As a child, Mark Chamberlin would “steal” his mother’s camera from the kitchen table to take pictures. In those days, cameras took film and his mother said he was costing her too much money, Mark recalls. His mother implemented a “token economy” where cleaning his room earned him three pictures, another chore would earn two. That required him to think about each picture so when it came time for Mark’s payment; he knew exactly what pictures he would take. Now 40 years later, he teaches others “to take pictures intentionally.”
Mark has had a studio in Lansing for about six and a half years and offers a number of photographic services. Photography is Mark’s career. In addition to weddings, graduations, and headshots, he takes real estate photos, corporate events, pictures of businesses and products.
Weddings
In 1978, he began shooting weddings doing 30 to 45 weddings a year. He’s shot thousands of weddings. He enjoys the personal aspect and intimacy of being part of someone’s important day while connecting with people. Mark has an MA in counseling and working with couples he finds out their hopes, dreams, fantasies, and how their photos should look. He makes it come true. He listens to what they want and goes about capturing the moment as it goes organically, rather than creating the moment.
Mark works full-time as a professional photographer and his turnaround time for wedding photos is one to two weeks.
Graduations
A typical senior shoot is a hybrid of studio, including special effects like Green Screen and outside in the famous Old Town Lansing environment. This is one of the most popular combinations for seniors. Mark has strong listening skills and is successful in getting information out of his clients to achieve their desired results.
Other Photographic Services
In order for a home to sell quickly in Lansing’s real estate market, you need quality photos. Mark has the capability to deliver that through the right lighting equipment and angles.
Headshots are great for social media. They let people put a name and a face together.
Product Photography is critical in today’s market place. People are into visuals, they look before they read. You must determine what story you want to tell and why; then communicate it. The value of photography is in the visuals. Mark says, “Decisions are based on information, the better the information the better decisions.”
Mark also will photograph your business, both interior and exterior. These types of shots are for all types of marketing materials.
Smarter Pics Photography School
Mark has a passion for evangelizing photography and he openly shares his knowledge. He has mentored dozens of photographers, helping them develop their craft.
There are several classes including, spotting a great shot, learning your camera’s knobs and dials, and using Lightroom to process your photos.
The hands-on class size is generally under ten people. He offers several classes all focused on showing the participant, “how to get out of the ‘point and pray’ mode and take a great photograph intentionally.”
Photography Meetup Group
Mark started a photography MeetUp group in Lansing that now has about 500 members with 15 to 20 attending each event. The free meetups are the third Wednesday of each month. To join go to www.meetup.com/lansingphoto.
Mark plans various places and activities for members to meetup and make images. There are annual favorites such as portraitures with models at the Turner-Dodge House and new favorites like the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum. Members are all skill levels and willing share knowledge to help improve your images.
Chamberlin Photography
Smarter Pics
708 E. Grand River, Suite 4
Lansing, MI 48906
517-897-4172
www.markchamberlin.com
www.smarterpics.com