As a volume photographer, Mark works with a diverse community of photographers at Arthur Reed Photo. Many photographers take up volume photography to work the seasonal peak periods for end-of-year events and school photos. Many see volume photography as a secondary source of income. Mark has found that in recent years, more and more professional and seasoned photographers are undertaking volume photography. While an efficient process is involved, volume photography is just as creative and demands creative applications of skills to get the most out of the subjects.
As the Photography Manager at Arthur Reed, Mark is responsible for recruiting photographers to join the team. He looks for photographers with the technical capabilities and creative eye to master the genre. Beyond these skills, the photographer must have the right personality to work with various subjects, from kindergarten to middle years to adulthood. Despite his leadership role, Mark still works hands-on with schools and takes school photos.
Mark’s earliest involvement in photography was watching Steven Spielberg and George Lucas's blockbusters in the cinema. He loved watching the movies for their creative genius, the power to transport your imagination and the sense of escapism the experience provided. It inspired him to use a Super 8 analog video camera to create short films and animations with friends. Mark’s first experience with photography began when his parents gave him a point-and-shoot to take on camp in year 8. Later, in year 12, Mark took photography as a final-year subject and loved working in the school darkroom, where he spent many hours. He learned the fundamentals of his craft on a K1000 film camera he still owns today. After high school, Mark studied photography at the New York School of Photography, which had an office in Australia. His studies were all conducted via correspondence, with instructional VHS videos arriving in the mail and Mark’s images being submitted via post. In response to his submissions, Mark received audio cassettes from an instructor who provided feedback and critique.
During our discussion on The Camera Life Podcast, Mark talked about his love of personal photography outside of the requirements of work. He was drawn to landscape photography, especially as his job required him to travel to regional and interstate locations. He loved driving long distances and seeing a spot that caught his. He took the time to stop and capture images. On the topic of finding creativity in a strictly defined genre, Mark talked about his role in Arthur Reed Photo. Mark runs a monthly photography competition for the photographers in his team to encourage them to get out and shoot for themselves. Mark joins in the challenge, and the images are anonymously critiqued. The idea is to get them out of the work mindset and take creative shots to influence their growth and skillset further.
Mark’s volume photography experienced the shift from film cameras to early digital. He found the drop in image quality during the initial years disheartening. However, despite the steep learning curve, he has embraced new camera technology and moved with the times. Now, Arthur Reed Photo is shifting from Nikon to Canon mirrorless technology, and Mark has found mirrorless technology to be impressive for work such as his. Volume photography is fast and demands accuracy at the moment - especially in graduation ceremonies where you have a few seconds to capture the shot. He expressed the need for volume work to make the most of the more automated features, including eye-tracking, especially when photographing kids at play.
Aside from his day-to-day work at Arthur Reed, Mark is a professional judge and has been judging photography competitions for over 20 years. As a photography judge, Mark is looking first and foremost at the image. He considers if the image has impact and depth, if it tells a story, and if the given genre is complex or challenging. As a judge, Martely aware that camera club members don’t always have access to post-production solutions. In his role, he aims to be diplomatic, encouraging, and understanding as, for the most part, camera club members aren’t professionals. He will always provide feedback and essential suggestions to elevate the skill level and confidence of the photographer.
Mark believes that photography is at a point where the technical aspects of image-making can be approached second. In the past, you wouldn't get the shot if you didn’t understand the technical needs of a camera, composition, or exposure. Today, Mark is more focused on the art of an image and whether it tells a story or if a moment has been created. Storytelling is a key focus for his judging, and he will even talk with the photographer to understand the intention and process. Mark pushes participants to go beyond the technical and look for the moment that captures the essence of the image. An image doesn't always need to be technically perfect to be a good image.
“I’m proud of my photographic and professional journey, hasn’t always been this way, and I’m at a stage where I enjoy giving of my knowledge and experience. I think that’s why I’ve ramped my judging and presenting at Camera Clubs recently and appearing on your podcast was a really nice way to end the year for me” - Mark Bloot’hoofd.
Mark has recently been inspired to undertake a passion project. Photography can be a solo pursuit, and gaining inspiration from the community is essential. Mark shared with us that he would love to create a slide show on multiple screens in a big theatre with a live orchestra. It would be the ultimate combination of sensory image-making.
If you’re unfamiliar with The Camera Life Podcast, be sure to take a look at our YouTube channel for the latest episodes and, of course, our back catalogue of weekly shows. Our shows are also available on popular audio podcast platforms. If you like what you see, please give us a thumbs up, Subscribe to The Camera Life, and click on the bell icon to receive notifications of upcoming shows. If you want to look closely at Mark’s work, check out the link below.
