Based in London, Mark Makela is a photojournalist working worldwide specializing in editorial, documentary and portrait photography.  Fervently, he endeavours to capture photographs that will influence, leave lasting impressions, and move individuals into action, ultimately to affect change. 

Born in Monterey, California, he majored in Art and English at Bates College, and had intended to make his way as a painter.  While completing a Master’s of Intercultural Communication at the University of Pennsylvania, Makela taught himself photography and discovered photojournalism as his true passion.  Pursuing this path, he transplanted himself to London in 2006.  With distinction, he graduated from the London College of Communication with a MA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography. 

Makela works on long term documentary projects while also pursuing news assignments.  In the last few years he has documented photoessays on Sami Reindeer Herders in Arctic Finland, Obama on the campaign trail, London Fashion Week, the UK general election, the English Defence League, and a spaniels only dog show.  

Leading worldwide publications featuring his photos include: The New York Times, The Guardian, Time, Vanity Fair, Vogue, The Times, The Sunday Times Magazine, The Independent, The Independent Magazine, The Financial Times, The Daily Mail, The Evening Standard, The British Journal of Photography, PDN, Sports Illustrated, L'espresso, Der Spiegel, and Stern.

Makela's work has been exhibited in the National Portrait Gallery's Photographic Portrait Prize.

He is proudly represented by ZUMA Press and Corbis.

Awards/Exhibitions:

Foto8 Summer Show, Host Gallery. 2011.

National Press Photographers Association News Clip Contest Winner. 2010, 2011.

NUJ Photography Matters Exhibition. 2009 

APPPF 2009 European Photograph of the Year, shortlist. 2009

National Portrait Gallery Taylor Wessing Photographic Prize. London 2009

BJP Project Assistance Award shortlist. 2008

Foto8 Summer Show, Host Gallery. 2008.

PDN Photo Annual. 2008

Printspace Gallery Group Exhibition. 2008