A profile on Professional Photographer Mark S. Cunningham

The Eye of An Artist

We have come a long way in technology. From cell phones to computers to social media, our society has become an easy bake community in many areas. Easy doesn’t always mean better, however, in many cases. For instance, it’s a breeze to take any digital camera, smart phone, or iPad, point at something and click. But it takes a very special eye to capture a piece of history, a delicate moment or a cherished memory. Photographer/Artist Mark S. Cunningham has just that special eye that has made many of his clients satisfied with his work and identified him as a true artist.

Marine to Photographer

During his active duty in the United States Marine Corps which spanned 20 years, he took his childhood fascination with photography and developed a love affair with the camera that stayed with him throughout his service. After studying photography in Japan, he opened up The PhotoPro Fine Photography Studio in Oceanside, California and operated it for a while but it was more than just a portrait service. He brought a uniqueness to the business during his duty and after that has drawn a variety of clients to him including commercial clients such as Forbes, Land Rover, the New Jersey Bar Association, The Green Magazine, Titeflex Corp., Unilever, American Friends of the Louvre, Jewish Home Foundation and many social and religious organizations such as Arise and Walk Ministries, St Cecilia’s Church, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Englewood, NJ, Temple Emanu-El Closter, NJ, The Urban League for Bergen County, Temple Sinai of Bergen County, and his place of worship, the Community Baptist Church Englewood, NJ just to name a few.

The Artist Abroad

The gift of seeing more than meets the eye can capture the beautiful, the bazaar, the amazing and also humanity at its best and worst. Mark has traveled the world and with his camera, he has captured images that prick the heart. From the victims of starvation in Somalia Africa, survivors of the Malaysian, Thailand and Indonesian Tsunami and even the Hurricane Katrina tragedy in New Orleans, the depth and emotions of each project/event is caught and his ability to adapt to any environment makes for a dynamic finish.

“It's not what I see through the camera but what I see in my mind's eye. The camera is the tool I use to show others what I see and to preserve the image.” Cunningham stated. 

As his Christian faith leads, he prays before each assignment seeking guidance, wisdom and clarity. In addition to numerous weddings, he has been commissioned to document services and rites of many cultures and religions. The artist in Mark expands the way he looks at photography. Photos tell stories and preserve moments and he can make things appear the way he wants them to appear.

“Whether a scene of devastation or a celebration of joy, I try to tell the story like no one else can. I don't create the art. I highlight the work of others. Whether it's a sunset, a building, or a smile, someone designed and created it. I just present it through photography.”

  

Mark. S. Cunningham the Business

As the owner and operator of Mark S. Cunningham’s Photography Inc. in Englewood, NJ, it is Mark’s unique style and signature portraits that have enabled him to build an impressive clientele. 

In addition to commercial photography, business and head shots Mark considers his work as the ‘equivalent of having a personal tailor that helps you choose and design the perfect suit for an off the shelf price’. 

Photography is a profession, but to Mark, it’s a way of life. He is highly sought after as the choice wedding photographer in the NJ/NY/CT Tri-State area.  His personal touch, journalistic approach, and creativity provide constant client satisfaction.  Whether in the studio or on location, Mark continues to excel by incorporating the latest technology and digital equipment in conjunction with web technology into his work. His most popular product is the mounted photos on metal with his watermark signature hidden somewhere on them that he produces and sells.

The gift of photography is like the gift of gab and his desire for his work to take him wherever he wants to go and provide a future for two generations keeps his gift grinding and sharpening. Mark is geared toward his clients whether snapping a wedding in a five star location or traveling on location.

'Every wedding is special and cannot be duplicated. The proof is in the pictures.’ says Mark who enjoys capturing a couple’s dream day and preserving it for them for a lifetime.

I make it a priority to identify with the couple. In my ‘ice cream shop of imagery’ I seek to find a couple’s flavor, toppings, and style. Equally important is having the ability and equipment to capture what they imagine. My portion is to discreetly capture and create an instant replay through imagery.”

He has had opportunities to photo sessions on private estates, beaches, and nontraditional locations, but one of his greatest desires is to see his portraits in the gallery of the Forbes building in New York City.

“What I do is not just a job to me, but a way of life. It's never a routine photo session to me. Every session is an opportunity to show the best image of a person or subject and to tell a story without opening my mouth.”

“I've heard that all good things come from above so I constantly look up and give thanks. I may be the only person with hands on my work, but I never work alone.” 

Mark S. Cunningham is a member of the Professional Photographers of America with 25 years of experience. For more information or bookings, visit www.cmarksfoto.com.