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  • About Mark

    Mark is a professional landscape photographer based in the North East of England.

    About Mark Banks, professional landscape photographer"Through my extensive experience and unwavering dedication to the craft, I have developed a profound love for capturing the beauty of the natural world.

    My journey as a photographer began in my teenage years when I first picked up a camera. It was in those early days that I discovered the power of freezing moments in time and the magic of visual storytelling. As technology advanced, I eagerly embraced the digital revolution, acquiring my first digital camera in 2000. This pivotal moment opened up new possibilities and fuelled my desire to continually improve my skills.

    However, it was a fortuitous encounter with the esteemed photographer, Joe Cornish, that truly shaped my artistic vision. Inspired by his mastery of landscape photography, I invested in a large format camera, which proved to be a turning point in my photographic journey. This medium demanded a meticulous approach, honing my technical skills and teaching me the importance of patience and precision.

    Drawing from my own growth and experiences, I made it my mission to help others unlock their creative potential and consistently capture breathtaking photographs. For nearly two decades, I have been leading photography workshops, where like-minded individuals gather to learn, explore, and elevate their skills together. Guiding others through the intricacies of landscape photography is a profound joy for me, and witnessing their growth and achievements is incredibly rewarding.

    As a versatile outdoor photographer, I find immense joy in capturing the essence of the natural world through various genres. Whether it's creating fine art landscapes that evoke emotion, exploring the abstract and impressionistic qualities of nature, or delving into the ethereal realm of long exposure photography, I continuously seek new ways to express my artistic vision. Additionally, during the summer months, I immerse myself in the fascinating world of insects, capturing their intricate beauty through the lens.

    My commitment to photography education extends beyond workshops. I offer personalised 1-to-1 tuition, allowing individuals to receive tailored guidance and mentoring to enhance their skills. Furthermore, I conduct image processing courses, empowering photographers to bring their visions to life through post-processing techniques.

    In my quest for inspiration, I have been fortunate to travel extensively, both within the United Kingdom and abroad. Exploring diverse landscapes, meeting new people, and immersing myself in different cultures, enriching my artistic perspective and fuelling my creativity. I believe that the world is a boundless source of beauty waiting to be captured, and I am dedicated to sharing that beauty with others.

    Thank you for visiting my website. I invite you to explore my portfolio, join me on a workshop, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for personalised tuition. Let's embark on a remarkable journey together, where we can celebrate the art of landscape photography and create enduring images that resonate with the soul."

    "Never get so busy making a living,
    that you forget to make a life."

  • Camera Equipment

    “Over the years my kit bag has become heavier and heavier as my interest in the subject has grown. One thing I’ve learned over those years is that it pays to buy quality. Using cheap products and materials can make your images suffer. Of course, a great kit bag doesn’t make you a great photographer but if you use the right equipment for the right job it makes capturing the right image a great deal easier in my opinion.”

    Landscape Photography Bag Comprises:

    Sony Alpha A7r IV Camera Body
    Carl Zeiss Milvus 50mm f1.4 Lens
    Carl Zeiss Distagon ZF.2 25mm f2.8  Lens
    Sony FE 12-24mm f4 G Lens
    Samyang 100mm f2.8 Macro Lens
    Kippon Tilt/Shift Nikon > Sony Lens Adaptor
    Metabones Nikon > Sony Lens Adaptor
    Hoodman Loupe
    F-Stop Kashmir Bag
    Really Right Stuff Carbon Fibre Tripod
    Cambo Geared Tripod Head

    Lee Filter System Comprising:
    0.3, 0.6, 0.9 & 1.2 ND Hard Grad Filter System
    0.3, 0.6 & 0.9 ND Soft Grad Filter System
    Lee Super, Big & Little Stoppers
    0.9 Neutral Density Filter
    Lee 105mm Circular Polariser

    Insect & Creative Photography Bag Comprises:

    Canon R7 & Sony A7r IV Camera Bodies
    Canon 18-150mm Lens
    Canon EF 100mm IS USM Macro Lens
    Canon Drop-In Filter Mount Adaptor EF-EOS R
    Raynox DCR-250 Super Macro Lens
    K&F Concept Screw-In Variable ND Filter
    Lensbaby Velvet 56mm Lens
    Lensbaby Velvet 85mm Lens
    Lensbaby Composer Pro II
    Lensbaby Spark 2.0
    Lensbaby Sweet 50mm Optic
    Lensbaby Twist 60mm Optic
    Lensbaby Soft Focus II 50mm Optic
    Lensbaby Creative Bokeh 50mm Optic
    Lensbaby Omni Deluxe Collection III Creative Filters
    Aputure MC LED Light
    Hoodman Loupe
    F-Stop Satori Camera Bag
    Really Right Stuff Carbon Fibre Tripod
    Cambo Geared Tripod Head

    Large Format Kit Comprises (now used infrequently):

    Ebony Large Format View Camera

    Ebony SW45 Large Format View Camera made from Mahogany (Lighter for long treks!)
    90mm Rodenstock Grandagon Wide Angle Lens
    150mm Rodenstock Sironar ‘N’ Lens
    210mm Schneider Kreuznach APO-Symmar Lens
    300mm Nikon Nikkor M Lens
    Horseman 6x7 120 Film Back
    Guohua 6x12 120 Panoramic Film Back
    Linhof Viewfinder
    Sekonic L558 Spot Light-Meter

    Film:
    FujiFilm 5x4 Provia 100
    FujiFilm 5x4 Velvia 50
    FujiFilm 120 Velvia 50

     

     

     

     

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