Mark Gunter: He Gets the Shot

By Jazmyne Courtnii Byrd
Photography by Jaime Lim, and Trinette Denise

From the red carpets to fashion runways in London, Mark Gunter of Mark G. on Point is one of the most in-demand fashion photographers in the business. His eye for detail and crisp color contrasts have made him one of the most sought-after photographers in the industry. What has been vital to him in his career has been consistency.

Gunter says, “Consistency has been the key for me because much of my business comes through referrals. With a magazine, they are looking for a cover that’s going to make people buy it off the shelves, and with weddings and events, people want to feel like they were in the room when they look at the shot. Getting the chance to shoot a cover so early in my career just prepared me to be able to work in the industry and with this high level of client. My goal is to make you feel like you are front and center.”

Using the camera to capture unforgettable moments on film can seem like a super effortless job. Still, getting that one memorable trendsetting shot is not as easy as it looks. You go to the red carpet event or studio, snap the shots, go home and edit. That is the life of a photographer.

Photo of Mark Gunter by Jaime Lim, Liquid Star Photography

“A lot of people think that being a photographer is simple. From social media, it looks like everyone can get the perfect shot with their cell phones and apps with filters, but that’s not the reality of a real photographer. We look at angles, settings, and lighting. We are very technical. The photos need to tell a story and capture a moment in time. Every time my client sees the shot, they relive it and enjoy it. I look at my craft as something special and timeless.”

You may have seen his work in one of your favorite magazines or online on one of the most talked about blog sites, and we can almost bet that when you saw the shot, you felt like you were there.

Mark G, an East Texas native, has a strong love for fashion and photography that began as a hobby. Simply having a passion for fashion and taking pictures helped him get where he is today.

“I attended college in East Texas at Jarvis Christian university before joining the Marines. When I purchased my first camera, I bought it to take pictures as a hobby. I got better and better, and it was just in me to do. I never thought it was something I could turn into a career until people started asking me to take their pictures, and I started making money. After a while, it became more demanding, and I had to choose between my career and my degree. Ultimately, I chose photography.”

Fashion photography has been one of Mark’s strong points in the fashion industry. Designers hire Gunter because of his keen eye for good fashion shots. From Dubai to London, he is one of the most highly recommended photographers in the industry, and during fashion season, he is jet-setting across the world to get the best shots.

“I get calls from designers and fashion show producers from all across the globe to capture the shots of their shows. Not every photographer gets the opportunity to become an international photographer and be successful. I have literally built my career on getting the shot.”

In the beginning, working with fashion models can be very intimidating because that one shot, that one cover, can be seen worldwide with just one click. Fashion models often have a reputation for being demanding, but Gunter knows how to work around that and still focuses his lens on perfection.

“At first, it can be a bit different, you know, learning how to navigate around people with different personalities in different situations. So, while I’m on set, I focus on the direction of the vision. My job is to ensure that every hair is in place, every garment is placed properly, every angle is great, and that the vision of the storyboard is captured to perfection. I like to set the vibe on set and make sure that everyone is happy and content so the shoot can go well.”

Photo of Mark Gunter by Trinette Denise

Not only has Gunter worked with high-level fashion models, but he has also had the privilege of shooting with a lot of celebrities. On his experience working with stars, he says, “When I shot my first celebrity, I was terrified because there were so many people on set, and everyone depended on you to get this done and make them look great. It can be really intimidating because it’s not like being on a red carpet where there are so many photographers and videographers present. It’s all eyes on you. You know, the makeup artists have their job, and then the hairstylist has theirs, but the photographer is the one who is responsible for making it all come to life. The photographer makes it all come together so that everyone gets to shine. I like that responsibility because I have studied and mastered it, which makes people trust me when I get behind the lens. But I would be remiss if I said my first time didn’t make me nervous. Now it’s like riding a bike.”

Being a photographer is one of those careers that fall into the hands of those who have an eye for what they are captivating. Gunter has captivated the eyes of many because of his years of dedication to a craft that he has successfully mastered because of his love for fashion. Clearly, Gunter, who has expanded his career across the seas, will continue to be the eye at the end of fashion runways worldwide.

Photo of Mark Gunter by Jaime Lim, Liquid Star Photography