Welcome to our debut interview with photographer Mark Pugh. Although you may not have heard of Mark, it is an understatement to say that he is a very talented amateur photographer. Mark has been working and taking snap shots in the Washington, D.C., area for almost a decade and his work shows a uniquely sharp view of life. In fact, many of Marks shots virtually leap off the page and inject the viewer into his world of chaos, serenity and reality. We here at NetMist were very happy when Mark accepted our invitation to interview with us, so sit back and take a look into the life of Mark Pugh.
Bredet Williams [BW]: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
Mark Pugh [Mark]: Well, my name is Mark Pugh and I guess it’s safe to say that I don’t really have a particular style of photography. I really like to work with several different elements and environments.
BW: So Mark, where is home?
Mark: I currently am living in Charm City aka Baltimore City.
BW: If you could live anywhere on this awesome planet where would you build your dream home?
Mark: I think if I could build my dream home anywhere it would have to be alongside of a river in remote location somewhere away from the busy beat of city life.
BW: Did you go to school to study photography?
Mark: No, I didn’t go to school for photography. I would say that I am self taught by asking lots of questions and lots of reading.
BW: How long have you been a photographer?
Mark: I started getting into photography about 3 years ago when I made my first DSLR purchase and here I am now, many many dollar signs later.
BW: How would you describe your style?
Mark: I wouldn't say that I have one particular style. I started off more towards sports photography and have since branched out and added Wildlife, Landscape and B&W here and there.
BW: Do you have any recent images to share with us?
BW: Wow, those are some amazing shots you’ve got there. So, what type of camera(s) do you shoot with?
Mark: My first DSLR was an EOS Rebel XT (which I quickly outgrew in a matter of months). Since then I have purchased Canon's EOS 50D.
BW: Yeah, that Canon EOS 50D is a nice piece of machinery. Mark, what would you say is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
Mark: Well, that would definitely be my tripod. Any one who knows photography knows that if you want great images you need to be permanently attached to one.
BW: If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
Mark: Wow, tough question. Fast glass is important. You can spend thousands of dollars on a camera, but if you don't have good glass you won’t get great images. The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM would be my choice. Very wide angle, fast and delivers very sharp images.
BW: What lighting equipment do you usually take along on one of your shoots?
Mark: Well, I usually take my Canon Speedlight 430 and 580 EX II
BW: Can you describe how and when you use flash and natural light during your work?
Mark: Well, flash lighting is best used for indoor, night shots or for daytime shoots when you need fill-in lighting. In my experience, the most interesting use of natural light is discovered during longer exposure times when you can reveal light that the naked eye does not pick up.
BW: What is your most used Photoshop tool, plug-in, action set etc.?
Mark: Mainly I do some Vignette along with Gaussian blur.
BW: Ok Mark, here’s the tough question that all of our readers really want to know. Are you a MAC or PC man?
Mark: [chuckles] MAC for LIFE! Hands down, No comparison.
BW: So, I’m wondering do you plan on buying any new equipment and if so what do you have your eyes on?
Mark: Canon 5D Mark II will definitely be in my bag by the spring.
BW: How do you feel about cropping an image?
Mark: Well, I don't really have a preference. I tend to try and set my shots up so I have to do as little cropping as possible.
BW: What do you feel is the most challenging thing about photography?
Mark: Getting where you need to be to get that perfect shot.
BW: Do you have a website and/or blog that you visit often? You know something for our readers to check out?
Mark: I am constantly on www.the-digital-picture.com and Killer Photoshop Tips hosted by Matt Kloskowski
BW: What photographic organizations and or groups do you belong to?
Mark: Currently, none. I do think I have a magazine subscription or two...
BW: So, Mark do you advertise? If so where?
Mark: Yeah, I do advertise some of my work at markpughphotography.zenfolio.com
BW: What do you do for a living, since photography is really more of a hobby than a full time career right now?
Mark: Well, Bredet for the past 8 years I have been a Police Officer in Washington, D.C.
BW: Wow, that’s some intense work I’m sure. So, if you could work with any photographer, who would it be and why?
Mark: I would love to work with Ansel Adams. He was able to capture some of the most breath taking and sharpest images that are out there.
BW: Yeah, I have to agree with you on that assessment of Adams. So, my next question is are there still some things you’re still learning?
Mark: Everything. You will never know or master every aspect to photography. It’s a constant learning experience.
BW: Ok, Mark we’re going to get a little more personal here for a second. What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Mark: My family. Without them, who or where would I be?
BW: And your greatest fear?
Mark: Well, I’m sure everyone’s greatest fear is death, but for me my greatest fear is not living before I die.
BW: Well, that’s pretty deep for someone who works in such a dangerous environment. Ah, my next question is what is something that you’re saving up for?
Mark: My dream castle in the sky.
BW: What would you like to be doing in 5 years from now?
Mark: 5 years closer to retirement and married with children.
BW: No doubt about the retirement part. Ok, our last question, if you had one wish…
Mark: If I had one wish, I would wish that I could have told my Grandmother good-bye and that I notice and appreciated everything thing she ever did for me.
Well, I’d like to thank you for taking the time to sit down with me and share a little bit about yourself and your work. For our readers who want to know more about Mark Pugh and his work you can find him at:
