I’ve been working hard on my new website, and now it is live! Lots more tweaking and refinement to go, but it’s working out nicely. Have a look: Mark Klotz Photography
I’ve also created a new Facebook business page, and linked my Instagram account.
Site Changes Coming
Hello!
I’ve been wanting to update this site for a while now, with emphasis on my recent photography projects, and photo shoots. Currently, most of my work can be seen on my Flickr page. I love Flickr, but it’s not ideal for showcasing my best work. Unless you’re familiar with Flickr, and browsing by folders, Flickr is a lot like shuffling through a box of loose photos. I’d like to feature my latest work, and make it easier to find, and view.
The 2017 Vancouver Polar Bear Swim
I went down to the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim again, this year. Even though it was freezing cold outside, thousands of people still showed up and had a lot of fun. The sun was out, too!
Here are my photos from the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim on my Flickr page. Enjoy!
2016 Vancouver Zombie Walk
Here are my photos form this year’s Vancouver Zombie Walk.
The New Year
Every year, on the first day of January, I head down to English Bay to shoot photos of the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim. I think I’ve been doing this for over a decade now. It’s a fun event to watch. There are great costumes, and people have a lot of fun. Some of the same families have been doing it for decades, and it’s a tradition for them.
Jumping into the freezing cold water in the middle of winter seems crazy, (it is.) But I think everyone has their own reasons for doing it.
For some people, the act of going into the water on the first day of the year, is a symbolic act. They’re going into the water with all of the things they carried from the past year—all of their burdens, their pain, heartache, and any other kind of suffering. They’re giving it up. Metaphorically washing it all away, and coming out clean and starting new again. I’ve seen these people.
I see it in their faces as they go in. One of the most touching things is seeing these people go in the water, and then come out, and into the embrace of their loved ones waiting for them on the beach. Renewal. Starting the new year all over again, but leaving the old burdens behind.
Goodbye 2015.
When most people are sleeping
I seem to be most creative late at night.
Lately, I’ve been reworking some of my photos from a couple of years ago, and I get this really good feeling while I’m working. It’s like I’m right in the middle of my creative zone. I don’t really care about when I have to get up the next morning. When I’m feeling creative like this, I want to take advantage of it. I put on some easy listening music, and go to it. The time flies by very quickly.
Capturing The Passion
On those occasions when I get the opportunity to just wander around with my camera, I’m always searching for something; I want to capture people expressing themselves naturally, uninhibited by their surroundings. Honest human emotions.
I want to capture this indistinguishable look of passion. It’s pure. It’s love. It’s real. It moves me deeply. When i’m fortunate enough to capture people in this moment, it’s like I get to experience what they are feeling. I draw from it. It stays in my heart for a while, and warms me.
I strive to capture this passion, probably more than you realize. It’s something I need to feel.
California
Old cars. They have this kind of old car smell inside them that I find strangely comforting. I like old cars. Big, old comfortable things. Front seats the size of couches, simple but charming old radios, and those old dashboard lights.
I wanna go for a nice long drive. But I don’t even need to drive. I want someone to drive me. I wanna see the trees go by my window all day while I sit back in my seat, and daydream. Turn the radio on. I’ll open my window a bit when we’re out of the city. Head south.
Drive me until the maple trees fade into Joshua trees, and we’re in the desert. I’ll fall asleep with the sun in my face.
Photosophical 