Mark Storey started snapping for QX around 5 years ago, whilst working for Onyx at Area. QX were reviewing one of the Later boat parties and promoter Verity Mayes suggested his name. Mark sent QX his first batch of photos and within weeks became one of our regular photographers. As he prepares to launch his rebranded site, Marked Visuals, we chat to him about his career and take a look through some of his favourite images.
Hey Mark! How did you get started?
I was producing quite a few oil paintings, so decided I was going to set up a website to see if I could market them to sell. I’d already sold a few at my chef job to some colleagues, so I asked a friend to help me with taking photos of the paintings, and setting up the site. I decided I would buy my own camera and take the images myself. Soon after I got asked by Chrissy Darling to shoot an event at the Shadow Lounge. I went and was so nervous that after the event I made a decision. I was either going to take this up seriously or just for fun. So I decided to invest some more money in equipment, and teach myself to become a pro. It was definitely the right decision. Once I started shooting, I rekindled something inside. I had always been taking photos from a young age. When I was on holiday or school trips, I always had a camera close by.
Is club photography the only snapping you do?
Not at all, I do drag shows, large festivals, corporate events, makeup shows, plus models in and out of the studio. I’ve just finished some college City and Guild projects, so quite varied.
What’s your favorite subject to shoot?
I get lots of different things from each subject I shoot, but I’d have to say stage shows. That stuff really gets the adrenalin pumping; it’s such a buzz. Drag shows rock but anything alternative floats my boat; David Hoyle, John Sizzle, Jonny Woo, Bourgeoisie, A Man to Pet… it’s a big list. There are so many fantastic performers on our stages these days. London is teeming with talent.
Tell us about Marked Visuals.
Marked Visuals is my new brand and direction. I really want to channel my energy into more creative things; video, more art, more editorial, themed location photo shoots. I even want to take up mixing again! My mind is buzzing with ideas, so I needed a new platform to house all my new projects. The rebranded site is a slick new package; all of my imagery has been reworked and revamped. The 800k hits on my old website are gone, and I am really happy about it. I used to care a lot about the amount of likes and hits, but I think the most important person to make happy is the person in front of the lens. If they are happy so am I. An exciting time is ahead, part-time cooking, full-time creating! Also planning a few trips to Australia and America!
What’s your philosophy toward photography?
I think the most important part of doing anything is to actually care deeply about it. That goes for anything creative; when you have passion, it shines through in your work. I strive to take the sharpest most colorful images I can and make sure the subject looks the best that they can. You can never get it right 100% of the time, but if you aim for perfection, the results will show that.
Any funny stories from your time taking photos on the scene?
There are so many funny things that happen on the scene, it’s like a sitcom set in a psych ward at times. I always end up giggling about something or other with one of the bouncers or DJs. I can recall nearly falling off the bar a few times, trying to get a better angle. Most recently I was standing on the stairs in a club and I felt this hand crawling up my leg. It carried on and then suddenly some boy, who was not really ‘with it’ pulled down my keks! I was stood, camera in one hand, drink in the other with my trousers round my ankles. The boys was mumbling “what you after mate?” Clearly not what you are, mate.
Anything else we should know about Marked Visuals?
The site goes live this week, promotional stuff is all on order, and I’m excited to be seeing some of my favorite people and being more of a presence on the scene. Also, widening my field and, of course still papping for the one of the best gay mags in London!
• Check out Mark’s new site www.markedvisuals.com, please send any enquiries to mark@markedvisuals.com
