Mark T. Osler

http://markoslerphotography.com

Mark entered the photojournalism ranks in his 30’s. He earned a second bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Western Kentucky University and had a distinguished 18-year newspaper career that concluded with him managing the photo staff at the Rocky Mountain News as the daily picture editor.

After leaving the Rocky, Mark worked briefly with Denver Post to edit their 2007 Playoff and World Series coverage of the Colorado Rockies into a book. In 2008, he covered the Democratic and Republican conventions for AARP, as well as the historic 2009 Presidential Inauguration, work which earned him two International Pictures of the Year awards. More recently, he took on an assignment for the State of Utah to capture photographs across the state of dinosaur tracks, fossils and tourism sites to promote dino-tourism in the wake of the May 2014 National Geographic article about new dinosaur species being uncovered in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Park. Mark is also growing his travel portfolio, following recent excursions to Australia, Italy and Scotland.

Mark works almost exclusively in natural light. “For the photography I care about most – the images I create in uncontrolled circumstances – I don’t like introducing controlled light, unless there’s absolutely no other way to realize my visual intent. Even then, I don’t want the light I’m introducing to influence the mood or drama of the scene (for better or worse). I want my work to be as organic, authentic and genuine as possible, and adding controlled light diminishes that, in my eyes. That’s not a condemnation of controlled light, it’s just a personal choice based on my personal photographic vision.”

Mark’s style leans heavily towards his photojournalism roots and is largely about people, in one form or another. His images are defined by strong compositions and a sensitivity for moments.

As a photojournalist & picture editor, Mark has been telling stories with still photography for three decades. “Storytelling is the highest, and most demanding, form of visual communication. It’s also the most difficult to do well. Visual storytelling requires a very specific discipline and frame of mind. When it’s done right, there’s nothing more satisfying.”

As an instructor, Mark believes composition is the most important skill a photographer can learn. “I respect the power and value of great light, but not every situation offers the opportunity to photograph in great light. By contrast, every situation allows a photographer to control the graphic and spatial components of a photograph. If you can master composition, you can make at least a good photograph out of any situation.”

Mark is a very hands-on instructor whose goal is to give students a solid foundation from which they can build towards a personal vision. He has been teaching photography in high schools and colleges, in classroom settings and in the field, and at week-long intensive workshops as well as in more accessible half-day classes.

Call Digital Photo Academy at 1 877 372 2231. Lots of people seem to hang up if our welcome recording comes on instead of a live voice, but we promise to return your message within a day or two if you leave one with your name and number.  It would be even better if you included your e mail address as well as the date and city of the class you are considering.  If leaving a voice mail message is not your thing, please email us at DPAbooking@digitalphotoacademy.com or Richard@digitalphotoacademy.com.

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