Donovan Marks
Donovan Marks
Donovan Marks has been actively involved in photography for over 30 years. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in Print Journalism, he has completed several study courses in photography, including an associate’s degree in photo editing from the International Photo College, the Nikon School, Focus on Photojournalism with the White House News Photographers’ Association, semesters at the Washington School of Photography, the New York Institute of Photography and the Maine Photographic Workshop. He also completed courses in digital photography, digital image editing, Photoshop and digital workflow.
He worked for Washington National Cathedral for 18 years, most recently as Manager of Photo and Imaging. His duties include staff photographer and photo editor of Cathedral Age magazine and the organization’s website. On a daily basis he covered Cathedral events and managed the photo archives.
His images have appeared a number of national newspapers and magazines and several books. He has won several awards starting with honorable mention and second place in the 1982 and 1983 U.S. Air Force photo contests and in April 2002 first place for magazine photography in Cathedral Age awarded by the Associated Church Press (ACP). He received a prestigious DeRose-Hinkhouse award for his photo documentation of the consecration of the newly appointed Bishop of Washington, and the legacy of his predecessor. In 2006 he won another first place award for magazine photography from the ACP.
For three years he sat on the board of directors of the Washington, DC Chapter of the American Society of Media Photographers. He is also a member of the White House News Photographers’ Association and the National Press Photographers Association.
He is adjunct professor of photography at Montgomery College in Rockville, MD.
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 [email protected] or [email protected].
Carrington Smith
I want to take a moment to thank you for the time, information, and inspirational energy that you shared with us yesterday. I hope that I did not offend you with some of my comments. It was not my intent to hog the conversation, but I have to tell you that you touched on some very critical areas that extend way beyond photography. First of all, you represented your craft in the highest way possible, yet found ways to make the subject relatable to all who were assembled. Secondly, there are just too many people who don’t do what they say that they will do. I believe in a zero gap (nobody’s perfect). Something that is just as important is for us to model our professions, activities, and aspirations in a way that it helps society. Thank you so much.
From my standpoint, you politely called me out. While I have taken some fantastic shots, I have not ventured over to the manual side in ages. Of course, then the manual side was the only side. I have not used the focus mechanism since Superman died. In addition, you introduced conversation that I have not been a part of since the early 80’s. Obviously, I need to practice more than I do, but I cannot insulate myself in just being better than some any longer. You have reintroduced a standard that I am, at least, vaguely familiar with. Great job.
“The only question that I would have at this point is from something that you mentioned when talking about the external hard drive. Yes, I purchased a 1TB drive and use it to store pictures. But, early one, I used it to transfer my files from my former computer to my newer one, which included iTunes. Unfortunately, the iTunes did not transfer. Is there something that you can share that I missed. I have nearly 3,000 songs that I still have on my I pod, but did not transfer. My niece told me about an off brand unofficial program called copy pod, but I haven’t used it yet.
At any rate, I can never say thank you enough. Unfortunately we are deeply involved in the “me” generation and sharing is a lost art. You helped to remind me to actually take my time an look through the viewfinder with a purpose. If our paths never cross again, please know that someone did appreciate you for who you are and what you do.”
-Carrington R. Smith
Student Remarks
” Great class today, my head is spinning with all sorts of info I need to try and remember/keep straight! ”
-John Nullmeyer
Administrator
“Thanks Donovan! I really appreciate it! And thank you once again for your help yesterday. You’re a great teacher and we definitely learned a lot. Please keep in touch and keep us posted on your ventures.”
– Pavit Gill
Administrator
“It was fantastic — what a great instructor — cool, informative, and serious about students understanding so much — really understanding how I got a great shot. Because of Donovan’s style and my ease with his instructions I am only going manual and never going back to program mode again—YEA!!!!!!”
– Andrea
Administrator
“Great session with Donovan Marks at Washington DC’s National Cathedral. Thanks for providing this opportunity via Living Social. Without that promotion, I never would have heard of the Digital Photo Academy. And without this session, I would not have learned how to make the shutter speed and f-stop work in enough harmony to photograph the dark recesses of the Cathedral’s organ with no flash.”
– Kelly Chmielewski
Administrator
“Excellent”
– Doug Rodgers