Melbourne boy Mark Avallino explains why Malta’s his favourite destination
Name: Mark Avellino
Country: Australia
What’s in the bag:
- Nikon 300D
- Nikkor 16-85 VR ii Lens 3.8
- Nikkor 70-200 VRii ED IF 2.8 Lens
- Nikkor 35mm Prime Lens 1.8G
- Sigma 1:2.8 DG Macro Lens
- SB800 Flash and Manfrotto Tripod
How much time do you spend travelling for photography a year: 4-6 weeks in a good year
Favourite photography subject: Architecture/landscape/lifestyle
Most photographic country: Malta – partially due to family connections and also due to a significant photo project I helped organise in 2003 – Malta 24/7, a 7 day photo shoot with 21 photographers from Malta and around the world . I t ‘s one of those countries that is always changing and gets under your skin a bit (in a good way).
The best photo you’ve taken: It’s a shot taken in Lyon, France in 1991 – its taken from the top of the tower of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvièrev. The shot is simple – a bronze statue of an Angel overlooking the city. The shot was taken on a cold winter afternoon. The light is very subtle. This is one of those shots that people seem to respond to really well. Unfortunately, taken in the days before my LPI involvement so on old Fuji colour film with my old Olympus OM4.
What first got you interested in photography: I have been using a camera since about the age of 16 and never really stopped. I think it was partially a fantastic teacher at school and a love of really good images.
What was your first big break: Still waiting for the first big break but I think the greatest achievement in photography was Malta 24/7 – this was the result of a chance meeting with another photographer, Alan Carville . We both shared a vision to photograph Malta as it was prior to joining the EU – before we knew it we were organising sponsorship, recruiting photographers and developing shooting schedules as well as enlisting the help of Malta Tourism and the Malta High Commission – think a day in the life of Australia but a week instead. It would be the first shoot of its kind in Europe.
Tips for budding photographers: Definitely get some feedback. It will be the most valuable and best advice you will ever receive. I did this a few years back when I suddenly found less of my work being accepted into the LPI library. It’s good to get constructive opinions on your work.
Tips for taking photos: Always look for something interesting visually . You will always produce better work if the subject is something you have an interest in.
Next assignment: Travel is a bit hard at the moment due to family concern so I’ve been focusing on my own back yard a bit – looking at the Melbourne events calendar and marking things of interest to shoot.
Members of a procession celebrating the Conquest of Istanbul by the Turks, Istanbul, Turkey.
See Mark’s collection on LPI and visit his website.
Learn how to get those landscape photos right with Richard I’Anson.
In the market for a new camera? Get some advice here.
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