Mark Laita recently did a shoot with Master & Dynamic for their headphones and speakers. The company interview Laita for their blog and specifically focused on Laita’s unique partnership with exotic animals. To read the full interview, click here.
How did you first get into photography?
In high school I was very into music, so I would wait out for tickets to virtually every concert that came through Chicago so that I could take photos of the bands. A radio station in Chicago had a photo contest that I won twice and the prizes were a ton of Nikon and Mamiya camera equipment, which helped out a lot.
Aside from the infamous Black Mamba bite in 2012–what are some unexpected challenges of shooting live animals, snakes in particular?
There is always an element of spontaneity when photographing living creatures. Rather than seeing this as a challenge, I see that those unexpected surprises are often what makes those photos work.
What is it about snakes that you find particularly inspiring?
Snakes are graphically so beautiful. Their body’s design along with the amazing texture and the symbolism and fear connected with snakes makes them a great subject.
What advice would you give to up-and-coming photographers?
To make sure you absolutely love photography. There are so many subtle but powerful indicators of your love of something, or lack of it, and those qualities are what will decide how successful you’ll be. To pursue something for monetary success almost ensures that you won’t be wildly successful at it. Just do what you love and the rest will take care of itself.
Thank you Mark Laita and Master & Dynamic for this interview accompanied with awe-inspiring images by Laita.
