consulting

NB: This Consultancy Service is for specific projects, teaching, critique and other needs that do not involve ordering printing services. Advice and help needed during the order process to achieve the finest prints is given freely, both personally (by email and phone) and on the website under "Tutorials".
 

background

Many clients are following their passion in art and/or photography but find themselves working in something of a vacuum. Family and friends will encourage them but it's unlikely to be objective advice. I have spent countless hours on the phone informing, advising and discussing a range of issues with my clients not directly connected with their printing orders, to get them over a hurdle or to the next level. You can't 'Google' this kind of direct, one-on-one teaching. ​
​I used to give talks at Camera Clubs, after an "Introduction to Digital Printing", the second half was a critique of the members work specifically with a view to approaching galleries and art publishers. My approach is to encourage with constructive criticism,  I look for merit in the work and suggest how it might be built upon without giving false expectations. Photographers proved hungry for this kind of input, there was always lots of good work to see and discuss and the sessions were always extended.

​My career has been multi-faceted, beginning with a Degree in Fine Art and a Diploma in Professional Photography, continuing on as a photographer with London University, gallery ownership, digital printing and fine art publishing. In the '90s I was considered an "internet pioneer" in the UK thanks to my early embracing of the web to promote my gallery and artists, plus my role as a design consultant in developing one of the world's first e-commerse systems. All the while maintaining my own art practice, exhibiting and selling my prints. [Full Biography]

​I have taught photography to youths and adults in 'structured' settings, but sharing my knowledge, experience and enthusiasm has always come naturally, so if you think this might be what you are looking for, why not give me a call? The first 30 minutes of conversation are free and if I can answer all your questions in that time, great! (For more information, see "How it Works" below.)
 

some popular subjects

 
  • Critiquing Your Images: Is your work good enough to approach galleries and/or art publishers? I'll give you a candid appraisal, help you select the strongest pictures and develop a strategy for moving forward. This can be done by referring to your website or you can upload the images. 
 
  • ​Approaching Galleries With Your Work: Many artists and photographers fall at the first hurdle by approaching galleries and publishers in the wrong way so that their work doesn't even get looked at.​
 
  • Designing and Building a Website: The variety of options today can boggle the mind of anyone just starting out, or perhaps you have an 'old' site that desperately needs updating. However, what clients most want my help with is how to size and price their work for sale on their website. Whatever your need, we can discuss your goals and develop a solution that is right for you.
 
  • ​Camera Technique: Are you getting the most out of your camera? Mastering camera technique will set you apart from the crowd. Modern digital equipment will take sharp, well exposed photographs every time on 'Auto' but the result is always predictable, for example a narrow depth of field (what's in focus in relation to distance from the lens) which has become ubiquitous. This tuition will 
 
  • Purchasing Equipment: Buying the best camera, studio equipment or printer that you can afford isn't necessarily going to be the best choice for your particular needs. We can discuss options that will give you the confidence to see through the hype!
 
  • ​PhotoShop: This is a huge subject and no-one needs to know everything that PhotoShop has to offer. However, without some particular techniques you may not realise the full potential of your images and at worst you'll seriously degrade them. I see this happen regularly and the photographer is usually unaware of the damage they've done. The consultation is intended to take the guesswork out of optimizing your images and I will guide you through the process with the file or files of your choice. I am experienced on the Mac and the PC, so whichever one you use, I speak your language! [Please note: Lightroom tuition is not offered. More about Image Optimization can be found here.]
 
  • ​Adobe Camera Raw: One-on-One Tutorial using screen-share technology, where you share my screen, this is a fast-track to understanding the correct way to process your own Raw files for optimum results. I take you through processing one or more of your Raw files in ACR, saving it and finishing it in PhotoShop. At the same time you can follow the steps on the same file on your computer. The whole process, everything I do on the screen and say, is recorded so that you will have a video of the tutorial to replay afterwards as often as you like. Rather than you hire me do the processing, I can give you the confidence to do it yourself. We can discuss how you want to interpret your images and what the technical parameters might be. After a little practice there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to master this essential part of your workflow.
This list is far from exhaustive but does reflect the subjects that come up most often. Whatever your issue, I'm sure I can help.
But if it's outside what I am qualified to teach or advise, I'll tell you.
 

how it works

Most consultation is done over the phone using screen-sharing technology where you share my screen, FaceTime and WhatsApp are options and if you prefer Skype we can use that.

The first 30 minutes is free and is your chance to air your questions and concerns, get my reaction and decide whether or not you wish to engage me as your consultant. If you do we can either continue 'on the clock' or arrange an appointment.

​My full rate is $50/15 minutes ($200/hour) for non-clients, but if you are already a client it's $30/15 minutes ($120/hour). To qualify as a client you must have placed one order before the consultation.
 

testimonials

"A consultation with Mark Prior is truly invaluable due to his wealth of knowledge on the art of digital printing which he is able to convey in easy to understand layman’s terms.  I had great difficulty understanding the concept of sizing my images to include a border to fit a standard frame size, and it was only through Mark’s advice that I was finally able to get it.  It required great patience on Mark’s part to ensure that I was able to grasp and apply the concept in real life. A task which I’d say was akin to teaching a goldfish how to do the Quickstep!  ​
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​"During our discussion he was able to convey the nuances of fine art printing, different printing media and colour spaces.  He also helped me with the terminology on my website and to choose a new monitor that fit my budget. His expertise in printing combined with his vast experience in fine art photography makes his advice readily applicable to the real world. This combined with his genuine care for his clients makes for an invaluable experience. Mark is truly a rare find!"  Christina Stobbs
"Because of Mark, my art business has grown beautifully... He has also helped improve my artwork files through his digital expertise and vast printing and photography experience."  ​Stacey Bodnaruk
"As an emerging artist, Mark has been a great resource for lifting my work to a higher level... He is a master of customer service, ensuring that one’s work is presented at its best and sharing his knowledge with his artists.” Laurie McDonald
"Mark has been absolutely invaluable to the development of my work. I rely on him not only for his extraordinary production skills, but also his professionalism and experience within the Art Community."  Kelly Fraser

related articles

There is a wealth of information to be found on this website, much of which I have written in direct response to clients' questions.
I also highly recommend checking out the FAQ page, but if you still feel that your questions are unanswered, perhaps a private consultation is the way to go...