Mark, tell me a bit more about your background and how you came to become a professional photographer?

My interest in photography probably started when I was about 5, when my older sister said her dream in life was to become a photographer.  Soon came Christmas and she received a red plastic 35mm camera as a present.  With that camera, still unable to grab the concept, I apparently took my first photograph by pointing it at the ground and snapping someone’s shoe.

Since then, whether it is through art, music or design, I’ve always been involved in creating something.  After high school, I made an odd decision to pursue studies in IT, and soon enough landed a job writing software and letting my creativity fade away.  By my 2^nd year, I could feel the weight of the corporate world crushing my soul and I realised it definitely wasn’t for me.  I started looking for an escape and a change.  That change came through turning my love of photography into a sustainable business.

So I quit my job and I haven’t looked back!

How would you describe your photographic style?

I have a diverse range of styles that I like to shoot in, but I really like to push a ‘candid’ or ‘natural’ approach when working with people.  To me, photography is a projection of who a person really is, rather than how they want to be perceived.  I love to work outdoors or on site with someone in their own environment, capturing a comfortable natural portrait and telling a story.

Your current project is simply called BNE. What is it about?

The BNE project was initially designed to capture the portraits and tell the stories of those that sparked my own interest and inspiration.  During the first exhibit of the images in a café, I realised that connections could be drawn between each of the subjects in the series.

I was fascinated by this visual illustration of ‘six degrees of separation’, witnessed by the residents of Brisbane almost far too often, and decided to let the project evolve and develop into something more ambitious.  Rather than just focusing on capturing portraits of my own personal inspirations, I asked each of my subjects to select the people who spurred them to greater creativity, allowing for the inclusion of not only those that inspired myself, but others too.

Through the BNE project I hope to combine a strong visual style with inspirational content and a message that we are all human and we are all connected.

Have you faced any challenges getting the project off the ground?

As the direction of the shoot moves towards people I don’t know directly, reflecting their character in a photo becomes a real challenge.  I don’t want to just shoot a portrait in a space and claim it’s full of meaning; I want to tell a story about the person.  As hard as this can be initially, I enjoy the process of meeting someone new and learning about what they love and what drives them.  I find this challenge to be one of the greatest things about the project.

What are your next plans for BNE?

I want BNE to be more than just a photographic series.  Although the photographic part of the project is still in progress, I intend on incorporating another passion of mine into the project. Through the use of social media and digital storytelling, I hope to experiment with the combination of photography, audio and video to form short six minute “digital stories”.

Each “story” will include a key set of interview questions revolving around the themes of “inspiration” and “being human”.  Video and audio documenting the life or passions of the individual will also help illustrate each piece. The project will continue for 6 rounds or “degrees” focussing on creating 2 portraits for each subject as well as the digital story to accompany it.  I’m currently researching ways to exhibit the series as an interactive exhibition, both on and offline.

What other future projects or ideas have you got in mind?

I always have a few projects going at any point in time! I recently started a new project called VonVintage.  Put simply, it stands for Vintage on Vintage, which is exactly how I intend to shoot it: Vintage content, shot on a Vintage camera.  Through its use in preservation and storytelling, photography can be a powerful tool.  Coupled with an artistic approach, I hope VonVintage can help bring back some value to beautiful vintage design, film photography and the keepsakes of the past.

I currently have a collection of Von Vintage photography shot by both myself and others on a blog at: www.vonvintage.com/scrapbook .

Where do you turn for art and photography inspiration?

Apart from the people of the BNE project, the internet is probably my biggest source of inspiration.  It’s nerdy, but true.  Websites like flickr, ffffound, vimeo and even twitter, with the ability to connect and learn from photographers all around the world, makes it an unlimited source of inspiration for me.

Finally, what is your tip for what’s HOT in Brisbane?

I love going to breakfast at the Cottage Garden Nursery (999 Stanley St, East Brisbane +61 7 3891 7999).  I recommend the French toast!

Over a soy latte Alex chatted to me about fashion, living eco-conscious and being a business-owner with a young toddler.

Alex, how did Eco Fashionista come about?

Eco Fashionista was launched almost a year to the day my son Max was born. Max’s arrival (and the huge sense of responsibility that arrived with him) was the catalyst for me to make a bigger commitment to being “green” – and, ever the keen shopper and fashionista, I realised the “greening” needed to extend to my wardrobe!

As I began to explore whether there was such a thing as “designer eco fashion”, I became so excited about the amazing labels I was unearthing – many of which weren’t available in Australia and in the one shopping destination. If I was going to seek out these chic pieces for myself, then why not share the love and let others in on my discoveries? I believe most people want to be eco-conscious about their lifestyle, but they also don’t want to give up the things that matter – such as style, quality and individuality. And that’s where Eco Fashionista comes in….

With so many fashion designers out there, how do you select the stock for Eco Fashionista?

A lot of brand research lies behind Eco Fashionista’s collection and the designers must demonstrate serious design and eco credentials.  How they achieve their “eco fashion” mission differs – from using organic, sustainable or vintage fabrics,  eco-friendly production, making small quantities to order or by hand and ensuring fair work conditions. We have given ”eco attributes” to each piece in our collection with these symbols.

Where do you turn for eco-fashion inspiration?

I’ve always devoured fashion magazines, and it’s wonderful to see titles like Vogue, Madison and Marie Claire now turning out green glamour and eco chic issues. I also read the stylish Australian eco fashion magazine Peppermint, and inspiring eco fashion blogs -  Eco Stiletto and Green Lashes and Fashion just to name two. For high-end designers with a conscience, it’s hard to go past Philip Lim (who launched his “Go Green Go” line in 2008) and Stella McCartney.

What advice would you give to someone starting their own business?

Three words have guided me over the last few months  – patience, perseverance and perspective. Having a clear vision of your business and its direction is essential, but equally important is the flexibility to adapt to the challenges that will be inevitably thrown at you. I’ve also had to learn that sometimes I am not the best person for the job! You need to concentrate your energies on your strengths, and in areas where you lack experience or skills – delegate or outsource if /where you can.

What are you wearing at the moment?

I’m wearing one variation of my “home with Max” uniform - Good Society jeans, Sublet Courtney top and  Beyond Skin Tilly floral ballet flats. It’s all about comfortable style these days.

I do love to dress up when I get the chance though! My fiancé and I have a rare dinner date tonight, and I’m looking forward to wearing my Minna Maria vintage print dress, accessorised with a pendant from fair trade jeweller Fifi Bijoux and Ashley Watson’s super-soft recycled leather oriole clutch.

Eco Fashionista’s first Brisbane trunk show will be held at Red Sea Gallery, New Farm, on Thursday 26 November 5-8pm in conjunction with the award-winning New Farm day spa Outshine. Even better, 10% of the profits from all sales through Outshine and Eco Fashionista on the night will go to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

If you’d like to attend the free event, RSVP at info@ecofashionista.com.au and just mention that BNE: HOT OR NOT sent you.

Check out the review and pictures from Eco Fashionista’s recent trunk show in Melbourne here.