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| Mark O Rogers photographing Emma Weber by Kristen Fierros |
Now, let’s turn the camera around, so to speak, and get a
picture of how Mark and Kristen met each other, became photographers and found
their way to our tour.
 |
| Ana Quinn by Mark O Rogers |
Mark, how did you
find your way to photography?
“Photography is something I always wanted to pursue, but I
was too busy being a musician and audio guy for most of my life. When I finally
did give it a try, I fell in love with it instantly. I spent a couple years
studying on my own, learning as much as I could and figuring out what types of
photography I enjoy. I still learn something new with almost every shoot.”
Kristen, your love for photography started a little earlier
than Mark’s?
“Yes,
I took a photography class in high school and loved it! But honestly, I was terrible. I had great
ideas, but lacked the skills to execute my ideas on film... and yes, we used
actual film and we even learned how to develop it in a dark room. Picture this... in my mind, my roll of film
contained funky, fresh and creative shots taken from all over town capturing
curves and patterns that most people never noticed. I was proud and excited of
the possibilities of those shots; it was a photographic Shroedinger experiment
- the photos were both good and bad until... I developed the film and the
painful reality came crashing down around me in the dark room... every time...
roll, after roll... they were b-a-d. I finished the course and never picked up
a camera again until...”
 |
| Kristen Fierros and Mark O Rogers on the tour |
You
met Mark and the rest is history? Mark,
how did you and Kristen meet?
“We met online several years ago. Kristen is an executive
and legal assistant. This past summer I shot a wedding and needed a second
shooter. Kristen and I both thought it would be a great idea for her to do it.
She did a really amazing job and it was a no brainer for her to shoot the
artist tour with me. She handles all the social media stuff so well, giving me
the opportunity to concentrate on the photography that I really enjoy doing.
It’s pretty much the perfect partnership.”
 |
| Jo Reimer at work by Mark O Rogers |
Mark, how long have you been a professional photographer?
“I took my first payment for a photo session back in 2008
and ran a part time business shooting headshots and portraits in the evenings
and on weekends. Finally, in late 2014, I was able to quit my day job and
pursue my true passion full time. I still shoot lots of headshots and
portraits, but now I also do some commercial product work, an event now and
then with my wife, Kristen, and some real estate photography.”
 |
| Darla Boljat by Mark O Rogers |
Kristen and Mark, what’s your favorite part of the
photographic process?
“I really love working with people. Trying to capture the perfect moment or expression is always a challenge and always makes me happy,” said Mark.
For
Kristen, it’s the process. “My favorite
part is when you're so engrossed and focused on getting the perfect shot but
not really knowing exactly what you've got until you look at the images on the
computer. Some shots don't work out no matter how hard you try, but then
sometimes you "accidentally" capture something incredibly beautiful
that you couldn't have captured as perfectly if you had tried.”
 |
| Joyce Gabriel by Mark O Rogers |
As
Portland based photographers, describe your most memorable scenic shots.
“Our trip
through the the British Isles two years ago resulted in some very cool
pictures. We enjoy local trips through the Pacific Northwest as they always
yield spectacular photos,” said Kristen.
Mark adds,
“We live in Beaverton, but doing
photography takes me all over town, and sometimes out of town. My favorite trip
so far was to the UK, especially Edinburgh, Scotland. It’s definitely the most photogenic
city I’ve ever been to and I’ve got some great shots from that trip.
“We've covered most of
Washington County by touring bike (motorcycle), but there were a few places
this past weekend that were new to us!
So grateful for GPS!” adds Kristen.
 |
| Fiber Artist Terry Grant and Mark O Rogers by Kristen Fierros |
Mark, what did you find interesting and inspiring taking
pictures on our tour?
“I am just blown away by how much real talent is right here
on the west side. Meeting and interacting with so many talented artists in
just two days was really cool! All the running around got pretty tiring but we
were always excited to go meet the next artist.”
 |
| Pam Nichols by Mark O Rogers |
Even though the idea of entering an artist’s studio seemed a
little overwhelming at first, Kristen, I hear you might be tempted to learn a
few new art techniques after your tour?
“I'm
a bit of an introvert and tend to avoid situations that require me to meet new
people and socialize, but when I walked into the studios and was greeted with
1) such ridiculously amazing world-class artwork (I wanted to buy all of it)
AND 2) Artists who were warm and friendly and eager to show their passion,
their processes and answer any questions about their art, techniques and/or
themselves... well, I was intoxicated and inspired. I'm even eyeballing a
course by one of the encaustic artists, she sparked so many ideas.”
That’s
the beauty of the Washington County Open Studios tour. It gives anyone interested or curious or even
a little intimidated about art, a opportunity to find out first-hand how art is
made. It’s a chance to take an adventure
and be inspired.
 |
| Michele Bufton by Mark O Rogers |
Just
like this year’s tour photographers, Mark Rogers and Kristen Fierros, got inspired
on their photo adventure on our tour this year.
And their photography has inspired our artists, too.
If
you’re curious about photography, don’t be shy.
Mark said, “Feel
free to visit my website at www.markorogersphoto.com
to see some examples of my other work. I am always adding to the site and hope
to have a new page up and running soon showcasing the candid event work of
Kristen and myself.”
To see some of the tour pictures by Mark O Rogers and
Kristen Fierros just click on the link markorogersphoto.com/arttour2015
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