FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MY PHOTOGRAPHY JOURNEY
Where my photography journey started
I’ve been surrounded by people in the fashion industry my whole life. My parents own a successful beauty salon and most of my close friends are in the industry. My passion for photography started at a very young age. I used to borrow my parents’ film camera and take photos of a very pretty next-door neighbour, who was always happy to pose for me in handmade costumes. I remember picking it up as a hobby after being asked by friends to take their picture too.
My teenage years
As it happens for many people during the teen years, I started developing other interests and my photography hobby was eventually forgotten. I then spent many years following my mum’s footsteps in the beauty industry. After becoming a successful makeup artist, I decided to move from Czech to England in search for new experiences. At the time heavy makeup trends, like contouring, were in and that was bad news for me. I was heavily influenced by my mother, whose philosophy is using makeup to enhance natural beauty. And so, for the first time I struggled as a makeup artist.
Back to my hobby
One day, after finishing makeup at film production, I was asked to take some behind the scenes photos. After many years the camera landed in my hands again. With newfound enthusiasm, I asked friends to pose for me and I decided to learn how to use a digital camera. Figuring it out took a while but I didn’t give up. I bought photoshop and learned to edit my images. The process was so hard I remember periods of time when I was close to giving up every-time I faced a struggle. I didn’t. I managed to keep going.
My first real customers
When I felt confident enough I started taking on clients. I didn’t make much at first, just enough to cover expenses and make a small profit. I started with a few portraits and I loved it. My customers were happy and that made me feel wonderful, a confirmation that I was on the right track. It was at that point in time that I realised this is what I wanted to do.
Pack shot photography course with one of the biggest photography companies in the UK
My knowledge and experience of makeup brought me another platform to work in. I worked with many makeup artists to build their portfolio. I knew how it should look like and what to should stand out. Creating those photographs was my real passion. Then an opportunity came up to go on a course with renowned e-commerce photography and videography company PackShot Photography. I learned about product photography and editing from them, which opened a new pathway for me.
While I was learning the ins and outs of product photography I shot many fashion editorials and many other types of photography, many of which have been published in magazines.
My life now
It has now been over 5 years that I dedicate myself to product photography and I love it. I’ve met so many great business owners and got to help them build their brand. I can’t wait to see where my career will take me next.
See my PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY portfolio
If you wanted to see my editorial photography visit my Mark Kop Photography.
