Mark Conwell
Mark Conwell
M
ark Conwell has a deep-seated passion for photography that spans several interests: landscape, wildlife, moon and star photography, architectural shots of city buildings and churches, and ghost towns. His fascination with photography began in his early years when he and his family experimented with several inexpensive film cameras. The advent of the Polaroid camera captivated him further, as he became curious about the processes involved in producing pictures. In his early teens, Mark’s curiosity continued to grow when he worked at an X-ray office, where he was responsible for developing X-ray films, sparking questions about the underlying mechanisms.
Mark’s educational journey is extensive. He holds an Associate degree in computer science, a Bachelor’s degree in human resource development, and a Master’s degree in the same field. Additionally, he received a Certificate of Graduation from the New York Institute of Photography in Professional Photography and has been published in the International Library of Photography. His interest in technology evolved alongside his curiosity, leading him to pursue a degree in computer technology, which not only enhanced his understanding of technology but also fueled his passion for teaching. During his time in college, he taught classes at a junior college and for continuing education programs.
After earning his technology degree, Mark began his career as a corporate trainer, initially teaching in-person classes for a software company that had a global reach. This role enabled him to travel extensively, visiting many exciting places and gaining a wealth of experiences. Over the next twenty years, Mark continued to work in training, focusing on online education and course development.
Mark’s professional career afforded him the opportunity to work in 48 of the 50 states, and he has photographed many of the national parks across the United States. His work also took him to every province in Canada, as well as to Brazil, France, the Netherlands, and Brussels. Inspired by his travels, Mark began to document his journeys through photography, investing in equipment to capture the beauty he encountered. A significant highlight was a work trip to Rochester, New York, where he demonstrated software to Kodak and received a tour of their plant. His leisure time was often spent visiting ghost towns in Montana, Utah, California, and the scenic Bryce and Zion Canyons, which sparked his interest in sunset and sunrise photography.
Throughout his travels, Mark immersed himself in photography magazines and sought out locations known for their photogenic qualities. He visited the Smokey Mountains, the Badlands, and Spearfish, South Dakota, and fulfilled a dream by traveling to Alaska for work, where he experimented with slide film across different seasons. Mark’s equipment has evolved over the years, from using the Canon Elan7e and various Sigma and Tamron lenses to his current gear, which includes a Canon R8 body and a selection of versatile lenses.
As Mark approaches retirement, he is committed to sharing his photographic expertise with students, both beginners and advanced alike. He has invested in a Canon R8, a full-frame camera body, and continues to use some of his older lenses with an adaptor. His journey with photography is far from over, and he eagerly anticipates the new opportunities and experiences that lie ahead.
