Lets get together! I love getting together with people to discuss photography. I also run workshops. The following is a list of all workshop and event posts. Most are listed first.
My Work to be Exhibited at the 2020 Davinci Art Alliance Members Exhibition, Philadelphia, December 2nd – December 20th, 2020
I am very pleased to announce that my photograph Our American Gothic will be exhibited at the 2020 Davinci Art Alliance Members Exhibition, held by appointment only at the DVAA gallery in Philadelphia and virtually on line at https://davinciartalliance.org/light
There will be a virtual Public Opening Reception on Wednesday, December 2, 7-8pm you can attend at https://davinciartalliance.org/calendar/light-opening-reception
Here is what DVAA says about the show. “The exhibition reflects on light in what has been a dark year. From the looming threat of COVID-19, to nationwide protests against racial injustice, to the election, this year has taken an enormous toll on all of us. And even though isolation and uncertainty has become the new normal, a hope for a better tomorrow remains. There is still light through all of this darkness, the trick is getting there (together).”
I was happy to have the opportunity to show one of the photographs I recently made (sorry, it’s dark) that spoke to how I felt and still feel about the state of our country during these difficult times. I’m hoping for brighter times ahead and I see glimmers of “light” at the end of the tunnel, but there is much work to do, and nothing can ever be taken for granted again.
I hope to see you at the opening!
Stay safe,
Michael
Inaugural Monalog Collective Photographers Outing, September 10-12, 2020, Easton, Pennsylvania
That’s right everyone … announcing the Inaugural Monalog Collective Photographers Outing!!! Now is the chance you have been waiting for to meet up with yours truly and other likeminded black and white analog photographers and do what we love … photograph! But there’s so much more! I’m so excited about this opportunity to get together that I can hardly contain myself!!
The Monalog Collective Photographer’s Outing is a chance for black and white analog photographers to meet, make photographs and have a great time. It is also an opportunity for photographers that are not members of Monalog to interact with and learn more about the Monalog Collective. The Outing is limited to 25 participants and will be based in the picturesque town of Easton, Pennsylvania situated on the shores of the Delaware River. Easton is nearby beautiful Bucks County and the Lehigh Valley and is close to many small river towns, as well as Bethlehem and Allentown Pennsylvania. This means that there is an abundance of diverse subject matter to satisfy every photographer. It is easily accessible from Philadelphia, New York City, Allentown and Newark. There are a number of local hotels and bed and breakfasts, along with plenty of restaurants in the area.
We will begin our event with a group “get to know you” diner at a local restaurant (TBD) on Thursday evening.
Friday will be devoted primarily to making photographs. We will all meet at 8:30am at a central location and take it from there. No pressure and no expectations. The idea is to be with other photographers, have fun and be mutually supportive. We will have a number of locations scouted out where participants can meet up, or you can go your own way freestyle, as there is no shortage of subject matter to be photographed.
On Friday evening at 7pm we will all meet for a talk by Monalog Collective member and analog photography historian, Chris Karfakis. The talk will be held at the beautiful Stirner Modern Gallery located in downtown Easton.
On Saturday we will meet again at 8:30am, then depart for more photographing. At 2pm we will reconvene at the studio and darkroom of Monalog member and working photographer Ed Eckstein located above the Stirner Modern Gallery. The concluding session will include a tour and discussion by Ed about his work, as well as participant feedback, thoughts on possible next steps, upcoming events and how to get involved with Monalog.
We will adjourn at 4pm so participants can begin to head home or stay in the area for dinner.
Come join us and be part of this exciting Monalog inaugural event! There is no cost, but you will want to sign up early to ensure participation.
I look forward to seeing you in September!
For more information contact me at:
info@michaelmarksphoto.com; info@monalogcollective.com or 215-348-9171
Stay safe,
Michael
My Inclusion in the 27th Annual Phillips Mill Photographic Online Exhibition, and Adapting to Our New Normal
Life goes on during Covid-19. I had decided to enter some of my photographs in the annual Phillips Mill Photographic Exhibition (PMPE) competition here in Bucks County because the great photographer Emmet Gowin was going to be the juror. I wanted to see how I would do. The ground rules were that all photographs submitted had to be made within the last five years. I was pleased to learn that two of my photographs were selected and one of them was given a prestigious award.
I was very much looking forward to the show held annually at the Phillips Mill. The mill was built in 1756, and is situated alongside the Delaware River; it’s a beautiful venue for viewing photographs. I was also looking forward to meeting Emmet Gowin whose work I have long admired. None of that worked out thanks to Covid-19. The people I really feel sorry for are the many volunteers that worked long hours to make this wonderful show a reality. The good news for me was besides having two pictures selected from 1000 entries, I was able to meet Spencer Saunders and Alina Marin-Bliach who co-chaired this event. They are truly dedicated to what they are doing and are also wonderful photographers. I look forward to getting to know both of them better and supporting the important work they are doing at Phillips Mill. And who knows, maybe someday I will be able to meet Emmet Gowin and thank him personally!
This whole experience has shown me just how fragile our individual existences are. It has also reinforced what is really important in my life. Family most of all, my friends, and the relationships I have made in the areas that matters the most to me. At the top of the list would be photography. I am grateful to people like Spencer and Alina, and the many other volunteers that worked to put this show together. Rather than call it a day, they decided not to throw in the towel in the face of adversity.
The easy thing would have been to bag the show completely and tell people to pick up their prints when the virus passed. Instead, they put together a beautiful on-line exhibition!
Thank you all!
Part of the new normal for the rest of us that don’t wish to feel sorry for ourselves being stuck at home is to keep pushing forward with our lives, including our creative lives. Towards this end, I spent most of last weekend walking around and photographing in my neighborhood and the Doylestown area. I had a wonderful time and made many more photographs than I originally thought I would. Now to develop the film and see if there are any keepers to print!
If you have a moment, please take a look at the exhibit here https://www.phillipsmillphoto.com/pmpe2020-exhibition then do something that enriches your photographic life. Life is short; make the best out of our new normal.
Stay safe,
Michael
February Groundhog Day Photo Chat Get-Together
Hey it’s already past New Year’s and the beginning of a new decade here in Bucks County so I thought it would be a good time to schedule another Photo Chat Get-Together!
Yes, it’s time to get together again to discuss our photographs and how our photographic lives are progressing! On Groundhog Day no less! And what better day to look at photographs as Punxsutawney Phil makes his prognostication on how the upcoming weather will impact our photographic lives!
How about joining us and getting together to chat about our photographs and the stories behind them? What was your intent in making the photograph, what were you trying to say, was it a success? If you made your print, were there any particular challenges involved?
This is not a discussion focused on gear — the idea is to share insights, get constructive feedback, learn a few things, relax and make new friends!
Well, if this sounds interesting and fun, how about joining me in beautiful downtown Doylestown, PA, in the heart of scenic Bucks County, and we will get together over a cup of coffee.
Photographers of all levels are welcome.
Bring only a couple of prints to discuss. Obviously the prints should be Black and White and should be film based!
The get together will be on Sunday, February 2nd, 10:00-11:30am at the Zen Den coffee shop, located at 41 E State St, Doylestown, PA 18901.
Email or call me at 215-348-9171 if you are interested. First come first serve!
I look forward to seeing you!
December Photo Chat Get-Together
The holiday season is coming up is here in Bucks County so I thought it would be a good time to schedule another Photo Chat Get-Together! Between Thanksgiving and the end of the year sounds about right.
Yes, it’s time to get together again to discuss our photographs and how our photographic lives are progressing!
How about joining us and getting together to chat about our photographs and the stories behind them? What was your intent in making the photograph, what were you trying to say, was it a success? If you made your print, were there any particular challenges involved?
This is not a discussion focused on gear — the idea is to share insights, get constructive feedback, learn a few things, relax and make new friends!
Well, if this sounds interesting and fun, how about joining me in beautiful downtown Doylestown, PA, in the heart of scenic Bucks County, and we will get together over a cup of coffee.
Photographers of all levels are welcome.
Bring only a couple of prints to discuss. Obviously the prints should be Black and White and should be film based!
The get together will be on Sunday, December 8th, 10:00-11:30am at the Zen Den coffee shop, located at 41 E State St, Doylestown, PA 18901.
Email or call me at 215-348-9171 if you are interested. First come first serve!
I look forward to seeing you!
July Photo Chat Get-Together
Summer is here in Bucks County and there is no excuse to be making photographs and talking about them. Time to schedule another Photo Chat Get-Together!
Yes, it’s time to get together again to discuss our photographs and how our photographic lives are progressing!
How about joining us and getting together to chat about our photographs and the stories behind them? What was your intent in making the photograph, what were you trying to say, was it a success? If you made your print, were there any particular challenges involved?
This is not a discussion focused on gear — the idea is to share insights, get constructive feedback, learn a few things, relax and make new friends!
Well, if this sounds interesting and fun, how about joining me in beautiful downtown Doylestown, PA, in the heart of scenic Bucks County, and we will get together over a cup of coffee.
Photographers of all levels are welcome.
Bring only a couple of prints to discuss. Obviously the prints should be Black and White and should be film based!
The get together will be on Sunday, July 28th, 10:00-11:30am at the Zen Den coffee shop, located at their new address on 41 E State St, Doylestown, PA 18901.
Email or call me at 215-348-9171 if you are interested. First come first serve!
I look forward to seeing you!
Memorial Day Weekend Photo Chat Get-Together
The snow and cold are finally gone and it’s spring here in Bucks County. Time to schedule another Photo Chat Get-Together!
Yes, it’s time to get together again to discuss our photographs and how our photographic lives are progressing!
How about joining us and getting together to chat about our photographs and the stories behind them? What was your intent in making the photograph, what were you trying to say, was it a success? If you made your print, were there any particular challenges involved?
This is not a discussion focused on gear — the idea is to share insights, get constructive feedback, learn a few things, relax and make new friends!
Well, if this sounds interesting and fun, how about joining me in beautiful downtown Doylestown, PA, in the heart of scenic Bucks County, and we will get together over a cup of coffee.
Photographers of all levels are welcome.
Bring only a couple of prints to discuss. Obviously the prints should be Black and White and should be film based!
The get together will be on Sunday, May 26th, 10:00-11:30am at the Zen Den coffee shop, located at their new address on 41 E State St, Doylestown, PA 18901.
Email or call me at 215-348-9171 if you are interested. First come first serve!
I look forward to seeing you!
Happy New Year! January 27th Photo Chat Get-Together
Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe it’s the beginning of another year here in Bucks County. Time to schedule another Photo Chat Get-Together!
Yes, it’s time to get together again to discuss our photographs and our plans for 2019!
How about joining us and getting together to chat about our photographs and the stories behind them? What was your intent in making the photograph, what were you trying to say, was it a success? If you made your print, were there any particular challenges involved?
This is not a discussion focused on gear — the idea is to share insights, get constructive feedback, learn a few things, relax and make new friends!
Well, if this sounds interesting and fun, how about joining me in beautiful downtown Doylestown, PA, in the heart of scenic Bucks County, and we will get together over a cup of coffee.
Photographers of all levels are welcome.
Bring only a couple of prints to discuss. Obviously the prints should be Black and White and should be film based!
The get together will be on Sunday, January 27th, 10:00-11:30am at the Zen Den coffee shop, located at their new address on 41 E State St, Doylestown, PA 18901.
Email or call me at 215-348-9171 if you are interested. First come first serve!
I look forward to meeting you!
