On this episode of The Life of Phys Podcast, I’m joined by Mark Forbes, a Melbourne, Australia based photographer best known for his contemplative and atmospheric documentary photography of street scenes, urban landscapes, and structures.

Mark’s personal work is primarily shot on film, using traditional medium format cameras to capture everyday environments with timeless depth. His photography stems from a deep fascination with people and their interactions with the spaces around them, bringing personality to the ordinary.

In 2023, Mark released his debut monograph, Collected Memories, published by Hatje Cantz. The book launched at Paris Photo 2023 with a signing event and was later shortlisted as a finalist for PHOTO 2024 Australian & New Zealand Photobook of the Year.

His photographs have been exhibited in both solo and group exhibitions throughout Australia, in public and commercial galleries.

Mark’s achievements include:

• Winner of The Gomma Grant (2019) for best color photograph

• Two-time winner of the OptiKA Photographic Award (2020 & 2024)

• 2nd place in the IPA Awards, Analog Fine Art category (2022 & 2024)

• Runner-up in the Head On Portrait Award (2021)

• Finalist in numerous prestigious art prizes

• His work featured at Leica HQ in Wetzlar during the M6 launch event as part of their Celebration of Photography

  
  

In this episode, Mark shares:

• His philosophy behind documentary and street photography

• Why he chooses film and medium format cameras for personal projects

• The story behind his book Collected Memories and its reception at Paris Photo

• Insights from competing and winning in international photography awards

• The role of exhibitions and photobooks in building a photographer’s legacy

  
  

This is a fascinating conversation about documentary photography, film, and the art of seeing the extraordinary in the everyday.

Visit Mark:

Instagram:@_markforbes_

Threads:@_markforbes_

Bluesky:@markforbes.com.au

Web:www.markforbes.com.au

Buy Marks Book:

Collected Memories

Mark's Melbourne Exhibition is On Until March 2025

G1 Gallery

Kingston Arts Centre

979-985 Nepean Hwy, Moorabbin

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