Mark Lanning Photography

Mark Lanning Photography   advertising photographers

For as long as mankind has recorded his surroundings, images of food have played a very powerful roll in defining who we are creatively.

Mark Lanning's love for food photography began with his photographic career in 1987. In 2000, he began a series of journeys into the world of food with Neil Roake. Together they travelled to the New York Food Festival, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Mozambique, producing a series of food stories for Marie Claire, Food and Home and House & Leisure magazines.

2001 saw the beginning of a two-year journey through Soweto recording the warmth, creative energy, adaptability, faith, community spirit and indomitable humour of Soweto’s people as reflected in their fashion, music, homes, shabeen’s, businesses and distinctive cuisine.

Today, Mark’s knowledge and passion for food photography is as strong as ever. The proof is in the pudding.

Mark Lanning Photography   advertising photographers

Mark Lanning by Thomas Falkiner:

"Whenever I think of awesome photographs I think of a man with funky locks and bristling facial hair. His name is Mark Lanning and he is perhaps one of the easiest photographers I have ever come across. For whereas most men of the lens won't show you the light of day until you a) pay them exorbitant amounts of money and/or b) massage their egos until they're sitting in a warm and sticky puddle of their own self-worth, Mark is as easy and as chilled-out as a surfer running high on green. Funny that, because some say he harks from the shores of Durban. Coincidence?

"Anyway, speculation aside, never have I worked alongside a more innovative or, indeed, spontaneous lens man in all my days. From long nights of drinking followed by painful morning rises endured only to capture that one perfect car shot, Mark puts the can into do."

Mark Lanning Photography   advertising photographers

With creative batteries charged to the max, Mark Lanning is set for another intense year of photographic picture making. Featured in this Showcase is his latest collection of fashion, township reportage and conceptual advertising imagery.

"During the time I've spent with Mark, I always marvel at his ability to live life with such creative intensity. Over the odd glass of red wine and deep philosophical discussion we often debate if the passion he possesses is a curse, or a blessing. Mark is convinced it is both. But as I point out to him, it is that very inner turmoil that keeps those batteries supercharged!"

Mark Lanning Photography   advertising photographers

Mark's burning passion for his craft is clearly demonstrated in his series 'My Country - My Life - My Passion', in which he shows two sides to a career that mirrors the amazing country of South Africa and all that it offers him.

The Third World tactile beauty and rough textures associated with some of the poverty and lower living standards of an emerging African country contrasts with the image of a nation that staged arguably the best (hence First World standard) FIFA World Cup in history. 

Mark is able to move effortlessly between the rough, gritty documentary style of photography that his surroundings dictate to the slick, high quality advertising requirements of some of the world’s largest global companies.

Visit his website for more information.

Mark Lanning Photography   advertising photographers

A million football dreams on the streets of the townships. With the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa less than 120 days away, Mark Lanning went on an epic ten-day trip around his country of birth.

"I needed to capture for myself what it is about football that gives so many people hope and the promise of a better future. A game that allows the poorest of the poor to play themselves out of poverty."

Starting at Alexander Bay on the boarder with Namibia, where the mighty Orange River meets the Atlantic Ocean, Mark continued down the west coast to Cape Town, along the Garden Route to Port Elizabeth on the east coast, and then inland through Graaff Reinet and back to Johannesburg.

"Once I was in any of the many townships along the route a game of 'street football' was always only five minuets away. For me the journey was a truly spiritual one: I saw a side of my country, and the world, that showed that football is without a doubt a 'unifying religion'. It transcends class, colour, gender and age. This is my story and these are my pictures."

Mark Lanning Photography   advertising photographers

“13 years after first shooting with Mark, I’m still astounded at his ability to create sublime imagery, be it food, people, interiors or portraiture. His lighting is just exceptional, and he resolves complex situations in an effortlessly natural way. Mark’s offbeat humour belies a serious pursuit of excellence, and he consistently delivers work that is cutting edge and refreshing.” Tess Paterson, magazine journalist and décor stylist.