Some of us tell stories with words, others with pictures. While I can write, I cannot draw, paint or take a good photo. You’re lucky if your head isn’t cut off when I have a camera in my hands. Thankfully, there are some fantastically talented artists out there. Not only do they create beautiful things for us to see, but tell us stories as well. Mark Giarrusso is such an artist. I had the good fortune to interview him. You can find links to his work below.
Me: Mark, how did you get into photography?
Mark: It was my mother’s idea actually. She said “I think you would be good at it. I’m going to get you a camera.” She did and that was that.
Me: How long have you loved photography? Have you loved it all your life?
Mark: So no, I haven’t loved it all my life. Only since I got my camera (about 5 years ago) and started shooting did I actually come to appreciate it as an art form.
Me: What kind of gear do you use?
Mark: I use a Nikon d90 most of the time.
Me: How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?
Mark: I look at what others are doing technique wise and I recognize what works and what doesn’t. I plan on taking a course this fall.
Me: What are the pros and cons of being a photographer?
Mark: I love being a photographer but sometimes it seems like everyone is trying to do it. Instagram and Photoshop have made it very easy to manipulate photos. It’s the way of the future though, so why not embrace it?
Me: If you weren’t a photographer, what would you want to be? Why?
Mark: I would love to be a musician. I would really love to play the cello. I am amazed at musical ability.
Me: What is your favorite subject matter?
Mark: New York City.
Me: Which one of your photos is your favorite and why?
Mark: I took this last September 11th. http://society6.com/markgiarrusso/FDNY-Foundation_Print
Me: What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
Mark: How much you editing goes into an actual photo.
Me: Whose work has influenced you the most?
Mark: I am influenced by artists in other media quite a bit. I love the Impressionists and Post Impressionists. I love cinematography. I draw from all of that. If I had to say one photographer who I enjoy the most it would Robert Capa.
Mark: Visit my site and buy some prints! LOL. www.society6.com/markgiarrusso
Juliana Writes 