Photography instructor prepares students to succeed

Known to his students for his dry wit, Mark Saxon has been an instructor in Photography at MATC for over 20 years. Former students say that if you’re serious about photography, there is no better instructor than Saxon as he prepares his students for the competitive world of professional photography.
Saxon explained that the photography industry changed forever when digital photography came into play. Saxon, along with former dean Michael Walsh and former assoicate dean Jim MacDonald, came up with digital curriculum for the Photography program a little over 15 years ago. While he realized the greater role Photoshop and SilverFast were playing in the field, Saxon still stressed the importance of the basics of photography. Saxon aims for students to try to spend as little time behind the computer as possible.
“The field is so competitive it’s important that students focus on the fundamentals and practice as much as possible,” said Saxon. His students often treat the program like a full-time job, working up to 40 hours a week.
In Saxon’s 28-plus years in advertising photography, he has seen areas of his profession shrink. “It used to be that a photographer could get work for celebrations or birthday parties but with the advancements in photography equipment and Photoshop, more people are doing it themselves,” said Saxon.
“Commercial photography and wedding studios are still strong and also the Wisconsin market is getting stronger with more opportunities for photographers,” said Saxon.
“Creativity and a strong sense of fundamentals will take a photographer far,” he added. With students that have gone to work for major newspapers and have pictures in national magazines, Saxon has shown a great talent for teaching. In reviews of professors online, Saxon ranks high with former students and has received plenty of praise in regards to his teaching methods. Saxon, a modest instructor, doesn’t like to brag about his work but he did mention he will be showcasing his bird photos as well as his advertising photography portfolio after the start of the year. With a strong love for photography and a stronger love for teaching, Saxon is a prime example of the quality education students can receive here at MATC.

Creativity and a strong sense of fundamentals will take a photographer far.

— Mark Saxon, MATC Photography Instructor