Blog Post #1 — “Welcome to the Journey”

Welcome to my new blog — something I’ve been meaning to set up for years, and which now finally feels like the right time.

After three decades working across features, shorts, commercials, and documentaries, I’ve reached a point in my career where I’m embracing a new chapter. Over the past year I’ve been fortunate to find myself in some interesting conversations — from testing ORWO’s revived 35mm motion-picture stocks, to being asked to consult for a feature production shooting on ORWO film, to being invited by British Cinematographer magazine to share some thoughts for an upcoming article. Add to that the growing visibility of my work on celluloid and some encouraging engagement from Panavision, and it feels like a good moment to open up the conversation a little more.

This blog is where I’ll share thoughts on cinematography, filmmaking, creativity, and the realities of working behind the camera. Sometimes that will mean diving into technical detail — lenses, formats, lighting, workflows. Sometimes it will be about collaboration, the director–DoP relationship, or navigating the unpredictable world of independent film development. And sometimes it will simply be a place to reflect on the projects that come my way, the tests I’m running, or the things that inspire me visually.

I’ve always believed that cinematography is equal parts craft, instinct, and curiosity. If you’re reading this, perhaps you’re a filmmaker, a student, a fellow DoP, or simply someone interested in the moving image. Whatever brings you here, you’re welcome — and I hope you find something of value in the posts to come.

Thanks for joining me at the beginning of this next phase.

Let’s see where it leads.

— Mark