Mark Jordan - MasterCraftsman Photographer
About
I am Mark Jordan of Mark Jordan Photography, Orange County's go-to headshot and family portrait Photographer.
My clients tell me what sets me apart is my flair for capturing their personality, genuinely and artistically. Whether I'm photographing their family or creating their headshot, they are amazed not only at the extent I'll go to elicit something special about them but how I make it "fun" and "painless." I think what they sense is that I am as passionate about people as I am about photography.
I am a Master Photographer and Photographic Craftsman. From the pages of People magazine to the halls and walls of office and home, my portraits have expressed the lifestyles of American families since 1981.
I am a member of the American Society of Photographers and the International Photography Hall of Fame, where my recreation of Georges Seurat’s “La Grande Jatte” was installed alongside Ansel Adams in the museum. Only a relative few artists, worldwide, have been inducted as a permanent exhibitor.
In addition to being named O.C. Photographer of the Year, I am also an eleven-time recipient of the coveted International Loan Collection Award. Prominent organizations such as Professional Photographers of America, Norway, Germany, Kodak, Fuji, and EPCOT Center (three-time honoree in the "World's Greatest Photographers" exhibit) have honored my work.
More importantly, every single honor and award that I have ever earned has come directly from my commissioned work. I owe my success to my clients - it all began with simple inquiries and continues today because of those who honor me with their trust.
I began my professional career as a songwriter in the early 70's, which I perused while playing gigs and earning my Teaching Credential. I then taught professionally for twelve years where my approach to teaching was recognized by my peers and was asked to be a Master Teacher.
My love for teaching children eventually led to professional photography lectures which I transitioning into my LOYD Mentoring Program
Today, I offer my expertise in helping photographers, young and old alike, hone their photography skills so that they too might realize a greater sense of mastery in their visual expression.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first step is getting to know my students. I prefer to meet and discover my students' needs over a casual lunch. It's at this time where I'll not only learn more about their skill level and desires but spend time looking for their portfolio (or simply candids) and offer a critique. Once a baseline is established, I then develope a Tailor-made lesson plan that addresses the needs of my students. Typically, I schedule 50-minute sessions, with subsequent session time set by my students' need to return.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Not only am I a Master Photographer and Photographic Craftsman, and an International Photography Hall of Fame exhibitor, I am an active professional photographer since 1981 and have lectured extensively. In addition, I hold a lifetime teaching credential with the State of California and was a Master Teacher in the public sector (elementary and college). Lastly, I developed and have been conducting a professional mentoring program for over 20 years.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
First Lesson: $500 - includes lunch, critique and lesson plan.
Each Lesson: $150 per hour
How did you get started teaching?
My mom was a fabulous teacher and I loved being with her and helping her in her classroom. It was then that I knew I also wanted to be a teacher. Today, my boyhood friends will tell you that I was the only kid they knew who was absolutely certain what he "wanted to be when he grew up." I also loved songwriting and dedicated myself to my craft. However, I also developed a need to eat and have a roof over my head... So, while I struggle to make ends meet, I also studied to earn my teaching credential, which I received in 1978.
What types of students have you worked with?
My students come from all walks of life. Since the advent of digital photography, however, my students have gotten younger and are more likely to be female. And for the vast majority of them, their passion far exceeds their knowledge - which is a very good place to start.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A young lady came to me about three years ago asking if I might give her some pointers on being a better photographer. She was already running a business but was struggling with business acumen and consistent image quality. In the three times we met, she asked countless questions and absorbed everything I had to give her. Over the next couple of years, she'd forward me a few emails just to ensure she was on track. Today, she employs a dozen photographers and makes over a million a year... She's quick to tell inquiring minds that my time with her made all the difference.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
First and foremost, when looking for a teacher, you'd do best to find someone who has your best interests in mind - not in regurgitating a rote program. It would also be helpful if your teacher was someone who not only LOVES to teach but does so because they want to - not that they have to. Lastly, it's not enough that teacher "knows their stuff" and desires to share their knowledge. Colleges campuses are littered with genius professors whose students are left scratching their heads and bereft of knowledge. Like photography, teaching is both art and science. It's one thing to understand the nature of teaching, it's something entirely different to have traveled its many avenues. Find a teacher whom you get a very real sense that they are not only an expert but they genuinely care and are a master at sharing what they know so that you can bring it home and try in on yourself.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
I ask all prospective students if they know whether their desire to learn more about photography is professional, strictly for pleasure or if they're in the experimental phase. That is, before I can best meet the needs of my students, it's vital for them that they are aware and articulate their ultimate goals.