Exclusive Interview with Marko Dashev

1. How did you enter the field?

When I was in art school, I worked for many types of photographers. Portrait, commercial, product, etc. About 30 different photographers in total. I got a taste of all types of photography but fashion photography caught my attention the most. By 2004-2005 I began taking shots for Ralph Lauren, J. Crew and the like. It took years to build my client base. In the last 3-4 years however, I’ve been dropping most of that work and focusing on commercial work and more in-house projects.

2. How has the field changed since you began?

Dramatically! There was no digital photography when I began. I spent a lot of time working in a dark room developing pictures. The transition to digital took place in 2003-2004, long after I finished college (in 1997). Digital photography is a relief! So much time and money was spent on developing film and needing reshoots. The cameras we use today may be expensive, but ultimately it’s much cheaper. Today there’s Photoshop, which every photographer uses. Back then, there was a similar type of program, but its features were very limited.

3. What are you working on now?

I do portraits, personal projects like the Rabbi Project, commercial, human resources and videos. I’ve worked for the Ami as well for a few years.

When Mrs. Pnina Baim, the director of TTI’s Career School reached out to me, I took on teaching the photography class in Brooklyn. I love teaching! I look forward to it each week. It’s rewarding to know that I’ve had a bunch of students that have gone on to do good work.

4. What do photographers do?

Management, bookkeeping, billing… and when they are able to finally get creative, they apply all their skill and experience into every shot, to give the best product to whoever hired them. Good photographs come with a lot of practice. They say it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill; that’s certainly true in photography. I’m sure that there are lots of things that I do as second nature while I’m photographing, and for a more novice photographer would take ages of time.

I watch the lense for composition, check the exposure. Most students are surprised that I attach my camera to a computer, but that’s what a professional does! They adjust their work in real time.

5. Tell us about your students at TTI’s Career School!

The students come to class open minded, eager to learn. They usually have an idea of what type of photography they want to go into, but 50% of the students change course when they discover another type of photography they are passionate for. The results of the program are pretty spectacular!

6. Have the students become successful?

Yes! One student in particular is extremely hard working. She took TTI’s Graphic Design program and then took the photography program. I am 99% sure that she’s probably one of the most valuable employees in her company. She does their graphic and photography work and creates masterful pieces!

Another student does commercial kid’s photography, taking photos for clothing companies.

Another one takes pictures of families and children.

Another one became the “official” photographer at a large hospital in the tristate area, and takes pictures of the newborns!

I find the most valuable advice for a student is to work in the field while in the program. Then they can get real world scenarios and come back to class with questions.

TTI is doing a fantastic job giving students the skills needed to succeed in the field. 

To join TTI’s Career School programs this year, reach out to them at 877 RING TTI or [email protected] or visit us at www.testingandtraining.com/program_level/career-school/

 

Check out Marko’s work at markodashev.com.