Interview with Mark Thomas

Hi Mark! Tell us about yourself in two sentences - who are you?

I’m a cinematographer/photographer based in Dallas, Texas. I film television commercials, documentaries, and short films.

QWhat's the weirdest situation you've found yourself in while taking a photograph?

AI was on assignment to photograph an oil platform in the North Atlantic Ocean from a helicopter. The company provided us with a Super Puma helicopter and I had never been in one that size before. It took us an hour and a half to get there. When it came time to swing the side door open and start photographing, the force from the propellers felt like I was going to be sucked right out! I had never experienced anything like that before. It was scary for a moment but once I gathered my wits, it was an awesome sight to see- this platform out by itself in this endless landscape of ocean.

QWhat do you shoot on? What's your favourite set up?

AFuji X-T1, Fuji X-E1 with fixed focal length lenses. My favorites are the 14mm and the 56mm. I also use old lenses with adapter mounts. I have a lot in my collection that are made by Nikon (non-AIS), Takumar, Helios, Jupiter and Carl Zeiss Jenas. I prefer that retro feel, especially for black and white.

QWhat's your number one tip for an aspiring photographer?

AStudy the history of photography. Shoot in manual mode. Ok, that’s 2.