Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/MarkHiser
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If you are looking for the "perfect, cookie-cutter" image that is controlled, posed and lighted the same for almost every person, you should visit a chain-store portrait studio.
If, however, you want to work as an equal creative partner with the photographer then you may enjoy working with me.
I approach our time together as a casual, creative collaboration. I do not "micro-direct" but encourage brainstorming, trying things out, and stretching ourselves. Sessions may be held in the studio or on location.
Your comfort and satisfaction are important.
I have two goals when I work with a client: 1) to create work we like, and 2) to have a good time.
We often start with head and shoulder shots then move to ideas we come up with together.
I prefer shooting "real people images." You, therefore, are encouraged to bring clothing, props, and accessories that reflect the real you.
I photograph portraits, senior portraits, fashion, casual, fitness, swimwear, environmental portraits, nudes, and more.
All models must sign a model release that grants both of us the right to use the images we create. I do, however, let you give me restrictions.
I e-mail you copies of the images as I work on them. Because I treat the whole experience as creative teamwork, I give you license to use the images as you desire. Furthermore, this work is done with no exchange of money. We both have a chance to learn, to try new things, and to get free images to use as desired.
If you are interested in serving as a model at some time, please contact me. Just give me some dates and we'll work something out!
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Though I consider myself largely self-taught, I have completed the Professional Photographer's course at the New York Institute of Photography. I have also attended workshops at the Maine Photographic Workshops, the Savannah College of Art and Design, and the Center for Photography at Woodstock.
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Artist's Statement:
“When we cultivate and refuse to separate those essential expressions of a human soul—our spirituality, sexuality and creativity—we feed the fire of our being, we find that place where the soul and the sensuous meet, we unfold.” (Oriah Mountain Dreamer, What We Ache For: Creativity and the Unfolding of Your Soul)
There are those who say photographers observe rather than participate in life. I, however, have discovered that the camera brings life into focus and leads me to a greater appreciation and understanding of the universe in which we live. Photography helps open me to the infinite variety and surprise of life.
I, therefore, want my photographs to reflect what is more natural and spontaneous, rather than what is "perfectly" planned and orchestrated. I want them to reflect a quiet and dignified love of the gift of life and to remind me that life is art, not business.
Finally, though I believe art is more than a simple representation of beauty, I lately have felt surrounded and overwhelmed by lies and deceit, the horrors of war and social injustice, and by the misuse of religion. Knowing that I find it all too easy to wallow in the ugliness of life, I now consciously work to remind myself that there is still beauty in this world. I, therefore, want my photographs to help me to find and share this goodness and beauty.
Mark Hiser
