Mark Piovesan - Photographer: Keith talks to Mark about his work along the Adelaide Coast region of South Australia

The colour and the light, the right texture and composing the shot are the tools of trade of photographer, Mark Pioveson. Most days you find him close to the water - if he's not surfing on it he's photographing it. We caught up with him at his local beach at Brighton.

Mark's photos turn the familiar into fine tuned studies of nature at its best. In his landscapes he tries to look for the not-so obvious shot - he tries to steal a moment in time and take it with him.

Mark Piovesan, Photographer: "I surf a lot and I love fishing and kayaking and whether I'm driving down the coast to Victor Harbor or over to Yorke Peninsula I'm always looking at the ocean. It's always changing, there's always new swells or a storm coming through or a beautiful sunset. Whether it be late afternoon or early morning getting (a photo of) that crisp curl of the wave in a challenge. Obviously no two waves are the same."

Back in his Brighton studio, this Visual Arts Graduate sorts through literally thousands of images from around the state and around the world for that matter. He tops up his income with commercial work, weddings and stunning portraiture… but there's no doubting his love of nature.

Mark Piovesan, Photographer: "You are always looking at quirky little things going on even if you are driving down for a surf or wine tasting up the Barossa Valley or Clare Valley you are always looking for little things that might make a great photo."

But it's not just jetties and landscapes that catches Mark's eye. He's also constantly adding to what he calls his 'Studio Fauna' series - a quirky fun-filled collection of animal shots - all of which, present their own challenges.

Mark Piovesan, Photographer: "With the possum I draped a white bed sheet on a front verandah and had the possum running around doing its thing. How long did it take to get the possum to look at you? Oh, it took a while. It took an hour or so of him running around and then eventually walking towards me."

There's no doubting patience is a big requirement for this gig - wait long enough and it pays off. Two kinds of people love to buy Mark's photographs: interstate and overseas visitors put them in a postpack and send them home as a momento. The others - they live right here in Brighton.

A selection of Marks' photos are on display at Aqua Living, a very swish gift shop at 49 Jetty Road at Brighton. So drop in sometime and have a browse. You can also check out Mark's work on his impressive web site. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au

Aqua Living
Shop 2 / 49 Jetty Rd
Brighton
Ph 8296 5460

Mark Piovesan Photography
Brighton
Ph: 0439 815592

Published 12th July 2009