Mark Berndt, a photographer who captures the magic in simple things...

'Untitled' #58, large format archival pigment print.

The Simple Arrangement of Things

'My series “The Simple Arrangement of Things” is a celebration of composition in found situations. I’m fascinated by the way that man and nature create objects and patterns, and the way that light then randomly elevates seemingly mundane collections of things into beautiful moments. After years of creating whole families and their environments on soundstages for commercials, I delight in finding images that I could have never dreamed up from scratch. The challenge is in creating compositions that promote the ordinary to new consideration. This work began on film in the 80’s with my first Leica cameras, but I’ve been working digitally since 1993. Although I fully embrace digital photography and the digital darkroom, I can’t believe the debate over digital vs analogue still exists. My cameras are ‘vintage’ relics in today’s obsolete-in-a-minute consumer environment. But for me they are tools that let me make pictures that are more about a feeling than the actual subject itself.'

left to right: 'Untitled' #35, large format archival pigment print., 'Untitled' #38, large format archival pigment print., 'Untitled' #41', large format archival pigment print.

'Untitled' #41, large format archival pigment print.

left to right: 'Untitled' #54 , large format archival pigment print. 'Untitled' #53, large format archival pigment print., 'Untitled' #47 large format archival pigment print.

Mark Berndt is a self-taught photographer, film director, designer and digital printmaker whose work celebrates people and the circumstances of life. His communication skills, acquired from 40+ years in film, photography and advertising, inform and infuse his photography.

Along with a 40+ year career as a television commercial director and a portrait photographer, Mark also continues a series of fine art images he began in the 80’s called “The Simple Arrangement of Things”, making images of things that one may have missed, or seen out of the corner of their eye.

Having taught at Art Center College of Design (Pasadena, CA), the Kansas City Art Institute and the Julia Dean Photo Workshops (Los Angeles), today Mark teaches photography and digital imaging in private workshops and one-on-one consultation, in person and online.

Professional affiliations include having served on the Board of Directors of ASMP‘s (American Society of Media Professionals) Los Angeles chapter, as a board member and President of ASMP’s KC-Midwest Chapter, and on the board of KC Society for Contemporary Photography. He is a member of the New Mexico chapter of ASMP, a founding member of its fine art group - EMPHASIS:, and has been a director member of the DGA (Director’s Guild of America) since 1987.

'Untitled' #56, large format archival pigment print.

left to right: 'Untitled' #63, large format archival pigment print., 'Untitled' #59, large format archival pigment print., 'Untitled'#50, large format archival pigment print.

'Untitled' #60, large format archival pigment print.

left to right: 'Untitled' #64, large format archival pigment print., 'Untitled' #61, large format archival pigment print., 'Untitled' #55, large format archival pigment print.

'Untitled' #40, large format archival pigment print.

'Untitled' #57, large format archival pigment print.

left to right: 'Untitled' #44, large format archival pigment print., 'Untitled' #36, large format archival pigment print., 'Untitled' #37, large format archival pigment print.

'Untitled' #49, large format archival pigment print.

left to right: 'Untitled' #52, large format archival pigment print., 'Untitled' #51, large format archival pigment print., 'Untitled' #39, large format archival pigment print.

Mark Berndt, in his studio.

Website: MBERNDT@MARKBERNDT.COM

Instagram: #themarkberndt

Please see an interview with Mark Berndt, at Catalyst Interviews: https://www.catalystinterviews.com/interviews/2021/11/5/mark-berndt