A Gem from the Archives - Profoto Presents Mary Ellen Mark

"If you love it and you really want to do it, then you must do it,
because you'll never forgive yourself for not doing something
you cared about or you believe in, if you don't do it now!"
Mary Ellen Mark

Mary Ellen in action - just a screen shot from the video

by Skip Cohen
 
Just like the new "Why?" series where every image has a back-story, so do blog posts.

A few months ago I was teaching a workshop and was talking about Mary Ellen Mark. I couldn't help but notice the blank stares on so many faces. When I asked how many people knew who she was, only one hand went up. I was talking about one of the most recognized women in contemporary photography and nobody knew who she was!

Well, that experience actually became the foundation for "Why?" and getting as many of today's photographers to know the artists who are the leaders in our industry.

Mary Ellen passed away in May of last year, but her wisdom and inspiration lives on in her books, podcasts and videos, not to mention all of her images. She was a remarkable artist who I had the privilege of getting to know, starting in my early days at Hasselblad.

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Wandering through Profoto's YouTube archives I came across this video from their Icon Series four years ago. It's an outstanding presentation by Mary Ellen. She simply shares her thoughts on imaging, creativity and even touches here and there on technology. There's so much inspiration and wisdom in this video.

For example, she told me in a podcast a few years ago, which she also talks about in the video, how she has her students cover the screen on their cameras. She doesn't want them to "chimp." Why? Because so often photographers think they got the shot but the best image might still be coming. Because they've seen the image digitally, they think it's time to move on. In fact, that's the reason she liked analog so much more than digital, analog kept her focused on the subject longer.

Profoto is so much more than just a manufacturer of the industry's best lighting gear - they're leaders in education and technology. Visit the Profoto Blog for great content; subscribe to the newsletter, and check out their archives on YouTube. You'll never be disappointed.

If you don't have one of Mary Ellen's books in your library, they're just a click away. Profoto's website is also a click away and your chance to check out the very best in lighting, especially their Off-Camera Flash System. Just click on the banner below.