Interview with Mull It Over

I was recently interviewed by Jonathan Cherry from Mull It Over. I thought I’d share it here, along with some of the images that I sent through to be featured.  If you haven’t checked it out, head over to Mull It Over for some good photographic inspiration.

JONATHAN CHERRY: What did you want to be growing up?

MARK LOBO: I grew up wanting to be a police man, baseball player or comedian. All things that I would have been terrible at!

JC: Who or what is inspiring you at the moment?

ML: Passionate people. It’s a bit broad, but meeting new people who love and believe in what they do really inspires me to create great work and love the process.

JC: What are you up to right now?

ML: I just got back from visiting family in Tokyo, so at the moment I’m consciously taking things a bit slow while I still can. I’m using the time to plan and gather everything I need for a self-portrait application idea for Phoot Camp 2014 (you know, neck brace, dumbbells, rubber duckies, etc. etc.)

JC: Have you had mentors along the way?

ML: I haven’t had anyone that I would officially call a mentor, but I have a group of friends who hold me accountable and help me with the support I need when it comes to making things happen. They are from different backgrounds and live in different cities around the world which I find gives me a fresh perspective and guidance with the obstacles I face and ideas I have.

JC: Where are you based right now and how is it shaping you?

ML: Melbourne, Australia. It’s cold (by Australian standards), it’s beautiful and the people here get it when it comes to people following their passions. There’s a lot of support and it leaves me constantly inspired and feeling comfortable to create. At the same time, there are so many talented people here that it really drives me to create the best work I can.

JC: One piece of advice to photography graduates?

ML: There are a few things I’ll often share with new photographers. I usually send them this link. The most important thing would be to know what you want, which I think works on many levels. Knowing what you want to capture and how you want an image to look before even looking through the viewfinder is pretty important. And in the long term, knowing where you want to be 20 years time helps us make sure we stay on track and brings value to the things we do on a daily basis.

JC: If all else fails – what is your plan B?

ML: I think a plan B would only really happen if I couldn’t physically shoot anymore. I have a tech background and like building things, so I’d most likely be working towards building a web based, photography related business.

JC: Is it important to you to be a part of a creative community?

ML: Community is so important. Trust, support and good passionate people are what I look for in a community, which has transpired through a group of big-hearted photographers I met through a photographic retreat called Phoot Camp. When you meet someone for the first time, and feel like you’ve known them forever, that’s when you know you’ve found your community. It’s validating and inspiring to meet other people like yourself.

@mullitovercc