Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark L. Simmons.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I am a professional wedding photographer and have been for the past two years. I graduated from the University of Texas with a B.A. in History in 2016. During school, I was a professional Triathlete, and I had never even touched a DSLR. I found out that I liked taking pictures on my long training rides in Central Texas, and I became obsessed with what my iPhone 5c could capture. Other than my Art History classes it never occurred to me that I could make art, much less art that people would pay me to create. My plan after graduating was to go to Law school. However, after working for a law firm and studying for the LSAT, I quickly found out that that path was not for me. I bought my first DSLR with my first paycheck, and I never really looked back. I took pictures for whoever would let me, friends, family, and models I DM’ed on Instagram. I also started renting lenses from Photo Rental Source in an attempt to learn about different focal lengths and lighting equipment. Then on a whim, I asked if they were hiring and I was told no. A few weeks later I answered a call from my cubical, and turns out they were hiring and they that would love to have me on board! I immediately gave my two weeks notice. I have been working at Photo Rental Source since March 2017. I could not have asked for a better start for my career. Not only do I have an arsenal of amazing equipment, but I have been able to make connections with some of Houston’s incredibly talented photographers.
How did I learn that wedding photography was for me? Well, my former triathlon coach, Aaron Palaian, was also a photographer and he hired me to assist an upcoming wedding of his. I was absolutely enthralled by the experience of my wedding. I loved the pressure to get the shot and the fast-paced nature of the day- it felt exactly like racing. I also fell in love with all of the real emotions and moments I was able to capture. I was hooked! However, I knew I needed more experience as a second shooter before I could comfortably take on my own wedding. Aaron was gracious enough and let me keep the photos I had taken for him. I then did everything I could to get more jobs assisting. I spammed every local wedding photographer on Wedding Wire and The Knot with my photos and even chased a big named photographer down an elevator to ask to be their assistant. My efforts worked out, and I learned the craft from some of the best. Currently, I almost have more work than I can handle, and I am growing a business I am proud to call my own.
I love my job. For a while I didn’t that would be possible for me, and that I would have to find fulfillment from hobbies or a failing career in endurance sport. I used to be consumed by doubt and anxiety over my future, and that certainly isn’t the case any longer. I wake up every day happy and excited about what it may bring.
Please tell us about your art.
I am not an artist; I am a salesman. The sole purpose of my work is to give a product that will make my clients happy that they hired me to document their wedding day. I prefer film to digital photography. I love film’s inherently timeless look and the creation of physical negative- an artifact. I also pride myself on being intensely present during a wedding, I am constantly on the lookout for those moments that are special, the laughs, the tears, and the knowing looks. I work to give my clients a product that is incredibly thorough and beautiful.
What do you think about the conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
Its easier than ever to put your work out there for people see. Is it harder to stand out, of course? The wedding photography market incredibly saturated.
Houston is the absolute best city to be a wedding photographer; there are just so many people getting married. I am in love with this city’s diversity; my clients have taught me so many new perspectives that I would have otherwise.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I am very active on Instagram, you can find me @marklsimmons.
You can book me from there, Wedding Wire, and my website www.marklsimmons.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.marklsimmons.com
- Phone: 7132619900
- Email: mark.simmons@utexas.edu
- Instagram: marklsimmons
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
