Mark Taylor is renowned as the best portrait photographer, passionate about capturing personalities and the everyday moments that make life beautiful.
He has a special knack for connecting with real individuals, drawing out their unique qualities to create stunning portraits.
With a keen eye for character and a talent for showcasing the genuine beauty in each person, this photographer brings a fresh and authentic touch to every project.
Let’s find out more about the inspiring journey of this amazingly talented and the best portrait photographer in this exclusive interview.
Q.1 How did you develop your interest in portrait photography, and what draws you specifically to capturing people’s portraits?
Ans. My interest in professional portrait photography really started while I was studying at college. I used to work in a social club where there were all these fantastic characters.
People with stories to tell and ‘lived in’ faces, which I drew upon quite a lot in my early college work. This has just developed over the years and, luckily, crosses over into my commercial work now.
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Q.2 Can you tell us about your approach to capturing the essence of “real people” in your portraits?
Ans. My approach to this is to keep things very simple. I try not to direct too much when I’m shooting and aim to let the subject be themselves.
That ‘real people’ part comes from that; just let the subject feel comfortable and try to work together to find that ‘special something’ that makes a nice portrait.
A face can say a lot with just the most subtle tilt of the head, a tiny little hint of a smile, etc.
Q.3 What techniques do you use to bring out the unique characteristics of your subjects?
Ans. I often approach subjects and chat a little about a specific idea. I sometimes show them previous work to give them an idea of what I’m looking to do.
Often, the environment can play a big part in the portrait. That, along with the use of lighting (I light 95% of my portraits, tending not to rely on the ambient light), can create a certain mood or ‘look’.
Q.4 Could you share some memorable experiences or stories from your shoots with the BBC, Channel 4, and other notable clients?
Ans. Most jobs are memorable in some way. It could be the person or place we are shooting.
Being given access to people or locations I would never normally have the chance to get into is cool too.
I can’t think of too many stories, really, except almost dropping a light on a well-known TV personality (not naming any names!) who took it really well as my assistant caught it in the nick of time!
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Q.5 Are there any specific challenges you’ve encountered while photographing for clients in the healthcare industry, such as the NHS and BUPA?
Ans. These shoots are quite challenging, as you never really get a lot of time to set up how you would like to. A lot of the time, for instance, in the NHS, we are given a name and a location, and that is it.
There is no time to recce the location, so we figure out the shot as we go. I try to get there in advance if possible so we can get prepared (not always possible, though).
Again, we keep things simple on this type of shoot. Normally lit with one light, we carry a minimal kit so we can be mobile too.
The BUPA job was also challenging, as we were shooting the stills for a TV commercial shoot.
We were briefed in advance, but again, time is very tight on this kind of shoot, so there is a lot of planning ahead so we know exactly what we need in the short time we have.
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Q.6 Are there any particular photographers or artists who have influenced your style or approach to photography?
Ans. There are TONS of photographers I admire. Not sure if they have influenced my style or not (I’ll let others judge!), I’ll list a few below:
Robin De Puy/Richard Renaldi/Dana Lixenberg/Dan Winters/Alec Soth/Gregory Crewdson/Jamie Hawkesworth/Nadav Kander/Annie Leibovitz/Chris Crisman/Harry Borden/Vanessa Winship/Martin Scholler/Marko Grob/Katy Grannan/Bruce Gilden/Platon (I could go on and on…)
Q.7 How do you keep yourself inspired and motivated to continue pushing creative boundaries in your work?
Ans. I’m constantly inspired by the work of other great photographers. I have a vast and ever-growing photobook collection, which I refer to for inspiration.
It can be difficult at times, but I find the best way is to just go out and shoot. I might not get anything, but it may spark an idea or a conversation that leads to something else.
The motivation just comes from the fact that I want to shoot something!
Q.8 How do you ensure that your portraits capture not only the physical attributes but also the emotions of the subjects?
Ans. I’m not too sure how to answer this, but I’d refer back to an earlier answer. Keep it simple. Talk to the subject and observe them.
They might just give a little look or do something with their hands, for example, that may create a feeling or give off some emotion that wasn’t there earlier.
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Q.9 How important is the choice of location and setting in your portrait and lifestyle photography, and how do you decide on suitable backgrounds?
Ans. This plays a big part in my work. I enjoy photographing people in their own work or home environment. I try to find anything that adds to the portrait, and the background can often say more than just having a lone person in the shot.
Nothing too busy, though, as this can often take away from the person!
Q.10 Do you have a favorite type of portrait session, whether it’s individual, group, or lifestyle? What makes it your favorite?
Ans. I prefer the intimacy of a single portrait sitter where there are not too many distractions. One of my favorites was with John, a 90-year-old former World War II fighter pilot.
I heard about him on a job I was working on and arranged to go and take his portrait. He lived in a care home, and it was just me and him. Simple portraits lit with one light.
He got a subtle direction from me, but he just connected with the camera so well. There was one shot of him sitting on the end of his bed that I just loved.
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Q.11 What do you like to do other than photography?
Ans. I enjoy films, football, going to the gym, and spending time with my lovely wife, Kelly. We are currently renovating our home, which is taking up all my free time at the moment!
Q.12 How do you stay inspired and continue to evolve as a photographer in the fast-paced world of visual media?
Ans. As mentioned earlier, I’m inspired by other photographers work. I try my best to push myself too, but it has been difficult to shoot as much personal work as I would like over the past 2–3 years.
Pretty much all of my time, when not working, has been consumed by our house renovation.
Thankfully, this is almost complete now, probably by February ’24, and I will be able to focus my energies solely on my work again. Can’t wait!!!
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Q.13 Can you share any upcoming projects or collaborations that you are currently working on?
Ans. I have an idea I have been developing over the past few months that I’m hoping will turn into a personal project.
It’s a portrait project on a specific theme, but I can’t really say too much more than that at the moment. It’s very early days but could develop into some nice work…fingers crossed!!!
Conclusion
As we conclude this interview, Mark Taylor leaves us not only with breathtaking images but also with a deeper appreciation for the art of portrait photography. He possesses all the qualities necessary to excel as the best portrait photographer.
From his early days to the present, his dedication to the craft and the stories behind each portrait add depth to his remarkable talent.
His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring photographers and enthusiasts alike, reminding us all of the power of capturing beauty in every moment.
To view more of Mark’s work, Click here.
