BIOGRAPHY

Mark Robert Halper is passionate about everything he does. A professional photographer for two decades, Mark has built a successful career in a competitive field by bringing a consistent vision to a diverse client base. Mark thrives on the variety in the projects he tackles. “Every day is something different doing exactly what I love,” Mark explains. Mark's photography has evolved to include a number of personal projects, several of which have been exhibited as fine art.

Recently, Mark expanded his clientele to include families and children. He brings the same creative perspective to that work as he does to his fine art and commercial photography.

"I take out everything that isn’t absolutely necessary, until the only elements that remain are those which are entirely essential; the best photographs are usually the simplest. It’s about getting something honest out of who I’m shooting” and even the most challenging personalities come across as relaxed in his images.

“The most important consideration is the intent of the photo. The process begins by understanding how the image will be used and what it is meant to communicate, which always takes branding into account. Every commercial image I create is designed to sell a product or a service, and a good photographer will always keep that in the front of his or her mind.”

Mark has a particular talent for arriving on location and making great images with what is on hand, based on what needs to be communicated. In fact, most of the images on this website were not planned out in advance.

Mark sits on the advisory board for the Art Institute of California - Hollywood, has frequently been invited about his work to groups of industry professionals such as APA, ASMP, PPA and the Northwest Arkansas Art Directors Club. He has exhibited his photography in venues that range from the Acrlight Cinemas to the Beverly Hills Country Club and was selected to be part of the Palm Springs Photo Festival slide show competition. He has been profiled twice in Rangefinder Magazine, most recently in January of 2010 for his fine art photography, has had his work twice featured in ISM magazine, and is a frequent guest on the Lightsource Podcasts. He has been profiled by Hasselblad for his use of their equipment as part of his Low Overhead personal project, and is a Dynalite VIP.

Mark has his own visual perspective. “When I’m setting up, people often don’t at first understand what I’m doing. When they see the test images they get this quizzical look on their face, as if they’ve never before seen that particular corner of their own office or home. Then they smile. They see something that can only be communicated visually. They see what I see; I’ve influenced the way they look at the world.”

COMMERCIAL CAPABILITIES

About Us
Mark Robert Halper Photography is a full service commercial studio. Mark is equally comfortable both in studio and on location, and shoots for a diverse range of clientele. With two decades of experience as a working, professional photographer, Mark understands that commercial photography is first and foremost about meeting the needs of the client. We believe the key components to good business relationships are simple. We do what we promise, for the cost we promise, deliver the best work possible, and do it on time.

Production
Mark works on both simple and complex projects, and can handle all aspects of your production (such as make-up and hair, prop and wardrobe styling, location scouting, rental and permits, catering, organizing castings, talent, etc.). We believe in making sure all the necessary details and contingencies are covered, while still keeping the shoot as simple as possible to avoid unnecessary costs and complications. We maintain a comprehensive professional two million dollar insurance policy for your protection on any shoot we do.

Costs and Budget
Our rates are based on the type of job, how the images will be used, the time involved, and the level of difficulty. Projects are bid on a job by job basis. We bid many of our projects on a flat fee basis to keep the process as simple and predictable as possible for the client. We understand our clients prefer to know a fixed cost in advance.

The Studio
Mark's studio has a shooting area that is 21' x 30' (about 625 square feet) with a 15 foot ceiling. A mezzanine sits over the other half with a make-up station, a stylist station, and a changing area. Attached to his home, the main floor has been set up to make spending the day in the studio an enjoyable experience with a full entertainment center. When the weather is right, we often lunch outside in the courtyard, with plenty of room to be inside on less agreeable days. The 2,600 square foot house also provides excellent location opportunities, with different combinations of faux finishing and textures throughout the house. There is a selection of furniture at our disposal. The house was decorated with an eye towards location photography. The studio is located in Los Angeles, California, in the Silver Lake area (between Hollywood and Downtown, a mile from the 101 Freeway).

Equipment
We primarily photograph with the Hasselblad medium format digital camera system, with the option of 50, 39 and 16 megapixel capture. We believe the Hasselblad digital system offers the best quality digital capture on the market today. We also offer Canon 35mm digital capture when appropriate. We maintain a range of strobe, continuous lighting, an grip equipment appropriate to the vast majority of our location and studio needs.

THE THREE PILLARS OF OUR BUSINESS

Creativity
A true creative vision over a range of specialties that transcends the simplicity and limitations of a simple technical style.

Consistency
The ability to deliver strong imagery in every setup, and to plan and maintain a thematic look appropriate to your particular project.

Credibility
Two decades of experience as a working professional photographer with the ability to maintain long term relationships by providing quality and expertise delivered on time and on budget.