July 2012.
SWPP-Member Training Days.
Marko regularly lectures for the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers and this month he will be delivering seminars for them at three venues in London and the South East.
The first seminar will be in Cemntral London at the Hilton Metropole.
This is An introduction to Boudoir Lighting Techniques and is on Tuesday 17th July 2012.
The second seminar is at the Brook Royal Oak Hotel and is for Foundation lighting and is Wednesday 18th July 2012.
Finally the third seminar is at Downall Country House Hotel and is for Intermediate lighting and is on Thursday 19th July 2012.
Full details can be found on the Society's website at the following link...http://www.swpp.co.uk/seminars/MembersDay.htm

Marko has delivered these seminars throughout the UK and abroad and below are a selection of the images that he has taken working with the stunning Kim from Mustard Models in Bristol that show the various lighting techniques that you can learn....

SWPP-Member Training Days in Leicester,York and Warwick.

These are a selection of images taken at a series of SWPP Member Training Days earlier in the year.
Virtually all of the images had to be taken indoors as the weather was so bad.
A huge thanks go to Paul Taylor for looking after Marko and also to Jenna and Loretta who were Marko's fabulous models at the venues in Leicester,York and Warwick.

Goldney Ball June 2012.

Marko has a fabulous commission each year to photograph the images for the Goldney Ball in Bristol.
Goldney Ball is the end of year party for the University of Bristol and is set in the grounds of the magical Goldney Hall.
This year's theme was Speakeasy.
Thanks go to Matt Grady at Goldney Hall for organising everything,to the committee who organise the ball,to Matt and Sarah the amazing dancers in the photogeaph and To Nikki,Marko's partner for doing the makeup.

Portraits
The following ladies were all photographed by Marko at his studio in Bath and they were all fantastic to photograph.
Diane,Sandra and Mandy came in to get a surprise present for their Mother's 80th Birthday.

Diane,Sandra and Mandy also sent this lovely testimonial..

"My sister’s and I had a wonderful time with you. First and foremost you put us at ease which in turn makes the experience so much fun.
A lovely welcoming studio and a wonderful result with our portrait...perfect."


Paula came in as part of a wedding anniversary present from her husband Andy...

and Chloe came in to get portraits for her parents....

 

Chloe also sent me the loveliest testimonial...

"Dear Marko,
I wanted to take the time to thank you very much for the photographs you took for me.
More importantly for making me feel relaxed having my photographs taken! I used to be shy of the camera and take every opportunity to hide,however you made me feel like a million dollars and that was the best part aside from the wonderful pictures I now have to keep forever.
My mum and dad had been pestering me for a nice photo for a few years and i am now proud to let them hang one in their hallway. Not only did you get a great shot but you captured my character too."


Family Location portraits.
Having a large studio Marko takes the majority of his portraiture there.
However he photographs lots of fashion so when Nick,Jan and david asked if Marko could do a location family portrait at theit family home Marko jumped at the chance..............

  Nick also very kindly sent the following testimonial.....

"I have been living with my very attractive wife for over 28 years and in all that time there have been no photographs of the hundreds taken that have done her justice. Subsequently Jan has always shied away from any occasion that involved her and cameras.

It was with this backdrop that I challenged Marko to take THE photo and furthermore to also capture our home and my soon to be departing son.

Marko took up the challenge and arrived promptly on the appointed date. The photo shoot was as he'd promised - fun, lively and not too long. Lots of poses were struck and even Jan seemed to be enjoying herself. What magic does this man carry in that camera bag?

Well they say that the proof of the pudding is in the eating and when we went to Marko's studio to view the results, to say I was amazed would be an understatement. There was my lovely wife looking fantastic in a photograph. He had only gone and done it!

We had thought it would be easy to choose the photographs we wanted but Marko had created so many brilliant images it was incredibly difficult. However due to Marko's great patience we finally made our selection and are totally happy with the results.

I would have no hesitation recommending Marko to anyone who wants to have a special memory, to call them photos does not come close to what Marko creates. Seeing is definitely believing. "

Nick and Jan Morgan.

June 2012

Studio Marko June 2012.
It's been a little while since we managed to get a blog up!
Studio Marko has been immensely busy,(when are we not?!).
Marko has been traveling extensively on shoots and also delivering seminars for the SWPP.
Below we have a small seklection of the work that Marko has been commissione to do over he last couple of monthgs.
We'll be blogging again asap with more details about commissions undertaken and also some exciting new projects.

GWS. Bristol.
A fantastic commission to produce portraits of the Directors of GWS in Bristol.
Richard and David Graves run their multi-media company from Queen Charlotte Street in Bristol.
GWS are at the forefront of web based marketing-providing design solutions for websites, the creation of apps, marketing and promotion, design and branding and film and video.
Marko was commissioned to produce a series of portraits that will be used in the offices,on promotional material and eventually on the website.
Richard and David gave Marko complete artistic freedom to interprete the brief and with sitters with such character Marko had a fabulous time lighting and photographing two absolute gentlemen.
To find out more about GWS visit their website at http://www.gwsmedia.com/

Juice Recruitment.

Marko has been photographing various projects for Emma & Andrew at Juice Recruitment for a couple of years now.
Their decision to totally re-design their site gave Marko the opportunity to be involved in the creation of the new site.
He produced a series of elegant but fun portraits showing different members of staff as well as Andrew and Emma.
Additional photography of the Juice Office locations, the distinctive Juice liveried cars and portraits of various clients added to the richness and interactivity of the new site.
Juice are based in Bath,Bristol,Cheltenham and Swindon.
They are a highly professional team with lots of energy.
To find out more about Juice's services visit their website at http://www.juicerecruitment.com/

Ivy.

When you have sitters as beautiful as Ivy you just can't help wanting to photograph them as often as possible.
When they're family as well you can't help but be really,really proud.
Enough said..here's Ivy...

Master Photographer's Association.

Marko has re-joined the MPA at the top level of Fellowship.
The timing was perfect because two weeks later they held the Western Region's Awards evening.
Marko had entered images for these awards and was pleasantly surprised to be second placed in the Portrait category and second placed and the Winner of the Fashion Category.
It's always nice get plaudits for your work and especially so when its from your contemporaries and peers.

Studio Marko Photography-New Testimonials

It's always fantastic to hear from our clients and especially so if they are saying nice things about Studio Marko Photography.
Testimonials are always greatly appreciated because they let us know that we are doing things right and that our clients enjoy our service and their images.
Below are a selection of images and testimonials from our recent clients.
Many thanks to all of them for their kind words..

15th March 2012

 I write to recommend Marko Dutka from Studio Marko Photography.  We had the privilege of using Marko’s photography services recently for our company’s promotional marketing materials and are delighted with the results.

 Marko was a true professional on the day of the shoot, taking time to set up the shots, making sure the lighting was just so, and making staff feel comfortable in front of the camera.  Even those staff members who were not keen initially on having their photo taken were soon smiling away and posing happily for him!  It was a long day and yet Marko remained enthusiastic and energetic throughout.

 In the run up to the shoot Marko listened to our brief and the image we were trying to portray through the photos, and came up with lots of suggestions and ideas.  The photos have really enhanced our website and given our company the professional edge we were looking for.

 I would not hesitate in recommending Marko to any company looking for professional, innovative photography that sets them apart from the competition.

 With Thanks and Best Wishes,

Rachel Connor

Avanti Cleaning Solutions

Marko was offering to shoot family groups including up to two well behaved pets. This was an opportunity not to be missed so we made an appointment and asked Marko if we could bring two Irish Wolfhounds with us. Marko didn’t flinch so in due course we arrived at the studio complete with Finlay and Seamus. The next couple of hours were filled with fun trying to get the four of us to pose together as a family group. Finlay had different ideas, but with Marko’s patience and gentle direction the shoot was completed and the studio remained intact. A week later we spent two hours trying to whittle so many good images down to a chosen set.  The hard work was worth it, we’ve a wonderful series of prints that show both the fun we had on the day but also that bring out the true character of our hounds – something that is so hard to capture.  The prints look superb on the wall and both of them capture the character of the hounds so well. We are really, really pleased with all three prints.
A huge thanks to Marko for his work and the wonderful images he has created.

Deb & Chris Cook.

We were all quite nervous about the session with Marko, not to mention pretty tired from a party late the night before!  However Marko was very welcoming and put us at ease straight away.  The session itself was great fun; he found a way to help us to feel comfortable and also to enjoy the interaction we had together as a family.  Marko arranged a time for us to view at our convenience and was very helpful with choosing the best photos.  The finished photos were ready on time and we're very impressed with the results, which are of a very high quality.  The composite which Marko put together from the photos we chose looks amazing in our lounge.  We would recommend Marko without hesitation; the whole experience was great fun, done very professionally and the photos are stunning.

Jason & Deborah Crook.

Our photo shoot experience as a family was one to remember. Marko has a gift for creating a calm and fun environment that is captured in his beautiful and natural portraits. Well done Marko for not only encouraging my shy teenage daughter to join in with the photo shoot, but making her feel confident which shines through all the final images...thank you!

Louise and Ian Gauntlett.

" I booked a portrait session with Marko for my nephew and niece, as with most young people (22 and 24 ) they were anxious and apprehensive about appearing awkward, self conscious and foolish in front of the camera. However almost immediately Marko made them feel relaxed and comfortable. As well as his photographic skills he has an excellent personality at putting people at ease  and genuinely getting the best out of the subjects. . The session exceeded the time but Marko made everyone feel as if he just wanted to continue and get the best shot.
The portrait was a special birthday present for their mother and on seeing it she cried at the quality of the photograph and it will of course be treasured for life.
Thank you Marko "

Sue.

Avanti Cleaning Solutions,Bristol.

Back in late 2011 Marko was commissioned by Avanti Cleaning Solutions,bristol to provide Commercial Photography for their new website.
The pictures were placed on this blog in February 2012
Their new site...
www.avanticleaningsolutions.co.uk is now live.
It was really great of Rachel Conner,Avanti's Sales & Marketing Manager to provide the following testimonial...

 Testimonial for Marko Dutka of Studio Marko Photography

15^th March 2012 

 I write to recommend Marko Dutka from Studio Marko Photography.  We had the privilege of using Marko’s photography services recently for our company’s promotional marketing materials and are delighted with the results.  

Marko was a true professional on the day of the shoot, taking time to set up the shots, making sure the lighting was just so, and making staff feel comfortable in front of the camera.  Even those staff members who were not keen initially on having their photo taken were soon smiling away and posing happily for him!  It was a long day and yet Marko remained enthusiastic and energetic throughout.

In the run up to the shoot Marko listened to our brief and the image we were trying to portray through the photos, and came up with lots of suggestions and ideas.  The photos have really enhanced our website and given our company the professional edge we were looking for.

I would not hesitate in recommending Marko to any company looking for professional, innovative photography that sets them apart from the competition.

With Thanks and Best Wishes,

 Rachel Connor

Avanti Cleaning Solutions

Joy Buttress-Lacuna.

Joy Buttress.
Lacuna.
Bonington Gallery, Nottingham Trent University.

Marko was recently up in Nottingham at the Bonington Gallery which is part of Nottingham Trent University.
He was commissioned to photograph the PHD exhibition of Joy Buttress's work. The exhibition is titled "Lacuna".

Joy Buttress is currently undertaking doctoral study at the School of Art and Design at Nottingham Trent University. Her work investigates the current interpretation of lace in contemporary visual culture. The university is caretaker of the one of the largest collections of lace archives, donated by the lace manufacturers and designers as factories were shut down and lace became thing of the past. Joy's research is the first to be funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council based on the lace archive. The exhibition demonstrates how something once considered defunct and only fit for a museum can be resurrected and has a place in contemporary visual culture. 

The Glove series are displayed inside several wood ply boxes which are stacked high in threes. In order to see the displays you have to peer through pin holes. Here the gloves appear like dismembered limbs of ghostly corpses, beckoning you to size up and examine their fragile beauty. It's hard to focus for long, as there are distractions, created by the contrasting elements of bright illuminations. Inside each display box hangs a single white crystallite light from 'bakelite' bulb holders. These are attached to brown flexes leading out of the top of the box and up to the ceiling. The boxes have cracks where the corners are slightly coming apart so viewing through these gives yet another interesting point of exploration. The lace embroidery on the white/cream gloves is always only just discernable.

Joy has stated that she wished to examine " the interface between skin and pattern which is created by lace fabric when worn on the body" The Latex wall hangings do just that. Pinned to the wall with large iron nails, each piece hangs like a skinned animal - a reminder of pink caucasian skin or the colour of stockings worn by my grandmother and revealing the undulations and pulls of the machine, the artist working it to create patterns of sublime and delicately embroidered stitches.

It was a pleasure to photograph such amazing pieces of art and a selection of these is shown below...

 

More information about Joy's work can be found on http://joybuttress.com/

Mother's Day. 18th March 2012

Mother's Day.

One of the most important days of the year,(certainly as far as your mother is concerned), is fast approaching and Studio Marko has a fantastic gift offer specially for you.
We are offering Family portrait sessions for just £29.
This is a really fantastic way to show your mother that you love her and that she is at the centre of your family.
Far more lasting than a box of chocolates or flowers and a great way to get the whole family together and put your mother or wife where she belongs-at the centre of attention.
Our advert is featured in the March Edition of The Bath Magazine below...

Massive thanks to Wendy, Jess and Charlie whose beautiful portrait this is.
Frankly when you have sitters as beautiful as this who needs super-models!
Wendy is the brains behind Zest Concierge who provide a Lifestyle Management and Virtual PA Service for Businesses and Individuals in the Bristol and Bath area.
They are a unique lifestyle management and business support company that gives you back the quality of life and quality of business that you’ve been working so hard to achieve.
To find out more about Zest visit their website on http://zestconcierge.com/or contact them directly on 01225 808958.

Pendennis Castle Wedding Fair.

Pendennis Castle wedding Showcase.

Sunday 4th March 2012.

11am until 3pm.

 Marko loves photographing at Pendennis and St Mawes Castles in Cornwall.
They are fantastic locations in a fantastic place and Lorraine, Trenton and all the staff at Pendennis and St Mawes are always so friendly and great to work with.
Marko has photographed here since they began weddings,(in fact he photographed the very first wedding at Pendennis, (Jerry & Lisa), there 14 years ago!).
So it always a great pleasure to re-visit the castles and this weekend Pendennis are holding one of their bi-annual Wedding Days at which a variety of suppliers from photographers to caterers, florists to Limousine companies will be displaying their individual services.
Studio Marko will be there with a wide selection of albums and images and Marko will be on hand to answer any questions regarding Wedding Photography.
If you are visiting please say hello.
See a real wedding at
Pendennis Castle: www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9q9dvr1Pg0

  Follow @EHHospitality on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/EHHospitality

Please see below a selection of wedding photographs that Marko has taken recently at Pendennis and St Mawes............