I was out playing with Mr. Peabody a few weeks back, and my way better half, Lucianna, came out hands on hips, looked at me and said, “I don’t know if I should kill you or kiss you”, and walked away.
Earlier in the day a 20×30 print, of a photograph I took of a horse named Nemo, arrived at my house and I push-pinned up on a wall, evaluated it as an acceptable effort, and went outside to ride. Lu, as it turns out, felt it was more than acceptable, and was both happy I had finally taken a step in a new direction, and angry, that I have wasted 10 years, while living a rural life, not creating more Nemos.
Nemo pinned up
We probably had the same conversation every 3 or 4 months since we moved to Saratoga Springs; Lu telling me I have “photography talents”, above and beyond my architectural photography work, and should be out, creating some “art”.
I’ve been a photographer, for what amounts to, my whole life, and Lu and I had some of our best times while I was doing my college thesis (School of Visual Arts grad, 1985, thank you very much!) on nighttime architectural photography, wandering through train stations at midnight, beaches at 4AM, and on the roofs of buildings in NYC (and running from some very wolf like dogs). I didn’t consider it art, but it was close. Since college, I shooting architecture for magazines, architects, and interior designers, for going on 20 years, could not be convinced by Lu, that I had had art in me.
Lu's Feet 1984
Inspiration and guidance can come when you least expect it, and between Lu’s encouragement for over 10 years, and a few words from Maggie Mistal career counselor,while standing outside the Carnegie Deli, about combining my love of horses and love of photography, I felt a new ember start to glow. We were in NYC for an interview on the Maggie Mistal Show Making a Living (on Martha Stewart’s Sirius Satellite Radio Channel), about our careers and our latest book Paint Saves the Day. I had expressed to Maggie, after the show, that while my photography career was fine, I really wanted to spend more time riding my horse.
More the inspiration was drawn from some very talented photographers/twitter friends (@lecheval, @equinoxphoto, @thepamkoo, @lovemyponies @gimmeadream among others), and a Facebook friend, Bob Pruitt, from Infohorse.com ,who always had nice words about the photo’s I posted on his site. I have finally decided to fling my cowboy hat into the ring of “fine art” photography.
Don’t worry my few, faithful readers, I will re-start my adventures with Mr. Peabody later this week, but you will notice that the look of my blog site has changed a little. Up top, there are links to some of my portfolio images, and the My Blog button is over on the right. Take a few minutes to look at the pictures if you’d like.
I’d appreciate if you can take time to leave a comment, and re-tweet or send this to a friend. I will pick one person who comments, at random, and send them a matted 11×14 print of any image (their choice) on my site. Thanks!
“My Portfolios”
Off we go, on another adventure! 
PS: She didn’t kill me.
Your kind mention in your blog has come on a day when I was feeling quite alone and down in the dumps having found out I haven’t been chosen for a job I have been hoping for.
Thank you for the mention and for the kind words. I do very much believe you have “the eye,” which is not something a photographer trains for; it is something you are born with, an innate way of looking at the world through one’s heart. But you also have a way with animals that is such a plus since you see them with affection, humor and respect.
I am sure your growing number of fans will raise their voices to continue to encourage you.
Well deserved, indeed!
Thanks Pam. Sorry you had a bad day. I personally, really appreciate that you always read my drivel. Chin up!!! Let me know which is your favorite
Amazing photography Mark – you are an inspiration! Congrats – love hearing your story and so glad I could be a part of it. We also did some “yet to be aired” career coaching around your interests and talents . Hope that was helpful too!
Would you mind if I made this into a guest post on my blog?
Hi Maggie. Thanks for your compliments. You set me on a course with some good sound suggestions. Feel free to re-post anything on my blog you think might be useful. Which is you favorite?
Love my photo of Nemo -
Love that Nemo too!
I too think you have talent!
Thanks Gimme. Nice to have you as a fan!
LOVE your work, and kudos on remaking your life to do what you love and are so obviously gifted at. Love the Nemo print and am looking for some horsey art for my home (we have a photogenic paint mare I’d love to have some shots of!)– can’t wait to see the terrific stuff you put up next!
Thanks Deb. The Nemo is good. Can’t wait to frame it and hang it for real. Send me a shot of your mare. Maybe I can make a field trip.
It took you this long to figure out what you were doing was fine art. DUH!!!!
You Got TALENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love the pics.
Peace my Friend
Love, Laura
OK, now I never claimed to be all that bright (or maybe it was all those falls off Mr. Peabody).
Thanks!
Hi Laura,
Thanks for taking the time to look. When are we going to ride again!!!!
Hey Mark, I remember you taking a lot of sports pictures back in high school and they were great. So you have more talent than you think.
Hi John. Thanks so much for checking this out. Yes I cut my teeth shooting sports in High School. I guess I will actually never grow up. Hope all is well with you. Keep in touch!
Mark,
I’m overjoyed that you have had this “epiphany.” You are such a talented guy and I’ve been a fan for years. Follow your bliss, baby!
Kathie
Thanks Kathy. When the economy falters it’s time to re-invent. It might as well be doing something you love! Great to have you as a fan.
Mark…where would you be… if on that eventful day of being dragged …I did not tell you that “He” (Mr.P) was the horse for you???? You both have come a long way together and I am very happy to see what you two do together….Keep up the blogs and the work..remember everyday is a new learning experience!
Hi Denise. You are 100% right. Best thing I ever did, getting that black horse! It’s been a long haul, but we are finding our way. Thanks so much. I think it’s time for a field trip to Dream Catcher for me and P.
The pictures were wonderful and I’m glad you shared these photos with your friends. I still have the one you took of Dunder and it is one of my favorites. Keep them coming!!!!
Hi Deb. Thanks for that. Let’s set up a date to due more shots of Dunder!
Mark – I am so delighted to see your work – you know I am a HUGE fan!! I look forward to seeing more of your images…….
Thanks Tracy. There will be many more to come!
Being an hooved animal, I struggle with camera use. That said, your photos are lovely and I look forward to seeing more images as well as reading your continued updates about dear Mr. Peabody.
I’d like to link to your blog in my reading list . . . may I, and would you consider doing the same for me?
http://www.BraysOfOurLives.com (me)
http://www.PuddleRun.com (my human)
Ears to you,
Fenway Bartholomule
Hi Fenway. Pleased to meet you. Hooves do make many things hard, but that doesn’t mean impossible. The best among us find a way! Happy to list you under Sites We Like. I’ll be checking in @ http://www.Braysofourlives.com. Me and Mr. P.
these pictures speak to the heart…absolutely beautiful
Thanks Deb. As you know, it’s easy to do the things you love. Thanks for looking .
Gansevoort indeed! Brand new Stewarts.
Mark what a wonderful job you have done with the the pictures they are amazing, I just love them. Hope to see you both soon.
Denise.
love the pic – Are you at Stewarts in Gansevoort?
Thanks Denise. I have the Albert Einstein look going quite well now so you will be seeing me soon!
So happy for you Mark – glad to see you follow your heart. It will be an amazing journey and we’re all proud of you. If you’re ever in BC, there are 2 Arabians who would love to meet you:) xo
Thanks Lovemy. We may have to meet 1/2 way with the Arabians. I’m not sure I’m allowed across the border since a little travel 15 years ago.
She’s smart, that Lu! She’s super right about your talent. What insight and what feet!