Meet Arlen Mark

We had the good fortune of connecting with Arlen Mark and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Arlen, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own photography business in LA after 10 years in the industry felt like the natural next step in my journey. Over the years, I’ve honed my craft, built a strong portfolio, and developed a unique style that reflects my passion for capturing moments. I’ve always been driven by a love for storytelling through imagery. The bustling creative scene in LA also inspired me; I wanted to contribute to that energy by offering something fresh and authentic. After extensive planning and research, I took the leap. The desire for independence and the excitement of bringing my vision to life motivated me to create a space where I could connect with clients, tell their stories, and push my artistic boundaries. Now, I’m dedicated to building relationships and crafting images that leave a lasting impact.

What should our readers know about your business?
My photography business is all about capturing authentic moments and telling compelling stories. What sets me apart is my commitment to creating a personalized experience for each client. I believe that every shoot should reflect the unique personality and essence of the individual or brand, so I take the time to connect with my clients, understand their vision, and collaborate closely with them.

I’m especially proud of the relationships I’ve built over the years—many of my clients have become friends. I love that my work allows me to meet such diverse and interesting people, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how my images resonate with them.

Getting to where I am today has certainly had its challenges. The photography industry is competitive, and there were times when I faced self-doubt and uncertainty about my direction. I overcame these obstacles by focusing on continuous learning—taking workshops, seeking feedback, and pushing myself to try new techniques and styles. Each challenge became an opportunity for growth.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of resilience and adaptability. The market changes, trends evolve, and it’s crucial to stay open to new ideas while staying true to my vision.

I want the world to know that my brand is built on authenticity and connection. I’m passionate about not just taking pictures, but creating experiences that people will cherish for a lifetime. Every photo is a collaboration, a moment frozen in time that reflects the beauty of each story. I’m excited to continue evolving and sharing these stories with the world!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Welcome to LA Breakfast: Start at Griffith Park with a coffee and pastry from The Trails Café.
Morning: Hike up to the Griffith Observatory for stunning views of the city and the Hollywood Sign.
Lunch: Head to Silver Lake for lunch at SLOCKPICK, a great spot with delicious sandwiches and salads.
Afternoon: Explore the vibrant street art in Downtown LA, particularly in the Arts District.
Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Bestia, a popular Italian spot known for its house-made pastas.
Evening: Check out a show at The Echo or a rooftop bar like Perch for great views and drinks.
Day 2: Beach Day
Breakfast: Grab breakfast at The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker in West Hollywood.
Morning: Spend the day at Santa Monica Beach. Walk the pier, rent bikes, or relax on the sand.
Lunch: Enjoy fresh seafood at The Lobster overlooking the ocean.
Afternoon: Stroll through Venice Beach, checking out the boardwalk and the famous Muscle Beach.
Dinner: Dine at Guelaguetza for authentic Oaxacan cuisine in Koreatown.
Evening: End the day with drinks at The Rooftop at The Standard.
Day 3: Arts & Culture
Breakfast: Start with brunch at Republique, an LA favorite for its fantastic pastries and atmosphere.
Morning: Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and take a photo at the iconic Urban Light installation.
Lunch: Head to K-Town for a Korean BBQ experience at Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong.
Afternoon: Explore The Getty Center for incredible art and architecture, plus stunning gardens.
Dinner: Try Katz’s Deli for a New York-style deli experience.
Evening: Catch a live performance at The Hollywood Bowl or enjoy a movie at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre.
Day 4: Exploring Neighborhoods
Breakfast: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Sqirl in Silver Lake, famous for its jam and ricotta toast.
Morning: Explore the quirky shops and cafes in Melrose Avenue.
Lunch: Grab tacos from Guerilla Tacos, a must-try food truck.
Afternoon: Visit The Farmer’s Market at The Grove for local produce and unique vendors.
Dinner: Dine at Crossroads, a plant-based restaurant with a great vibe.
Evening: Enjoy a nightcap at The Varnish, a speakeasy-style bar in Downtown LA.
Day 5: Nature & Relaxation
Breakfast: Head to Cafe 101 for a classic diner breakfast.
Morning: Take a day trip to Malibu. Visit El Matador Beach for stunning coastal views.
Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch with takeout from Nobu Malibu.
Afternoon: Explore the Malibu Pier or go for a hike in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Dinner: Enjoy fresh seafood at Malibu Fish Grill.
Evening: Watch the sunset on the beach; it’s a perfect way to unwind.
Day 6: Local Favorites
Breakfast: Start at The Griddle Cafe for giant pancakes.
Morning: Visit The Natural History Museum or the California Science Center.
Lunch: Try the iconic Philippe’s for French dip sandwiches.
Afternoon: Head to Echo Park for a pedal boat ride on the lake.
Dinner: Enjoy a memorable meal at Guelaguetza or Cecconi’s in West Hollywood.
Evening: Explore the nightlife in West Hollywood or Downtown LA.
Day 7: Wrap-Up and Reflection
Breakfast: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Eggslut in Grand Central Market.
Morning: Take a leisurely stroll through Griffith Park or relax at Echo Park Lake.
Lunch: Have a casual meal at Wurstküche for delicious sausages and beers.
Afternoon: Visit The Broad for contemporary art, and make sure to check out the nearby Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Dinner: Celebrate the last night with dinner at Bestia or Nobu.
Evening: End with a nightcap at The Rainbow Bar & Grill, a classic Hollywood spot.

This itinerary captures the vibrant essence of LA, blending culture, nature, and culinary experiences. I’ve actually have done all of these with a good friend of mine who visited me from Dallas.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my mentors and fellow photographers who have been instrumental in my journey. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of learning from some incredibly talented individuals who shared their insights and experiences with me, helping me refine my craft and navigate the industry. I can’t forget the clients who have believed in my vision and allowed me to tell their stories through my lens. Each of these connections has shaped my path and contributed to my success. It’s a reminder that we don’t achieve our dreams alone.

Website: arlenmark.com

Instagram: arlenmarkphoto

Yelp: ArlenMark Photography