Master of Bokeh inspires us with beauty
One of the things I find interesting about photography is how your surroundings and the place that you live — often helps to shape you as a photographer. That can be a good thing but sometimes it can also be a bad thing, no one on Instagram or in general, wants their feed or work, to be repetitious or stale, @mrtaddeo has a dynamic feed that’s overflowing with creativity, attention to detail and some ridiculously beautiful bokeh. He does have the beach shots that go with living in sunny South Florida, but they populate his feed in just the right doses and with his own perspective and editing style.
There are very few photographers (3 actually) that I have called “Bokeh Master’ and Mark is definitely one of them.
Whats your style of photography, what type of images do you identify with most?
I love shooting at night. Long exposure and bokeh images are my favorite.
Who are the photographers influenced you?
The biggest influence on my work isn’t a photographer but was my father William Taddeo who was an amazing artist. He helped me develop an eye for light, color and composition. He just overall inspired my to look at the world a little different.
Do you think that photography is an art form?
Photography is definitely an art form. What I love most about it is that it gives me a creative outlet and a way to express myself.
What technology (camera) do you use?
I shoot with a Sony A7r II
What motivates you to continue taking pictures?
I’m motivated by challenging myself to create new interesting images with my everyday surroundings and it’s always fun to go exploring and try to find new and inspiring spots too.
Which is your favorite lens?
My go to lens is a Sony Zeiss 16-35 f2.8
What camera gear do you wish you had? Why?
I’m actually very happy with my current setup.
Do you use Adobe Lightroom for edits? If so what presets do you use? Your own or downloaded/purchased.
I edit in Lightroom and enjoy developing each image individually and see where it goes. I am not a fan of presets. I don’t like when everyone’s photos look the same.
How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?
I enjoy reading Shutterbug magazine and other than that I just go out and shoot. I’d say trial and error are the best way to get better.
Among your works, which one is your favorite? Why?
My favorite works are my bokeh/ depth of field combined with long expo that I’ve done lately.
What role has Instagram played in your photography/designs?
I love IG. It’s always inspiring to see all the amazing work being done out there. But that being said there’s a few things I really dislike about it too. These trends that everybody feels like they have to jump on such as christmas lights and jelly jars make me crazy. Just go out and do your own thing. Try and create something original.
What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
I wish I had learned more about exposure when I first picked up a camera.
What makes the good picture stand out from the average?
Taking a spot you might have seen a thousand times and putting a different spin on it to make it your own.
What first drew you to photography?
I had always enjoyed taking snapshots while traveling but my real passion for photography started after first seeing some light trail photographs and wanting to learn how to do it. Luckily my good friend and talented photographer @hoovisyo was kind enough to explain the basics to me and I haven’t stopped since.
When you are out shooting—how much of it is instinctual versus planned?
A lot of the time I’ll go to a spot with a specific concept in mind but other times especially when traveling — the shots will just come organically.
Where are you from, where do you live?
I’m originally from NYC but I now reside in South Palm Beach, Florida.
Follow on Mark on Instagram @mrtaddeo
