Mark Gilligan FBIPP

“Last night, (09/10/2024) the
Newport Photographic Club (Shropshire)
enjoyed Mark’s presentation
‘Just AS I SEE IT’
following his equally well received presentation last year of
‘IN HIS ELEMENT’.
We cannot recommend Mark more highly; his unique style ensures that his presentations not only include excellent content and images but are delivered with an engaging concept that informs, educates and really entertains. His well balanced blend of appropriately chosen anecdotes are sprinkled with ‘dad jokes’ which link to great tips and advice that will help with our photography.
We’ll be booking him again and I’m sure you wont be disappointed if you do too!
”

“Mark visited Durham Photographic Society for the third time on
12th September 2024
to give his talk
‘IN HIS ELEMENT.’
His style of presenting is unique and very relaxed being interspersed with humour which engages the audience throughout.
The photographs that he illustrates his talk with are excellent and the way that he presents them is extremely professional.
He gives full insights to where and how his images were taken which we found both informative and educational.
I have no hesitation in recommending Mark to all photographic clubs and societies as a speaker. You will not be disappointed!
”

“We had a great night when Mark was booked to talk at our club! Without doubt, he is a consumate professional at his craft, with his images illuminating the evening. If you are looking for a talk that is informative, educational and funny then book him as entertainment is part of his style. We witnessed his great images alongside a very funny and often thoughtful commentary. We won’t hesitate to ask him back again.”

“Mark
On behalf of Biggleswade & District Camera Club, I want to thank you for your wonderful and dare I say, amusing and informative presentation ‘IN HIS ELEMENT’ on Thursday evening. I know we all enjoyed it.
It was really great to see you again after 5yrs with covid putting paid to a swifter return but we hope it won’t be as long before you visit next time.
Once again thank you for a fabulous evening!”

“We were delighted to welcome you back to Lazonby for your 5th presentation to our little Cumbria Club, Mark.
The fact that this was your 5th visit, shows how much our Club values your presentations!
Very informative with clear explanations as to how you set your camera and how you take your photographs.
Add a bit of your humour and the talks are always a winner!
The ‘just as I see it‘ talk included aspects of your life’s photography that we haven’t seen before. The Wedding images spoke volumes of how well you prepare for the event with your clients. There is more to being professional than just being paid! Your travel shots were inspiring and your demonstration, showing how several images of the same location can totally change perspective was very educational.
Once again, very many thanks Mark, another triumph!!

”

“On February 1st 2024,
A bumper audience of members from both Alsager and Crewe camera clubs enjoyed a thoroughly entertaining evening on Thursday when Mark gave the talk
’In His Element’.
The evening was illustrated not only by his outstanding work but he told us where, why and how he took them. This is information we always appreciate. There were some outstanding landscape images that covered all four seasons of the year, sometimes in appalling weather and his talk was delivered in a most entertaining fashion featuring Mark’s ‘finely honed’ comedic ability. This is the second time Mark has appeared before us but having listened to the members, I have no doubt we will be booking him again.
”

“On 29th November 2023, Penrith & District Camera Club were delighted and honoured to welcome Mark Gilligan, (www.wastwaterphotography.co.uk) to give his talk, ‘In his Element’.
Incredibly, in spite of his full life in photography and TV Production which spans some 45 years and counting, this was Mark’s first ever visit to Penrith & DCC. We hope that it will not be his last!
In fact, the programme secretary should be on the case right now!!
On a cold, frosty night with snow threatening, the majority of the club membership turned out to see Mark’s ‘snaps’ taken across all four seasons, in all weather conditions from the Lakes and Snowdonia. Both areas which Mark has a deep affection for.
‘Snaps’, of course, is not a reflection on the outstanding photography shown by Mark, which included some of his intimate landscapes too. A great evening was had by all despite his sense of humour which regularly punctuated the talk and we look forward to a speedy return!
Thank you Mark.”

“Hi Mark!
Mark, that was a terrific evening on Thursday. On behalf of all the membership, may I just say a big, big thank you for your presentation
‘In His Element’.
It has been received with so many positive comments over the last few days. People are talking about the quality of your images, the relaxed manner in which you came over, the technical tips and tricks… oh, and the jokes!
We had high expectations after seeing your original presentation before Covid, and they were certainly exceeded. We look forward to the next time that you’ll be with us.”

“Hi Mark
Many thanks for your presentation
”IN HIS ELEMENT”
on Tuesday evening, everyone I’ve spoken to has said how much they enjoyed it - even the jokes!!
Excellent content and presented really well in a very engaging manner. We’ve never ever had such spontaneous applause at the end of the first half of a presentation before which immediately gave you an indication of how it was received. The second half was also very well received! Your passion and enthusiasm was clear to everyone, your hints and tips really valuable. Great backstories to the images. The Lakes and Eryri are easy travelling from here and often visited by our members. I will be coming back to you in the future for another presentation at Harper Adams University. Thank you so much.”

“Hi Mark
Thank you for your excellent talk
‘IN HIS ELEMENT’ at camera club this week.
The members have said it was a fantastic presentation, very inspiring and probably the best we have ever had. They enjoyed it so much they have asked me to book you again for later in the year!”

“Thank you once again for delivering ‘IN HIS ELEMENT’ to us on Tuesday night - you gave us a highly entertaining, enjoyable, informative and thought provoking evening which was well received and much appreciated by both those in the room and those on Zoom. Thank you for taking the time and trouble to travel down from Cheshire to be with us and to share your experiences, humour, and superb images.

We look forward to welcoming you again in our 2023-24 programme”

“Yesterday evening’s zoom presentation from Mark Gilligan, an absolutely outstanding photographer, kept over forty members enthralled for the whole time.

Mark introduced himself and ran through his early life from his schooldays to his retirement whilst working for the Home Office. The way he ran his own landscape work with his national job with the Home Office was inspiring. He made no apologies for this journey which included references to his father who worked for several national newspapers describing him as, ‘his inspiration.’ Mark had never known a time in his life when there was not a camera around.

It was an enthralling, incredible, unique journey in photography and video, being involved in many of the countries major incidents that most of us would only have seen on TV and delivered to us in an informative, educational and motivational way. It was sprinkled with great anecdotes and humour that had us all chuckling away!

As for the second half of the talk, it dealt entirely with how he worked on the mountains and valleys of the lakes and Snowdonia and he told us about submitting ideas to magazines and being commissioned. He had an interesting way of dividing a day into sections. First, Sunrise, then Daytime (yes you can take pictures during the day and in summer !), Grim and finally Dusk. An interesting assessment of a photographic day but all the time he wove his fabulous landscapes of the Lake District and Snowdonia through his explanations.
Simply outstanding!!
We want him back in person next year.”

“Mark
Just a quick note to say how much we enjoyed your visit on Thursday evening.
I’ve been in the club for 38 years and your talk is easily ranked within the top 10 we have ever had.
I love landscapes, so the quality of your images was a delight to behold.
It’s sometimes a statement of the obvious that becomes a light bulb moment. For me, you delivered quite a few of those.
Personally, I’m now resolved to pay much more attention to what’s in the viewfinder and to be content with capturing one, two or even three ‘masterpieces’ from an outing rather than taking lots and discarding most.
Thank you once again for an entertaining, informative and motivational evening. I’ve already asked for your next talk to be included in the new syllabus.
Best wishes
”

“It was a great pleasure to welcome Mark back to our club for his third visit this evening with his talk entitled
‘In His Element.’
This was our first face to face meeting of the new year and was also delivered via Zoom to some of our members.

Mark gave a first class talk which was both engaging and interesting and included amazing Landscape photography. He also delivers this with great humour and storytelling.

We had great feedback from our members and we look forward to inviting Mark back some time in the future with another of his talks.

”

“On 11th March 2020 Mark Gilligan returned to the Chester Photographic Society to deliver his talk entitled, “In His Element.” As usual it was a very informative talk about his work as a Landscape Photographer and showed his passion for working in all weathers and conditions. The talk was lighthearted and interactive but at the same time getting across what you should look for in a picture to make the viewer feel that they were there at the moment the shutter was released. The technical jargon and details were kept to a minimum, just enough to pass on the techniques involved in capturing the atmospheric feel of the scene. We look forward to having Mark visit our club again in the future.
”

“I recently attended the talk “SAME VIEW. DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE’ delivered by Mark Gilligan at Nottingham & Notts Photographic Society where he spoke about and discussed rules and opinions in photography with an insight in to how he works and enjoys his craft. This was illustrated using his lovely images to support his practice. He spared no time in showing both the creative as well as the technical and the importance of efficient editing processes for effective and elegant results.
The lecture was superb, it was a very relaxed but entertaining event by a true professional of the industry with very helpful information and tips. The honesty and energy he brings to his subject was matched by the effort he puts in behind the scenes, very evident on the evening. Having worked with a range of cameras and having the option of using medium format equipment supplied by Fujifilm, Mark did point out that the photographer is still the most important aspect of the image making process and not the distraction of the latest equipment. If you want to enhance any aspect of your photography, then I would recommend you get in contact with Mark and invest in some training with him.
Nottingham & Notts Photographic Society are proactive in inviting an excellent speaker line up each year and are fortunate to have someone of Mark’s calibre on their roster.
”

““At our first meeting of New Year we had the best talk we have ever had and were treated to a tsunami of intriguing stories told in words and images by the foremost landscape photographer, Mark Gilligan. Mark invited members to share with him his rich and highly entertaining account of a hugely rewarding life spent working in the world of photography. His portrayal of the personal experiences, life events and human interactions that have shaped him as a person and photographer, and influenced his approach to photography was revealing and thoroughly absorbing. His articulate, carefully structured and passionate presentation was peppered with humorous one liners, interesting stories, striking and dramatic images, wise words and memorable advice. Mark has nurtured a close and loving relationship with the mountains, valleys and lakes of North West England and Wales, his images brim with wonder and beauty and he advocates an approach to landscape photography that is refreshing and timely. It focuses on the joys and rewards of maximising the time spent outdoors in the landscape, of keeping things simple, of carefully assessing, composing and exposing in the field and of minimising time spent in the digital darkroom.
We will surely see more of Mark in the future, both as a presenter and a tutor in the field.’”

“Knutsford Photographic Society was delighted to welcome Mark Gilligan (Wast Water Photography) in December 2019 to present ‘A Bit of a Journey’. The title of the talk was certainly very apt as during the the first half Mark took us a trip through the amazing backstory of his photographic career. This ranged from running and directing photographic and imaging courses for police and home office staff to his more recent work particularly landscapes in Snowdonia and North Wales. Mark’s experience in teaching photography shone through in his excellent and enjoyable presentation skills. In the second half we saw more of Mark’s landscape work and it is easy to see why he has won a number of awards - stunning images. We would thoroughly recommend Mark’s presentation and will have no hesitation in inviting him to present to us again in the future.

Regards”

“Mark came to Sale Photographic Society with his talk “A Bit Of A Journey.”
Growing up in a family where his father was associated with photography clearly influenced Mark’s early career path, and for the last 40 years or so, he has been involved in photography in one way or the other. His Journey through a lifetime of photographic experiences brought back many memories in so many respects.
What we enjoyed and was so engaging was that his style of presentation was unlike any lecturers we have seen. He gives a vivid insight into how his photography had evolved through the decades - and in particular, working for the Home Office in film and Tv not only delivering that work but teaching it too. From the early days of film, through to the revelation of digital video cameras, he has seen it all. Some of his most graphic and fascinating anecdotes were from the 80’s onwards when he became involved in various guises with national and international events. Where we looked on he was a part of what was going on in one way or another. Events that Mark illustrated with images and a very professional commentary. It was a fabulous and attention grabbing talk.
Whilst he had combined his two worlds of working with the Home Office and his landscape work, the second half outlined how he furthered the latter, having retired from the Home Office being able to walk the Fells of the Lakes and Snowdonia. This allowed hime to carry on with his teaching and take shots that everybody in the audience would die for! To take that quality of stunning images with only minimal treatment in Photoshop and Lightroom, was truly inspirational and appreciated immensely by the audience.
Mark will be definitely coming back to entertain us again as soon as we can book him !
”

“ I must thank you on behalf of the Ruthin Camera Club for your excellent presentation “A Bit of a Journey”.
These are some of the comments I have received by email.
“Mark was both entertaining and informative and his talk was well worked out. At two hours, we certainly had our money’s worth! For most of those present, the talk triggered off many memories of half-forgotten events, with some surprises as to their sequence. The first part was very much an insider’s view of events, some of them traumatic and tragic, followed by the perfect antidote in the tranquility and beauty of the Lake District.”
“He was very, very good: the first half was about his career, much of it connected with major world and news events and how he worked both photographically and in making TV programmes about them. It was breathtaking. Then after the break - in complete contrast - he showed landscapes of the Lake District and Snowdonia. His emphasis was very much on trying to get the picture right when taking it rather than spending hours working on it later.The members were impressed.”
“His landscapes were stunning. He had led an adventurous life and experienced the aftermath of some world newsworthy events that he became involved in. I am sure you must have seen the rainbow picture? WOW!!”
The words excellent, interesting, amazing images, amongst phrases like an excellent speaker and appropriately added humorous anecdotes to name a few.
There have already been requests that you return for further presentations. We cannot wait!”
”

“Mark returned to Eden Valley Camera Club in Lazonby, Cumbria with his third talk ‘IN HIS ELEMENT’ on 7th October 2019. In this presentation he showed work taken in all weathers throughout all the seasons of the year in his favourite locations in the Lake District and Snowdonia. He promised he would show what can be done when it’s easier to stay in and his final photos of the evening were some taken in Eskdale when the weather turned, the rain clouds swept in and disappeared in a matter of minutes – but Mark captured a stunning series of dramatic light, dark & mood – truly superb mountain views packed with atmosphere.
Another important ‘element’ of the presentation was how Mark demonstrated how you can capture different and better compositions from the same place by just moving slightly, zooming in or out wider or turning and shooting the other way. As always all the breathtaking images were interspersed with Mark’s keen sense of humour and little anecdotes and stories. We were truly privileged to welcome such an accomplished and humble photographer back to our small club and look forward to another presentation to bring back to Lazonby soon!””

“By popular demand Mark Gilligan returned to Preston Photographic Society to deliver the 2nd guest lecture in his trilogy, ‘SAME VIEW. DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE’.
Again Mark did not disappoint. He delivered an enthralling evening packed with stories, tips and tricks, witty repartee and of course stunning images.
Mark really delivers on his talks and is so professional, dedicated and passionate about his Art and he’s willing and ready to share his knowledge; his ability to inspire is second to none! I just hope i can manage to re-book him for the final talk of the series when he can fit us in to his busy schedule.”

“Mark presented his lecture ‘SAME VIEW. DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE’ to a joint meeting of the Darwen and Blackburn Camera Clubs on 23rd September 2019.
He is a popular speaker and must be booked well in advance and it is obvious to understand why. His style is fun, there is plenty of audience participation and he covers the topic in great detail, not to mention the stunning photographs that accompany the presentation.
‘Same View’ is part of a series of lectures covering landscape photography as well as a few other genres towards the end of the presentation and aims to enhance understanding in what makes the difference between a good landscape photograph and an outstanding one. As the title suggests, it’s almost all about position. Just a minor change of where the photograph is taken from makes all the difference. It’s all about seeing what is in the picture or what could be in the picture to make it better by adopting a slightly different view point.
Mark emphasised that photography is an art form, everyone has their own views about what makes a great picture and hence is very personal. The audience was treated to some fantastic views of the Lake District and North Wales, places where most people had been but seen from some stunning view points that most people probably haven’t spotted. There were some taken from viewpoints that weren’t ideal and the audience was invited to try and spot why and then shown how, by simply moving a short distance a whole new perspective could be seen.
Many in the audience were keen landscape photographers and the lecture will have inspired them to take a different view with perhaps more attention to detail, taking on board the techniques covered by Mark next time they are out on a shoot.
We look forward to inviting Mark back to the club in the future for another lecture in his series.”

“‘A BIT OF A JOURNEY’ is funny, engaging, inspirational and educational.
The first session, traced his eventful progression from childhood up to his current situation. It was riveting! He acknowledged how from his earliest days the camera had captured treasured moments in time. We were then treated to his involvement with a catalogue of events throughout the tumultuous seventies and eighties during which his duties at the Home Office required illustrative records. Incredible insights to his own work and teaching of people who had to go out and capture these events.
It was enthralling to listen to and see another way that photography can be used. His work was deeply engaging and he interspersed his teaching and film production with his work in the Lake District and Snowdonia.
The second half was even more informative as he went through his processes and showed us fabulous images that were totally inspiring. The evening seemed to rush by. At the conclusion, Rex Kingsley offered a vote of thanks on behalf of the club which was followed by an enthusiastic and thoroughly merited ovation from members and guests alike. We were told that this is part one of a trilogy. We need him back and I suspect that I will be held to judgement if I don’t make it happen on a future programme!
”

“The members of Shropshire Photographic Society had the pleasure of Mark’s presentation of “A bit of a journey” on 01/04/2019. The evening is in two halves with the first half detailing Mark’s background and journey to where he is to today. This details his career changes though the years, but demonstrating how his love of photography, story telling and composition went with him through the variety of different jobs he undertook. It was enthralling. In the second half Mark shows lots of his more recent landscape work with some stunning images, showing how he captures the best of the light, and also his approach to photographic projects. Mark delivered all of this in his very engaging, humorous and down to earth style, which our members enjoyed a lot. . ”

“Mark’s presentation to Leeds Photographic Society was without doubt one, if not the best, presentation that I have enjoyed during my time with the society.
This particular talk, “A bit of a journey”, is apparently one of a number that Mark delivers as part of his continuing journey through his extraordinary life and the title is a humorous, ironic and completely understated description of how he got from there to here.
His journey is exciting, gripping, diverse, darkly humorous, instructive, challenging and thoroughly entertaining.
Mark’s photography is at times stunning, with exceptional landscape images and it becomes clear that he fully deserves the numerous prizes, qualifications and accolades that he has earned during his time behind various cameras.
The first half of the presentation is a McCullinesque story of his work, gathering images for the press and the Home Office and after the interval we were immersed in his favourite landscapes and in particular The Lake District and with an even sharper focus on the part of the world in and around Wast Water.
He also told us something about how he does it.
Thank you Mark from all at Leeds Photographic Society.
”

“It was an honour and privilege to lead Llandudno Photographic Society members and guests in giving Mark Gilligan FBIPP a standing ovation to a talk he gave us on 20th February entitled ‘A bit of a journey’. Mark’s retelling of his journey through his professional career in producing and directing television programmes was enthralling and heartfelt and considering it was run concurrently with his photographic work from the Lake District to our very own Snowdonia was outstanding and an inspiration to our club members. Mark undoubtedly deserved being merited in the recent final of the European Professional Landscape Photographer of the Year.
We wish Mark continued success and welcome him with open arms to North Wales and our club in the future.
Best wishes
”

“On behalf of Biggleswade & District Camera Club I would like to thank you for your wonderful presentation ‘SAME VIEW. DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE’ on Thursday evening. Not only was the photography stunning, the commentary was both informative and entertaining. We all had an excellent evening and even some of the most experienced photographers amongst us learnt something! Hope you had a good journey home. Looking forward to your next visit”

“On Monday 14th January 2019, Mark returned to Copeland Photographic Society for another of his engaging talks, ‘Same View, Different Perspective’.
The talk was an educational, thought-provoking journey, through wind, rain and sun, which resulted in plenty of stunning images. Although predominantly landscape, we were entertained with a variety of travel, wedding, street and even ICM images. The talk, delivered with plenty of audience participation and some very cheesy jokes, was enjoyed by the new as well the experienced club members. For the keen Fujifilm members in the club (myself included) there were lots of useful bonus tips on Mark’s preferred camera set-ups. We all learned something, especially the importance of taking our own picture and enjoying our photography. Mark’s passion and enthusiasm for his photography is compelling - can’t wait to get outside and capture some images. Furthermore, spoiler alert, not wasting expensive pixels and when I get home I will be spending a lot less time in front of the computer (not sure whether my wife will be pleased about that!). A very enjoyable evening - and the Programme Secretary booked Mark for next season!
”

“On Tuesday 11th Dec 2018 Mark Gilligan delivered part one of his trilogy entitled, “A Bit Of A Journey”, at Nottingham & Notts Photographic Society.
This was a professional presentation with good humour throughout and audience participation. Mark gave a thorough and varied introduction in the first half, of his career in photography. I found it fascinating as many of the events covered involved me in my previous occupation at some stage or other . The second half was the basis of his current career in landscape photography and what a pleasure it was to hear the background of his techniques and perseverance behind the images shown. The finale to the evening was a set of stunning images to end his talk.
We very much look forward to Part 2 in the future.”

“Mark came back to us with the talk ’SAME VIEW, DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE’ and it didn’t disappoint! Very well received here at Chester PS, and I received many favourable comments from members. Mark didn’t keep any secrets, letting us into how and why he obtained his many superb images and we very much look forward ihearing the third part of the trilogy, ‘IN HIS ELEMENT’. An excellent speaker! ”

“Mark has just delivered ‘SAME VIEW DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE’ his second superb talk to Durham P.S. and we want him back for more! His talks provide superb images, instruction pitched at all levels of photographic knowledge, fascinating commentary and good humour. WE DO NOT THINK YOU CAN FIND A BETTER LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY TALK. Keep up the good work, Mark.”

“‘Mark is an engaging and entertaining speaker providing useful advice, amusing anecdotes and inspiring images in equal measure. Whereas his first talk, ‘The Journey’, is an incredible life story, weaving his work into amazing events he was involved with, his second, ‘Same View, Different Perspective’, takes a different tack. Here we discuss, among other things, photographic techniques, the need for careful observation and finding our own style. It is a more philosophical presentation, promoting the idea of being ‘in the moment’ and of recording the scene faithfully to the way we see it. The title derives from the fact that if we all took a photo from the same place we would all have a different result. Incidentally, we also learn that Landscape is not his only genre. I can strongly recommend Mark - and he is great value!

”

““Mark is a very motivational speaker and he returned to Eden Valley Camera Club in Lazonby, Cumbria this week with his presentation
‘Same View, Different Perspectives’ in which he explains how we all see the same things but in different ways. Our own individual interpretation of the same view/perspective/work of what we see before us.
Very well illustrated by great examples taken in the field which gave members “food for thought”.
Delighted to welcome Mark to our small club.”

““Members of Preston Photographic Society had the pleasure of hearing Mark do his Guest Speaker Talk, “A Bit of a Journey” on a very cold February (2018) evening.

Now it’s a rare event when we have Guest Speakers who manage to elicit “wow gasps” when viewing a Speakers Work; Mark managed this, not once, but several times. Marks love of landscape and passion for ‘feeling the scene’ shine through in every capture.

A Bit of a Journey is an insight into a realm of photography one only imagine exists in the movies and to have this living, breathing man take us through his Photographic career twists and turns was thoroughly entertaining, engaging, insightful, witty, nostalgic and very personal. He had the captive audience laughing and hanging on his every word and image.

After several rounds of applause, I wasted no time in booking Mark for our next Club season to deliver his follow up Talk “Same View, Different Perspective” and I’m delighted to report, he agreed on the spot. “
”

“On behalf of our President, Graham Roberts, and all our members, it gives me great pleasure to thank you for your talk on Monday. There was quite a buzz in the hall afterwards with members saying how much they enjoyed listening to you and seeing your work. We were fascinated by your journey through photography, and many of your images via historical moments over the past 35 years stirred up memories of past events, honing your photographic skills en-route. When you finally managed to break free to pursue your love of the Lake District and Duddon Valley, it was also clear that none of your photographs appeared by accident, but that you have researched the area and conditions to get the result that you wanted.
Your exhibition in Harrogate was also a success. Certainly, many of our members viewed it.
I have noted that you have another talk available to bring to some future programme. Meanwhile, please feel welcome to visit HPS at any of our meetings – I am sure the Yorkshire dales/coast/ moors can offer you plenty of scope for your photography.
Again, many thanks, and all the best for Christmas and 2018.
”

“Mark, many thanks for coming down to the ‘flatlands’ of Bedfordshire to Biggleswade Camera Club to present ‘A Bit of a Journey’. It was a privilege to meet you and see the ‘man from the tv’ in the flesh so to speak. Our members really enjoyed a great evening and fascinating insight into how you arrived as a professional photographer running Wastwater Photography and delivering photographic workshops in one of the most stunning locations in the UK and then followed up with some amazing photographs, all interspersed with some great humour and tales.
It would be great to invite you to return to give another talk at Biggleswade in the very near future.
Will be in touch soon.
”

“We’ve been lucky to have had many great speakers at Mold CC and Mark is right up there with them. He shared his fascinating story from his earliest years in photography and working in the emerging media of video, TV and the net through to his current trade as a professional landscape photographer.
In the first half of the talk Mark helped us relive many of the newsworthy and historical events in our recent history that he had been involved in with his photography and stories covering the last forty years. In the second half, he talked about his role as a writer and photographer in the outdoors and shared many fabulous images of the Lake District clearly illustrating his belief that landscape photography isn’t limited to good weather and the golden hour.
All was delivered with Mark’s obvious passion and enthusiasm for both photography and his subjects as well as a great sense of humour.
Would we have him back again? We sure would; our Programme Secretary is just trying to work out when! Highly recommended.”
”

“Mark Thanks for coming to Bolton Digital last night. The whole range of work that you did and events that you were involved in was fascinating. You had a very complex story to put before us which clearly grabbed the attention of your audience. There were serious moments in the story, but your delivery was light-hearted and most entertaining.
We then had the second part of your talk, which was to show your landscape work, mainly shot throughout the Lake District. You have a wealth of excellent photographs, and a lot of what came across was your eye for the composition of the shot. In one image after another, the detail of organisation of elements, rich colours and technical quality just jumped out.
Many thanks again for coming to present your story tous. We look forward to other opportunities in the future.
”

““Thanks Mark for your fascinating talk last night. The presence of Darwen and Accrington Camera Clubs meant it was very cosy and standing room only ha ha

However, all were quickly absorbed in Mark’s account of activities with the Home Office, BBC and more, with photos from many important events from the 70’s to the 90’s. All were presented with humour and lots of excellent photos. In the second part Mark presented many superb photos, mainly Landscapes, though other genres as well. He explained his techniques and peppered his talk with anecdotes. In all it was a very entertaining and informative evening, with lots to take away.


”

““ Mark presented his ‘Bit of a Journey....’ talk to our Club in Cumbria last night and well what can we say?
‘A Bit of a Journey’ ?? - NO WAY!! Rather an ‘epic story’ of his life and how his love of photography evolved through the many opportunities he has taken over the years. To be present and part of documenting such historic moments, whether celebratory, harsh reminders or brutalities,
demonstrates his drive, enthusiasm and connection with people of all walks of life.
Mark presented his ‘story’ in a very unassuming and humorous way, almost brushing aside the many awards he has earned over the years.
A fantastic evening – definitely a very different and special approach to presenting photography, rounded off in the second half with examples of his landscape and other photographs- which were absolutely stunning images, particularly from the western part of Cumbria and the Lake District .
We will definitely be inviting you back to the Club, Mark.”
”

““ Many thanks for visiting us at Grange and giving us an excellent presentation about your journey through photojournalism, training and TV documentaries to award-winning landscape photographer. Clearly what has gone before has influenced you greatly in what you do now - your talk was inspirational and we all learned a lot from it not the least of which was your advice on landscape photography. We hope you will visit us again in the future””

““Mark, I must congratulate you on a superb talk to our society. Members are full of praise. The recent work is breathtaking, but we also greatly enjoyed the insight into your earlier photographic experiences in film and video. This too was fascinating. Importantly,your narrative was as good as your photography. I do hope you enjoyed your visit. We are grateful that you came so far to talk”
”

““Mark gives a very interesting and informative talk illustrated with his magnificent photographs of the Lakes and other subjects. What made this particular presentation was how he illustrated the journey he made from early childhood to an important career in photography, so we could see where he came from. References to the influence of his father were particularly touching.””

““Mark is an engaging and accomplished speaker. His often humorous account of his life as a professional photographer went down very well with our members and guests alike and there was something in it for everyone. His photography, from journalism to weddings to his beloved landscapes, speaks for itself. Highly recommended.””