As a budding Hungerford Urban Artisans member, I took it upon myself to write up a Q&A to feature our members. I emailed Mark Osterling to see if he’d be willing to participate, lucky for you, my beloved blog readers, he said yes!
Mark Osterling Photography
The Hungerford, 1115 East Main St. Rochester, NY14609
Suite # 240 (Door 2, Floor 2)
My studio/gallery space, set up for a shoot.
In which medium(s) do you work?
As my business name suggests, I’m a photographer. I shoot mostly commercial work in my studio and I display art photography in my gallery.
Tell us a little bit about your process.
I have found that no matter how good you are, there is always more to learn! So I keep refining my “digital workflow” and honing my post-processing techniques as well. Therefore my process is constantly evolving.
For many years I concentrated on nature and still life, and I still enjoy shooting those subjects when I have the opportunity. It can be rather solitary, which works for me because I tend to be shy and introverted (just ask anyone who has encountered me in the hallway). But in the past few years I have been exploring many different types of photography – including commercial and even some consumer-oriented work. Which is how I knew it was time to get a studio.
How did you know that this was the best way to express yourself?
I began creating images as soon as I could hold a crayon. I spent my youth drawing and painting but I always had my camera with me. By the time I graduated high school I had developed a fondness for the “immediacy” of photography and the challenge inherent in trying to capture a fleeting moment. Painting and drawing just began to feel frustratingly slow in comparison. So I got a job working in photo lab, enrolled in school, and eventually earned my degree in Visual Communications with a concentration in photo/video.
To me photography is a melding of art, science, technology, and history. It continues to fascinate me… although I have been known to stray into other art forms like woodworking from time to time.
A sample of my artwork: This was truly a study in patience, waiting for just the right moment as these swans performed their mating ritual on a foggy spring morning!
What have you been currently working on and what has inspired you to do so?
To be honest, I haven’t done much photography in the past few weeks. It’s been such a whirlwind since I acquired the studio in October… I needed a moment to recharge my batteries and refocus (is that two puns?) but now I’m ready to take on new projects!
Are there other artists with whom you collaborate?
I have been fortunate enough to work with some talented models and stylists, who I would consider artists in their own right. And I would love to connect with some local clothing designers…
But I’m completely open to collaborating with artists of all types! For example, I could print some poster-sized photos on watercolor paper or canvas and then a painter can add some colorful embellishments… Hmmm, that could get interesting…
Anyway, if anyone has idea for a project (or you just need your artwork photographed) please don’t hesitate to knock on my door or send me an email!
My studio is open most First Fridays, including the upcoming one on May 4th. We’ll have some new images available, so be sure to visit Mark Osterling Photography in studio 240 at the Hungerford! </end shameless plug>
If so, what do people enjoy about visiting your space?
So far people seem to enjoy my artwork (thankfully), which for now consists of framed photographs and photo greeting cards. But I have some fresh ideas in the works, so stay tuned!
I attempt to offer subjects that are uplifting and maybe even whimsical and I think that really resonates with people. I don’t want my artwork to feel inaccessible, and I carry that same philosophy into my studio/gallery design.
Obviously I want my space to be aesthetically pleasing, but beyond that I try to balance a touch of formality with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. To me it should look professional without making anyone feel like they’re underdressed, and based on the feedback I receive, I think I have achieved that.
However there is one design element in particular that garners a fair amount of attention: my red leather chairs. People love those chairs! I have considered opening a red chair store if for some reason this photography thing doesn’t pan out.
A more “commercial” example: A product shot that also works as an out-of-the-ordinary Christmas card! Yes, I baked the cookies myself. And yes, I ate several of them during the shoot!
Why did you decide to become a member of The Hungerford Urban Artisans?
I chose the Hungerford building because it allows me the extraordinary opportunity to have both a working studio and an art gallery (with an established audience) all in one space. I joined HUA because I want to be part of this vibrant community of artists and artisans!
How has it been beneficial to you?
So far I have received creative inspiration, tips from other members on how to prepare (both physically and mentally) for First Fridays, and of course the new maps and signage are a huge benefit. Plus the quarterly HUA gatherings give me an opportunity to meet some of my new Facebook friends face to face!
Marks Web Links:
Additional contact info:
