EGL Magazine
EGL Magazine
Exclusively Gothic Lifestyle
18 May 2010
Mark Tierney: Gothic Photgrapher
Mark Tierney is a photographer who has an interest in dark, gothic imagery. Although Mark is not a goth himself, he loves the scene and admits to having gone through a 'heavy metal' phase in his younger days. One thing that attracts him to the gothic scene is his love of photographing adventurous people. He enjoys 'Trash My Dress' and 'Rock My Dress' shoots with brides who dare to go that little bit further.
We caught up with Mark and quizzed him about his life as a professional photographer.
What is it about gothic style that interests you?
I love moody and atmospheric scenes especially Gothic architecture. I also like the outlook of Goths in general because they are not afraid to be different, which makes a great subject to photograph.
What is the first photograph you remember taking and do you still have it?
I can’t remember which was my first photograph, but I can remember my first planned creative shot. It was a close up of my baby daughter taken with a point and shoot camera on macro mode. Once converted to black and white the image looked moody and different to all my previous ‘snap shots’.
This image inspired me to think about composition, light and mood which helped me improve as a photographer.
What are the best and worst things about being a professional photographer?
The best thing is I don’t class it as a job because I love being creative: I consider myself to be very lucky being a photographer, which I’m very passionate about. I can’t really think of a bad thing, only it can be quite draining sometimes because I can’t switch off; photography is on my mind most of the time.
What are the main similarities and differences between gothic and more commercial photography?
I can’t think of any similarities, only differences between gothic and commercial photography. Commercial photography has to appeal to the masses with colourful and positive imagery. Gothic photography is more of a niche market with moody and dark undertones which is not suitable to normal commercial photography.
What venue has been your favourite for gothic photography and why?
Whitby Church and graveyard next to the Whitby Abbey. It is such a special place for the Goth scene because it gave Bram Stoker the inspiration to write his world famous book, 'Dracula'. The last time I was there I was on my own at night – I loved it!
What advice would you give to someone wanting to take gothic photography?
Go to Whitby for inspiration, especially at night, and if you can get to the Goth Weekends even better. I’ve never been because I've always been working, but I’m hoping to go to the next one in October!
Mark is always keen to shoot gothic weddings, and he can be contacted through his websites. If you're also looking for other alternative and gothic wedding suppliers you may be interested in visiting the Gothic By Design website: an online directory of gothic wedding suppliers from cakes and dresses to tiaras and honeymoons.
Article Written By...
Keller is EGL Magazine's editor. She has a degree in Writing which includes Journalism, and she loves photography even though she's prone to getting her fingers over the lense.
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