PHOTO ADVENTURES
One-to-one private guiding.
Field-based mentorship.
Immersive outdoor experiences.
Have you ever wanted to trade in the planned events, fancy presentations and rehearsed speeches for something more authentic to outdoor photography? What if you could spend unstructured time in the field working directly, one-to-one with a peer, having organic conversations and getting questions answered at the point of interest, as they arise? Would it be of value to observe a peer actively working a scene; making the myriad of choices necessary to rest on a final frame?
If you’re like me you find inspiration all around you in the natural world. You’re made alive by the process of creating. And while your photographic vision is uniquely yours–a wilderness only you can navigate and understand–together, we can explore, share inspiration, and exchange ideas.
If a field-based photography adventure sounds exciting to you, let’s work together! Spend a day or spend a week with me in the field. Pick an area I know well and let me guide you towards opportunities. Or, pick an area that neither of us knows and let’s experience place together for the first time.
Interested in joining me for a photo adventure?
Drop me a line! Let’s get something on the calendar.
E-mail: info@markvandyke.net
Photo Adventure
1/2 Day Duration
Roughly four hours. Popular for those with specific subjects/wildflowers they would like to photograph.
$395
Photo Adventure
1 Full Day Duration
The most popular duration. Spend sunrise to sunset with me, or split the full-day over two days by doing two 1/2 day durations.
$500
Photo Adventure
1 Week Duration
How I typically approach my own personal shooting. Spread the experience over an extended time period to disperse weather anomolies and increase overall opportunities.
$3000
What others are saying:
“I participated in a private workshop with Mark in the Outer Banks. His teaching caliber far exceeded my expectations. I went in expecting to learn some specific techniques I wanted to improve, see a couple cool sights, and glean a few insights simply by observing an experienced professional in the field. What I didn’t expect was to leave with a completely new way of thinking about the images I capture. Mark’s teaching style is like his photographic work–understated yet powerfully effective, and with a depth that creates a lasting impression. The whole experience felt tailored to me and where I was in my creative journey. I will be thinking about the lessons Mark taught me for years to come.” –Kristi McLennan, OBX 2023
1. One-to-one private guiding
It’s you and me. No group. Whether it’s rare wildflowers or cramped waterfalls, we’ll be able to respectfully work the natural landscape without overwhelming the resource or affecting the experience for other trail users. The one-to-one format will also allow us to be nimble and agile. If we don’t like it, we leave. If we do, we stay as long as desired.
2. Place-based expertise
I know the landscape. I’ve lived in Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina, as well as spent an unbelievable amount of time along the barrier islands of the Outer Banks. Developing relationship with the landscape is very important to me. That means returning over and over and approaching the land with curiosity and a desire to learn. It means seeing not only the grand, but the small and the intimate as well. I’ve been visually studying these places full-time for over ten years behind the lens.
3. An experience, not an event
Adventures are not orchestrated, highly planned, itinerary-driven events. I won’t waste your time with activities that are not directly related to connecting with the place. We’re either out shooting or we’re talking about photography, creativity and place between shoots. We stay responsive to the weather and atmospheric conditions, and we follow the opportunities as they show.
4. A mentorship-like approach
Mentorship is relational. I’ll meet you where you’re at. I don’t approach photo adventures as your guru or your coach. If you only need place guidance, then that’s what I’ll deliver. If you’re interested in camera technique and/or scouting strategies, then that’s what we’ll work on. This is an opportunity to go to work with me. We’ll chase beauty, together, and we’ll sort out all the other details as we go.
Interested in joining me for a photo adventure?
Drop me a line! Let’s get something on the calendar.