"Believe In Yourself" By Mark Sevigny

While I have loved photography since I was very young I can credit Mark Sevigny with re-ignighting my passion in the art.  I have known Mark for many years now and have been amazed and inspired by his vision.  While I was going through his photostream looking for a photo for the top of this blog entry I found the one above, somehow it feels especially right to highlight the sentiment “Believe in Yourself”.

Mark is an individual above all else.  He doesn’t truly fit into any singular mold or stereotype.  The only thing I have ever found to really upset him is closed-minded people.  He has a unique view of the world that transcends what most people consider “beautiful” and sheds glorious light on little things usually overlooked.  His passion is what he terms “Fading America”, the lost innocence of the 1950’s, 60’s & ’70’s.  Forgotten roadside motels, gas stations, fruit stands, tourist attractions, old cracker houses…the beauty of decay.  Each shot tells a thousand stories.

"Underwood Motel" by Mark Sevigny

An unencumbered free spirit, Mark travels at will and always has his camera at this side.  “A.B.C.” (Always Bring your Camera) is a motto he told me years ago and one he lives by.  More than an opportunistic photographer, Mark knows exactly what his style is and actively seeks out his subjects.   The beauty he finds in rural and urban decay has inspired me in so many ways, I feel certain you will find beauty in his work as well.  His website can be found at FadingAmerica.com where you can view and purchase his work.

"Apalachicola Barber" by Mark Sevigny

Mark is also a writer.  In his blog the “Iconic Rambler” he shares everything from routine events, opinions on daily news, as well as plans for upcoming projects.  Even if you don’t agree with his views on everything you’ll find his sense of humor comes through (”The views professed in the link above do not necessarily represent those of “The Obsessive Photographer”, LOL).

As we all go through our days we can learn several lesson from Mark.  Open your eyes.  Don’t forget who we are as a nation.  Flowers aren’t the only beautiful thing on the planet.  Sometimes old is good and older is even better.  Be good to one another. And last but certainly not least…“Believe in Yourself”