For me these days, photography is the primary way I connect to my fellow human beings. I know that sounds schmaltzy, but it's the truth. Photography gives me an excuse to explore different industries, other countries and cultures, and even insert myself into the lives of complete strangers. Through photography, I have traveled the world, rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, reconnected with my family's roots and broken down barriers between generations and cultures.

Perhaps most amazing to me is that while I'm using my powers of observation and keen eye for detail to study and capture my images, I'm actually learning more about myself than I am about anything that photograph; and I believe it's the constant discovery of oneself that keeps you alive and engaged with the world.  

Mark was raised in Kingsport, in the Tri-Cities region of Northeastern Tennessee. He has a BA in Drama from Duke University and a BA in Professional Photography from Brooks Institute of Photography.  

Mark has over 19 years experience as an independent photographer, dating back to his final year of school at Brooks. As an assistant, he has worked with Tim Mantoani and Annie Leibovitz among others. As a photographer, his clients have included Liz Claiborne, Bridgestone/Firestone and Case Knives; and USA Weekend, Chess Life, Country Weekly and Entrepreneur magazines.  

He has sailed around the world as a photo instructor for Semester at Sea, and traveled extensively in Europe, India and Cuba. In addition to maintaining his own editorial and advertising studio in East Nashville, he is currently teaching at The Art Institute of Tennessee and Nashville State Community College.  

Mark is on the verge of being fluent in Spanish and enjoys putting these skills to the test working with hispanic organizations such as Conexión Américas and the YMCA's Hispanic Achiever Program.   

He is Vice President of the ASMP's Tennessee chapter, President of the Brooks Institute Alumni Association and is easily -- beyond the shadow of a doubt -- the most accomplished photographer in his family.

Jerry Atnip