About me...

I have been drawn to the visual arts ever since I could pick up a pencil or a brush as a young child. When I was 14, took up photography as an elective at high school and never looked back.

I chose to do 4-year Bachelor of Design Degree (BDes- Photography) from the Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Since completing my studies, photography has become one of my most rewarding passions. I make pictures every day.

Further training includes 2 years assisting Tony Hewitt, West Australian EPSON Professional Photographer of the year. This was followed by a 2-year internship and assisting position at Douglas Menuez California based studio. Doug is one of the United States most successful photojournalists who evolved into a highly successful advertising photographer.

During my time assisting, I started taking assignments on my own. These included book projects, documentary projects and commercial work. It was also when I started to get work with news organizations, shooting for newspapers and magazines.

In 2002, I was lucky enough to be offered a position as a staff photographer for Harker School in San Jose as a photographer and multi media specialist. The school is a leading private K-12 school with students attending prestigious universities worldwide.

In addition to my full time schedule, I regularly do shoots for wedding and portrait clients as well as photojournalism assignments for the Silicon Valley Community Newspapers and other news organizations.

During my carrer so far, I have been lucky enough to have been nominated for several awards for my work. Some of my awards to date are listed here.

I love what I do, and bring the passion I have for the photographic challenge to all my assignments, large or small.

Mark Tantrum San Jose, California April 24, 2008