Photographing the Forests of Japan | Mark Davis

Welcome to episode 357 of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen." This week we delve deep into the lush landscapes of Japan with the extraordinary Mark Davis, a 24-year veteran of the U.S. armed forces turned passionate forest photographer. In this episode, we'll explore how Mark, now settled outside Tokyo with his family, has navigated his struggles with PTSD and the challenges of a military career through the lens of his camera, finding sanctuary amidst the serene Japanese beech trees. Together, we'll unpack the cultural nuances of photography in Japan—a place where silence and respect for nature prevail, where a deep curiosity about the subject matter reigns, and where community and connections pave the way for opportunities, including exciting photography workshops Mark plans to continue. We'll tap into the importance of mentorship and how seeking honest feedback transformed Mark’s work, confronting ego and the crucial learning that comes from intimate knowledge of your environment. Mark shares anecdotes about the humorous side of language barriers, how he sidesteps the social media algorithm game to focus on content, and offers sage advice on networking. Listen in as we contrast the Japanese approach to nature with the West's, discuss the integration of military precision and spontaneity in photography, and highlight the mental health benefits of connecting with nature. Links 1. NPN: use the code FSTOP10 for a 10% discount 2. Support the show on Patreon 3. Subscribe for e-mail updates 4. Sho Hoshino 5. Misaki Nagao 6. Bill Ferngren 7. Kristin Weinhold 8. Jared Boaz 9. Yokota Shinji 10. David Thompson