I'm writing as a mother who has been and still is concerned with preserving the pictures I've taken of my children. Myself and several other parents have relied on the dedication of Mark
LaMonica to teach us about digital cameras and saving our pictures. None of us can afford to take classes and Mark has been nice enough to give us free lessons so we can capture those
special moments and save them for our children to have just like our parents did with film.
This story starts back in 1996 when I was being home schooled. Mark elected to take part as my Photography teacher and used the curriculum supplied by the school and I was able to do
hands on Black & White photography, film processing and printing thanks to Mark. I also became a Nikon fan and lover of Fuji Velvia 50 which lead to eventually having Mark photograph my
wedding using Fujichrome Provia 400F. As I continued to take workshops and had children, Mark took pictures of my first son with slide film and digital. A picture he took was used in the
2007 Nikon DigiGuide. He later was featured on the Premiere issue of Contemporary Family magazine which again was one of Mark's great captures of him launching a kite with his
grandmother.
I now have 3 children and also own 3 Nikon point and shoot cameras thanks to Mark. All my friends have purchased Nikon cameras that Mark has recommended over the years. During the
last 3 years (mid 2010 - mid 2013) he told us that he was doing extensive gear tests with other camera brands to give him hands on experience when teaching classes on what camera to
buy. What we learned, thanks to his extensive experimentation with gear from Canon, Hasselblad, Leica, Pentax and Sony was that no matter what gear he was testing out at the time he
always referred us to a specific Nikon camera that met our specific needs. When we asked during a class why he was using so much gear from all these manufacturers he simply said to
make me a better teacher and not come across as a biased Nikon only instructor. He simply pointed out that by using the other gear under the same conditions he uses his very large
collection of Nikon gear, it gave him real world pictures and results to compare. That strategy is working very well with some of the new mothers being Canon fans. They quickly became
Nikon users after his non-biased instruction pointing out the features and results he obtained and clearly stated that the proof is in the image before it gets any post processing fixes and
there was no way anyone who was a die hard Canon user could disagree.
I myself and the other parents who are benefiting from learning the way of the future with photography feel, Nikon, Nikon users, perspective Nikon users or other brand users could benefit
from having Mark as their photography teacher.
Thank you for your time,
Emmy and other grateful parents.
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I have known Mark LaMonica for about 8 years (2003). I have great respect and confidence in him as an individual and professional.
Mark has done landscape & wildlife photography on the farm in past years and it was not until recently, while I was going through a divorce, I realized his real capabilities. As a friend, I asked if
he would keep his eyes open for my wife, her vehicle, and whereabouts, since I felt she was having an affair. The welfare of my children, age's 6 months and 2 1/2 years was top priority, since she was taking them on these daily excursions. In a very discreet manner, Mark found out immediately, where and with whom she was having the affair. He was able to get photo's to present in court. His means of silent & hidden
surveillance, along with additional photos, taken from the air and from long distances with telephoto lenses, have proved to be very strong factors in my case. I can only say that he is an
expert in blending in with the surroundings in which he is working and operates in a covert manner, all of which proved to be a great advantage to me.
I do not know how or if I will ever be able to repay him for his dedication to helping me in this difficult time. Since we live in a small town, many people offer help, but turn the other way, since
they do not want to get involved in a court battle. This was not true with Mark. He immediately went into action within hours and had information for me by day's end.
I would highly recommend him to any agency or person that is in need of covert operations, as I did, and his relentless process and devotion gave the results I needed in a short time. If I may
be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely, Ted
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A testimonial from the days of film
Life throws some pretty unusual experiences your way from time to time. It did that, when fate deemed it appropriate to cast photographer Mark LaMonica into my midst. Through Mr. LaMonica’s work, I have found myself being transported to magical places on a daily basis. By capturing a little slice of the passion he has for his art, and the depth of soul within him, in every photo, he seemingly transforms the ordinary, into the extraordinary. Experiencing life through his images is a journey of all that is beautiful and worthwhile in this world.
Ahhhh I have decided ….. the aspect I love most in your pictures is this amazing colour you achieve, it is mind blowing!
Elizabeth - NSW - Australia
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A testimonial from the days of film
"The photo shoot I had with Mark was totally relaxing and comfortable. I was very grateful to take advantage of his location! It was my first outdoor shoot in a country-like setting and I couldn't be more happier with the results! I am especially happy with the quality of the slide film. Mark is very patient and willing to bring out the best in a model! If you need outdoor country shots, it is worth the trip to shoot with Mark LaMonica!"
Alida - New York City - USA
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A testimonial from the days of film
Please visit the link to the right for the Trail Angel story and picture Page will open in a new window /trail-angel
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My discovery of Mark LaMonica’s photography occurred quite by accident. One day while reading various posts by a friend on Facebook, I happened to look over to the side of the screen
and saw a beautiful winter scene in Vermont. Intrigued by the serenity yet intensive realism of the photo, I wanted to explore more. I then went into the artist’s website and there to my
amazement was a treasure full of exquisite photos. A portion of a man’s life work exposed for all to see. As my eyes took in one scene after another, I was aghast at the clarity and vividness
of each photo. There were photo shots of forest pathways ambling alongside a cold mountain stream. One can actually see and yes, taste the water sprays of the white rapids jumping up
off the page. Mark captures the breathtaking colors of each shot. He exposes myriads of colors of greens, ambers, reds, and yellows constantly reaching out to me. The various pastoral
scenes of all descriptions leave no recourse but to say, “I’m there.”
His action shots are just as vividly defined with such clarity. I was taken aback by his ability to get an action shot of a child at play. The feet and legs were in action with obvious action blur,
but the background and the face of the child was in total focus. And another breathtaking picture, was the sight of a majestic bird in soaring flight.
His still life work is aptly captured. His knowledge of light and shades of natural light technique is awesome. All his various assignments come to life because of the advanced knowledge,
passion and skill he possesses to bring it to life.
It is quite unusual to have the artist describe to the viewer what techniques and camera lenses and gear he employs to get such shots. Mark generously offers the dos and don’ts of the
photographer’s world. Eager to share his passion, he escorts us through with aplomb and ease. His knowledge and teaching skills leaves us with the feeling that perhaps with a little bit of
luck, and his guidance, we too could do the same. I’m a fan.
Lin McPhillips
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I am writing to provide a professional and character reference for photographer Mark LaMonica. As a budding photographer and an aspiring filmmaker, I sought out expertise to better learn
the areas of lighting and the technical side of cameras and lens work. I had just purchased a Nikon D90, and Mark's vast knowledge in these aforementioned areas was instrumental in my
learning to use the equipment in such a way that eventually led to my winning the Platinum Award for Best Horror Short Film in Houston's Worldfest Film Festival, 2011.
Mark taught me lighting setup, including 3-point and 5-point setup, and the benefits of each. He trained me on the usage of strobe as well as continuous lighting, and the properties and
behavior of light, such as the importance of lighting ratios between key and fill, and the inverse-square law, when determining distance between source and subject.
Mark's knowledge and patience as a teacher are a testament to his skill level. Some people know their stuff, but can't teach. Some don't have Mark's depth of experience and knowledge, but
end up teaching anyway. Mark is experienced, knowledgeable, and an excellent educator who seems born to teach. He is kind and patient, and made this fledgeling photographer feel that,
with practice, even I could eventually master the complex depths of photography and cinematography.
Additionally, he provided me with a look back at the benefits of using film vs. digital, which, at the time, Mark was a strong proponent for film. I chose to continue exploring digital, and as
technology has improved, Mark has come to love and sing its praises as well. I do know that, whether I'm seeking advice using film or digital, Mark is and always will be my primary resource
for education or equipment review and expertise.
Sincerely,
*JP
Jeffrey A Peeples
WINNER: Silver Award for Best Narrative Short: Worldfest 2008
WINNER: Platinum Award for Best Horror Short: Worldfest 2011
WINNER: Bronze Award for Best Music Video: Worldfest 2012
WINNER: Silver Award for Best Narrative Short: Worldfest 2013
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I had the good fortune of meeting Mark LaMonica when I was a "refugee" from Hurricane Ike. My husband brought me along on a business trip. He was working while I was escaping fallout
from the storm.
I met Mark when I was about to embark on a hike in unfamiliar territory. Mark was waiting for his hiking partner and, in conversation, expressed concern that I was hiking by myself. I was
confident that I had my map, and that I wouldn't be hiking too far inland. In retrospect, my "confidence," coupled with naïveté, might have been a recipe for disaster. We said our goodbyes.
He was planning to hike an alternate route on the other side of the park.
To make a long story short, I got lost, after walking around in circles. Trying to find my way back to the trail head, I finally sat down. Within 5 minutes of sitting, I heard voices on the trail. Mark
and his partner had decided to hike "my" trail out of concern for my well being. I found out that, if I had continued to go the way I was going, I would have found a rattlesnake nesting area. I
will never be able to thank him enough for his conscientiousness, his awareness, and his sense of responsibility for a complete stranger. He and I proceeded to become fast friends.
I came to discover that Mark is an amazing photographer and mountaineer. I asked permission to tag along with him on his work days. The next two weeks was an education that was so
superb and exciting, I am still amazed at my good fortune to this day, and it has significantly improved my personal picture taking skills.
As we were hiking, I was being taught everything that I could possibly learn about photography. Mark is a born teacher, not to mention a walking encyclopedia. I learned more about
photography, lighting, filters, frame rates, utilizing the natural environment, and creating cookies for different effects in various environmental conditions and varied terrain. To list the things
that I learned is to minimize the depth of the theory that he conveyed to me.
His depth of knowledge and understanding of theory and application was so extensive yet taught in such a way that even a novice such as myself could grasp many of the concepts. He
should be teaching in a University setting. I have never met anyone with more passion for his craft, and more dedication for learning and expanding his own knowledge. I've never met
anyone who wanted to share so freely of that knowledge and to teach others, just for the sake of teaching.
On a personal note, his integrity, his honesty, his kindness and commitment to others has placed him in my heart as a true friend for life.
Sincerely,
Hilary Nixon
The Woodlands, TX
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Mark LaMonica provides photographic services for the Salisbury Winter Sports Association and covers the Eastern States Ski Jumping Championships. We wanted Salisbury’s Annual Report
theme this year to be photos of local people, and Mark had a great selection of the volunteers that make the ski jumps a reality.
For the Annual Report cover, we were faced with a difficult situation as to what we would put there to make it attractive and professional looking. I told Mark we wanted to do a wrap-around
cover and asked for his input. He said he could do some aerial pictures of Lakeville/Salisbury, and that it would give a fresh look and a different perspective that most people don't ordinarily
see. I told him we were getting close to the final edits and I didn't want to put any pressure on him, but if he was to do it, we would need the pictures within a week to ensure that idea would
work.
The weather was favorable and Mark was able to photograph several different angles from the air within 2 days of our conversation. Thanks to his dedication to his profession, he was using
a digital camera and processed quick-proofs for us to review the same day he did the pictures. In this case, film capture would not have given us fast enough turnaround for review and
production.
The quality of his aerial work was so great, that we were able to crop a section of one image for the wrap-around cover, and we used 5 smaller images on the back and one inside.
We would gladly use Mark’s services again in the future and strongly encourage everyone else to do so.
Sincerely,
Town of Salisbury, CT
Annual Report Editor
Jim Britt
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