Mark Hopkins on Fstoppers

Mark Hopkins Photography

I went from unloading FEDX jets at 4 am to working in a commercial photo studio in a matter of weeks. I hated waking up at 4 am but I was putting myself through college. Then it dawned on me on one of those early cold mornings when I realized I should be working in something related to my major. So I started interning for a commercial photographer who was well known in San Diego at the time, even though I had no idea whatsoever who he was. I moved up from intern to second assistant and held that position for about 2 years before moving on.

Several years later I was shooting weddings even though it wasn't my dream job. Keep in mind that this was pre digital and wedding photography wasn't as respected among other photographers as it is now. However, the money was good and getting booking was fairly easy. I photographed weddings full time for about 10 years then a combination of a slowing/crashing economy and an influx of new photographers sent me into another career direction.

In 2007 I opened a martial arts studio, Brazilian jiu jitsu to be specific. I was still shooting here and there, but wasn't seeing a whole lot of new work with weddings, so I ended up investing more into this new career. Fast forward 5 years and I am missing the creativity that comes with being a photographer. But instead of fighting for wedding photography crumbs I head towards headshots, real estate, corporate photo work and a wedding here and there doesn't hurt.

Gear Bag