Meet The Team - Mark Holland, Photography & Video Designer

Mark is the latest recruit to join the Absolute team. He's our photographer extraordinaire, and can usually be found in his studio, making use of strange household objects such as fishing wire and wallpaper. 

 

What is it about Absolute which made you want to come here?

The studio, its facilities and the people. I was lucky enough to have had a ‘try-before-you-buy’ experience with Absolute, having worked with the guys on a few different projects before I started. Plus I’d worked with Simon for years beforehand and knew that he and I make a great team. When they told me their plans for 2015-16 and showed me the new photography and video facilities, it was a done deal.

What were you doing before you came here?

A little bit of everything. Nothing’s changed. I’m a photographer from a graphic design background so I’ve worked in agencies for years doing both photography and design. I think that’s why Absolute and I are the perfect fit. There’s no pigeon holing here, so just because your job description says one thing, it doesn’t mean you can’t get involved in anything you want to turn your hand to.

What does an average day involve in the studio for you?

Not applicable. I haven’t yet discovered what an ‘average day’ involves. This last few weeks I’ve been photographing scooters, meeting clients, photographing wallpaper, building skate ramps in the streets of Salford, smoking out the studio, taking headshots, climbing scaffolding, ducking under barbed wire fences, animating typography, travelling to NYC… and the list goes on. I also found myself in a bush at one point. Best not to ask.

What has been your favourite project at Absolute so far?

I’d be lying if I didn’t say that 4 days shooting in New York City weren’t amongst the best days at work so far.

What’s on your playlist at the minute?

Years & Years, Odesza, Raury, George the Poet, Vallis Alps and Jayeem (on Soundcloud)

Best gig you’ve ever been to?

If this is going on the internet with my name against it then Bjork at MOSI for the Manchester International Festival a few years ago. But if it’s an anonymous survey then Beyonce at the MEN… that woman can put on a show.

Favourite place you’ve ever visited

India. Madeira. Tuscany. Hard to choose. Come October, I’ll probably say Peru.

An interesting fact..

Dolphins aren’t as clever as everyone thinks.

Favourite TV Show at the minute? 

Luther. Still. TV doesn’t get better than that.

Where do you go for inspiration? 

I follow the work of other photographers, such as JoeyL and Rankin. I also spend far too much money on books and magazines. Hunger magazine and hunger.tv are my current favourites, along with any of Annie Leibovitz’s biopics.