About Mark

Visit studiomark.com to see Mark's full portfolio of photography.

Mark Robert Halper is passionate about everything he does. A commercial photographer for nearly two decades, Mark has built a successful career in a very competitive field by bringing a consistent vision to a very diverse client base. As a people, still life, and architectural photographer, for clients that range from magazines to ad agencies, he thrives on the variety in the projects he tackles. "Every day is something different doing exactly what I love." Mark says, and he wouldn't have it any other way.

What stays the same is Mark's approach. "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. Not surprisingly, Mark has found himself with an ever increasing amount of celebrity work. "Sometimes you only have five or ten minutes for one setup, the idea is to turn that hurried energy into something dynamic that comes across on camera."

Mark has a paticular 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 has his own perspective, both visually and philosophically. "When I'm setting up, people often don't understand what I'm doing and that's how I know I'm on the right track. 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."

As an instructor, Mark is known for a tough no-nonsense approach. "My job is to bring every person in my workshops one full level of skill in a ridiculously short period of time. That often means that I push people hard, and hold them to the highest standard I think they can achieve. I am consistently amazed at the striking improvement in participant's work in only one weekend. My purpose in this situation is make better photographers by helping them actually see and control their photography at a higher level".

Clients and workshop participants have often commented on Mark's "boundless energy" and "enthusiasm". At one recent class a participant remarked to Mark's wife that Mark reminded her of Gordon Ramsey, a chef and restaurateur known for his excellence, commitment, and high standards. Mark credits his success to an absolute passion for what he does and a highly proactive approach to every aspect of his work. "I'm always working to evolve. One of the best things about what I do is that there is always room to grow. I'm never going to retire, what would be the point?"

More information is available on the capabilities page at studiomark.com.

Selected Media

Rangefinder Magazine

Dynalite VIP Spotlight

Hasselblad Profile

Double Exposure: Photos to Inspire

Featured television appearances include Starting Over on NBC, Ten Years Younger on TLC, Fitness Fantasy on the Discovery Channel, and Designing Your Future.

More information is available on the news page at studiomark.com.

Selected Workshops, Seminars, and Events

Professional Photographers of Canada yearly convention in Alberta
Creativity and Inspiration, 2006
One day keynote presentation including lecture, image presentation, and group exercises

The Santa Fe Workshops
Lighting on Location, 2004 and 2005
Five and a half day workshop including demonstrations, lecture, image presentation, and hands-on instruction

The Northwest Arkansas Art Directors Club
presents Mark Robert Halper, 2006
Evening lecture and image presentation

The Professional Photographers of Orange County present
An Evening with Mark Robert Halper, 2007
Lecture and image presentation

Julia Dean Workshops
The Environmental Portrait with Six Different Photographers, 2007
Lecture and image presentation
Lighting Basics, 2004 and 2005
Full day lighting seminar

UCLA Extension
Creative People Photography for Advertising and Editorial Publication, 1998 and 1999
Two Weekend lecture, demonstration, and hands-on instruction

Lightsource Podcasts
Studiolighting.net, 2005, 2006, and 2007
A frequent guest, Mark's podcasts address a variety of topics including lighting, the process of intent, and deconstructions of his photography. Listen now.