This is Mark Atwater, outdoorsman and fellow photographer.  I recently attended a workshop that he hosted at Quinebaug Kennel in Canterbury, Connecticut. At the end of September, the morning is crisp but the pretty fall colors are barely visible.  It was a well orchestrated workshop and I am extremely happy that I went. It was very apparent that Mark knows so much more about photography than I do and the fact that he is willing to share his knowledge is appreciated!  CREEDSVA CREEDSVA

 Mark Atwater is an all around photographer but I gathered his strength and his passion is capturing wildlife, nature and sporting dog images.  With an enthusiastic subject, a sporting dog, that has enough athleticism to leap, swim and run, Mark gets his action shots.  My favorite take away from Mark is not about the process as much as it is about the effort it takes to be a great photographer.  You must know what it takes to get the shot.  It begins by choosing the subject along with the environment (background), becoming technically sound behind the lens, knowing how to evaluate the lighting, and perhaps most importantly, having the drive to get out there and do it!   With the right dog and environment selected, we (the students) head done the path to a shallow pond, cameras to the ready. 

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We are accompanied by a skilled dog handler to assist in the photo shoot. It takes a skilled handler to give the right commands to the dog at the right times. Mark knows before we begin, what type of shots he is looking for.  He also knows how to guide the handler towards the desired result.  However, his subject has a mind of his own and doesn't always cooperate, but Mark knows that it is par for the course and never looses his cool.  CREEDSVA

I took these shots from the sidelines, as Mark gets his own unique images.  Mark taught me how to think and act like a first rate photographer.  He demonstrated what it takes to get the job done and how much fun it can be when all is said and done. After all, it's all for the shot.

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