#sea-creatures

Innovative photographer Mark Mawson has pretty much carved his own niche with liquid and underwater photography, discovering a new visual language of otherworldly tranquility.

My Aqueous series resemble sea creatures or alien landscapes and I like the way the viewer forms their own interpretation of what they look like.

Mark Mawson has had a camera in his hand since he was eight years old. He’s also one of the few photographers that could genuinely surprise you with imagery that’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before. It all started when he noticed the effect of liquid on liquid as we was pouring milk in his coffee. “I had seen lots of ink and water shots but wanted to try something different,” he says. His liquid work, beautifully entitled Aqueous, started out as a personal exploration and is fast becoming his signature technique. “They resemble sea creatures or alien landscapes and I like the way the viewer forms their own interpretation of what they look like.” The Aqueous series soon gave way to fully-fledged underwater shoots, complete with sets, models, lighting and even waterproof beauty! His first attempt involved a stuntwoman chained to a concrete block on the bottom of the sea. “The way the water acted with the hair and fabric of the dress was beautiful. I really enjoy the peaceful atmosphere it creates.” Only problem is, he has to wait until the models resurface to give them any direction! His Qrator profile has a little bit of everything and even includes a shot of the Aqueous video projected onto the walls of Buckingham Palace in London as the backdrop to The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. It was originally shot for Elton John to use in his Las Vegas gigs and surprisingly, Mawson wasn’t allowed to keep a copy of it to show people! A small price to pay in the grand scheme of things, which includes campaigns for Versace, Gap, Havaianas and IMAX3D. Next stop: smoke photography!