was, and remains, without par for it’s colour rendition and overall sharpness. I am also a fan of Fuji’s Provia 100 transparency film for it’s tonal range, colour balance and ‘pushability’.
3. What film did you use for your photograph “The Card Players”?
If I’m shooting black and white it’s usually Kodak Tri-X, or Agfa’s APX. ’The Card Players, Sedile Dominova’ was shot on Fuji Provia 100, push-processed at +2 stops.
4. What kind of camera/cameras do you enjoy using?
One of my favourite cameras, and one that I used for many years, was the Olympus OM1. A great ‘system’ camera, very lightweight and compact in design, and with excellent Zuiko lenses. I also use, for medium format, the Mamiya 645 Pro. Again another great ‘system’ camera, very well-designed, the light enough to hand hold, which can be useful when shooting medium format ‘on the go’.
To get in contact with Mark York or to see more of his wonderful work click on his name below:
