Hello my friend, I’ve just returned from my Faroe Islands Workshop, I’m still thinking about the dramatic landscapes, unpredictable weather, and memorable moments we experienced along the way. Also, I’m excited to share a new image from the trip with you below. In this edition of The Morning Blaze, we’ll explore how a few small decisions, both behind the camera and during the editing process, can have a surprisingly big impact on the final photograph. There’s plenty to dig into this week, and...
28 days ago • 3 min read
Hello my friend, Happy Thursday! It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through July. Before long, we’ll be trading these hot, humid summer days for crisp fall mornings and some of the best photography of the year. In this edition of The Morning Blaze, I’ve got a couple of new photography resources to help you get ready for the season, along with an update on my 2027 Patagonia Fall Workshop, which will be my last workshop there for a while. I hope you enjoy this week’s edition! As always,...
about 1 month ago • 4 min read
Hello my friend, Every great landscape photograph is the result of dozens of small decisions. Where you stand, what you leave in or out of the frame, and whether you notice that one small detail before you press the shutter can make all the difference. That’s exactly what this edition of The Morning Blaze is all about. Inside, you’ll find my latest videos on the photography rules I followed for years, the simple 10 second checklist I use before every shot, and one of my favorite photo editing...
about 2 months ago • 4 min read
Hello my friend, Every once in a while, I like to revisit an older photo and ask a simple question: What would I do differently today? It’s one of the easiest ways to see how much your photography has evolved, not through dramatic changes, but through the countless small decisions that come with experience. In this edition, you’ll find a comparison between a beginner edit and how I’d approach the same image today, my latest thoughts on back button focus for landscape photography, a guide to...
2 months ago • 3 min read
Hello my friend, This week's edition revolves around one simple idea: paying closer attention. To the quieter scenes we often overlook. To the tools we use every day. And to the timeless ideas that continue to shape great photography. I'm also excited to finally share my only Smoky Mountains workshop of 2027. Spring is one of my favorite times to be in the mountains, and with several spots already spoken for, I don't expect openings to last long. As always, thanks for being here. - Mark 📺 MY...
3 months ago • 3 min read
Hello my friend, First, I just wanted to say thank you for the incredible response to the new Katmai Bears & Landscapes workshops last week. Both workshops sold out in less than eight hours, which honestly blew me away. I’m extremely grateful for the support and excitement surrounding this trip. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the subtle things that quietly hold us back as photographers. Not the obvious mistakes, but the habits, assumptions, and false sense of security that slowly...
3 months ago • 4 min read
Hello my friend, I’m writing this from the Smoky Mountains, right in the middle of my spring workshops, where everything feels like it’s waking up at once. The light gets softer, the colors come back, and the opportunities start showing up faster than you can keep up with. If you’ve been waiting for spring to show up, this is your moment. And before you get into it, I tucked something in below that I’ve been hinting at over the past couple weeks. It’s built around one of the most...
4 months ago • 4 min read
Hello my friend, This week’s edition brings together a strong mix of ideas that can make a real difference the next time you are out with your camera. From small setting decisions that simplify how you shoot, to composition reminders that help scenes feel more unique, to editing techniques that refine the final result, there's a wide range of practical insight waiting for you below. My goal with this one was simple. Give you a collection of tools & perspectives you can carry straight into the...
4 months ago • 4 min read
Hello my friend, This week’s edition is packed with practical photo editing ideas you can put to work right away, from small adjustments that create cleaner files to workflow decisions that can make a big difference in the final result. There is a lot to dig into below. And before you get there, I also wanted to give you a quick heads up that something special is in the works. I'll be sharing more details soon about a brand new photography experience, and you will find a short teaser further...
5 months ago • 4 min read