Edward:  Welcome to Connex247 family Mark. It is a great pleasure to have you here.  Well, tell us about your yourself, your hometown and how did you become interested in photography?

Mark: I’m originally from a small town in Western New York State, but I’ve lived in New York City for a long time now. I became interested in photography because I’m a very visual person — I like to be creative and think of new ways to show things.

I started by doing travel photography, but then expanded to include work with male models. I really like this genre, because I enjoy working with people, and I enjoy showing physical beauty, as well as the personality of the model.

Edward:  You have such an amazing background working for editorials, documentaries, fine arts, fashion etc. Tell us about those works.

Mark: I really like doing editorial and fine art. I like the creative process behind setting up a scene, telling a story, and building up the character of the model. I always spend a lot of time with concepts for each shoot I do. My goal is to eventually have some of my best creative work published in book form.

Edward: I´m sure you might have some funny/unusual model backstages stories.  Share with us some of these moments

Mark: Most of my models come to the shoot alone, but they sometimes bring someone — a boyfriend, girlfriend or friend to make them feel more comfortable. Once, a guy showed up with his brother, who was so perfect for modeling that I ended up shooting both of them together. And once, a guy showed up with his grandmother — that was a surprise! She waited very patiently and asked lots of questions — but the model made her wait in another room once we got to doing some artistic nudes!

Edward:  Do you think that digital era really helped the photographers concerning aspects like quality and tecnology? In your opinion what were the most remarkable achievments in photography in the last decade?

Mark: I think the digital age has been wonderful. Personally, it has allowed me to be much more prolific and experimental. I no longer worry about “wasting” too much film on shots or concepts that may not be good. Now I’m always willing to try new things and just keep shooting. In addition, the digital format gives us more control to make the images look their best after they’ve been shot. I am not a huge fan of using Photoshop to the point where the photo looks fake, but as a basic tool, it’s wonderful.

Edward:  What do you look most when selecting models to shoot?

Mark: Most of the models I’ve worked with are really terrific. I love working with models who have strong personalities, their own ideas about creativity, and also a sense of humor. I tend to like diversity, so I don’t go for just one body type or ethnicity. I try to represent male beauty in all its forms.

Edward: You seem to have helped a number of models with their careers. What do you really feel about that?

Mark: I am thrilled when images that I have created can help a model. There have been times when a model says that the shots we did together are what really got him noticed — and that means we did a good job, which is very satisfying.

Edward:  What advice would you give to models and to the aspiring ones?

Mark: It’s important to stay positive, and try to identify your goals. What kind of modeling are you most interested in? Are you looking to do it full-time or as a part-time gig? There are so many people who want to be models, it’s important to stay focused and not get discouraged when things are slow.

In addition, it’s extremely important to get high-quality professional images in your portfolio as quickly as possible. You may be the most gorgeous man on earth, but you still need good images to communicate that.

Edward:  There must be special moments when you feel that you have captured a perfect picture... Share this passion with us. How does this special moment happen?

Mark: I think the “perfect picture” is when it captures the style and communicates the message that works best. It should show the model’s character, personality and beauty, and also be the kind of photo that will really make people stop and say “wow.” A lot of times the very best photos are the ones that weren’t planned!

Edward:  If a model wants to work with you, how do they get in touch?

Mark:  First, they should check out my latest work at www.MarkEdwardStudio.com so they can see some of the styles of my work. Then they can e-mail me at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it — they should be sure to include their full name, age, location, and what they’re interested in doing. And of course, they should show me some sample photos of themselves, which don’t need to be professional shots.

Edward: Mark, thanks for sharing your story with us. Leave a message to Connex247 readers around the world and tell us about your expectations for 2007.

Mark: I appreciate being included in Connex247. I think it’s great that there is a community of people who appreciate the creative work of photographers, models and other artists, and I’m excited to be a part of it. For 2007, I hope to be able to continue with several of my ongoing projects and expand my portfolio further — and help a few models along the way, too!

* All images attached are copyright Mark Chesnut/Mark Edward Studio. Rights are granted for one-time editorial Internet use to Connex247, for publication/exhibition in conjunction with article about Mark Edward Studio. No additional rights may be assumed without prior written permission from Mark Edward Studio.

Mark Chesnut / Mark Edward Studio
35-36 76th Street #506
Jackson Heights, New York 11372 USA
(718) 396-5313
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
www.MarkEdwardStudio.com

Recent work:

• HX Magazine (March 2, 2007): Cover photo: "Unwind"
• Next Magazine (January 19, 2007): Cover feature: "The Health & Beauty Issue"
• Queens Museum of Art (October 2006-February 2007): "Queens International" exhibit
• Sportswear International (May/June 2006): "My Style" fashion section
• Passport Magazine (November 2006): Buzios, Brazil travel feature
• Mate Magazine (Issue #14): Sao Paulo travel feature