I’m National Geographic Photographer Mark Thiessen and This Is How I Work

In its latest issue, National Geographic showed readers how smoke jumpers fight bushfires in Alaska forests , with images by photographer Mark Thiessen. Firefighting photography is Mark’s specialty; he has been doing this for 25 years and has been shooting for NatGeo for 29 years. We spoke to him about his first published news photo, his favorite photography gear, and his trick for sleeping on the road.

Location: Washington, DC Current Job: Photographer for National Geographic Current Computer: MacBook Pro Current Mobile Device: iPhone 7 One word that best describes how you work: Constant

First of all, tell us a little about your past and how you got where you are now.

I started photography when I was 14 and had a paper route in Southern California. With the money I made on the paper route, I bought a camera, as well as a policeman and a firefighter radio scanner. I’ve heard firefighters being dispatched to potentially significant events.

One summer morning I heard about a car hit by a train. I said: “Mom, let’s go!” I was too young to drive, so we got into our Ford Pinto and drove off. The car got stuck on the tracks, the driver jumped out at the last moment, and everything was fine. I photographed the impressive wreckage of a car and put the tape in the local newspaper.

On that day, as usual, a large sheaf of papers was thrown onto my front porch, which had to be wrapped in rubber bands and delivered by bicycle. My photo was right there on the cover, and I proudly handed out every copy of the newspaper.

Tell us about a recent work day.

My work day changes when I am in the field or when I return to the headquarters in Washington DC. If I’m in town, I get up at 4:30 am, at the gym by 5:00, home by 6:00, at work by 7:30 and start filming or meeting. I run our photo studio, and this gives me the opportunity to take various pictures for NG Magazine and other sections of National Geographic.

What apps, gadgets or tools can’t you live without?

Storm Radar is a handy weather app that shows the radar for the last 2 hours and what the models predict for the next 6 hours. This is invaluable when shooting outdoors. I also love TPE ( Photographer Ephemeris ). It shows the path of the sun and moon at any date / time for your location. This is useful when planning a shot to see where the sun / moon sets and rises.

How is your workplace arranged?

In our photography studio at headquarters (DC), I usually shoot with a Canon 5D Mk IV or SR connected to a Mac Pro. I shoot in Capture One for the big screen.

The huge advantage of this setting is that I can use Canon Live View, which allows me to see live video from the camera on my computer monitor, and I can adjust objects and lighting and see the results without having to take a picture. Capture One even lets me adjust my camera settings – a handy feature when the camera is 10 feet high and looks down onto the set. I use the same setting when shooting artifacts in the field, but I’m connecting to a MacBook Pro.

What’s your favorite shortcut or hack?

Sometimes I find myself in a situation where I need a quick response from my photo editor at headquarters. I use my iPhone to take a picture on the camera’s LCD and then send it. Taking a picture of the picture is overkill, but in the right situation it works quite well.

Tell us about an interesting, unusual, or challenging process you have at work.

When I fly from Washington to the fires on the West Coast, I don’t want to take more than I need to. And I often sleep in my rented SUV. So I leave the sleeping mat at home and go to Costco when I land and buy a dog bed. They’re cheap, chic, and comfortable enough to get a good night’s sleep.

Who are the people who help you achieve results, and how do you rely on them?

Our photo editors at National Geographic are top notch. It’s important for a photographer to have a fresh perspective on lighting their story, and the photo editor for that story provides that. They will tell you exactly what they think. That’s what I want, honest feedback.

How do you keep track of what you need to do?

My calendar is everything. He keeps track of all my filming locations and contact information related to that filming. Often the photo editor and I share the document in the cloud to track the progress of various filming related to the story.

How to recharge or relax?

I am usually at the gym when it opens at 5am. I’m a morning person by nature, and that’s when it’s MY time. I can listen to music and relax while exercising. Such a great way to start the day.

What’s your favorite side project?

Four years ago I became a beekeeper. I manage four National Geographic roof hives and several of my own in the suburbs. I find this extremely useful.

People expect me to have all these amazing pictures of bees, but I don’t. I want to focus on being a great beekeeper and not be distracted by photography.

What are you reading now or what do you recommend?

The Righteous Mind of Jonathan Haidt. It’s about understanding why people on opposite ends of the political spectrum feel the same way. You will understand why you hold to these moral beliefs and why others disagree with you.

Can you share the music playlist you’ve created for work or somewhere else?

My guilty pleasure is poppy music from the 60s and 70s like Abba and Archies. I am ashamed to share this playlist with you: Mark’s Gym Pop .

Who else would you like to see to answer these questions?

Aviation tanker pilot extinguishing fires. Heavy lift crane operator in the city center.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Whatever you do, do it the best you can.

What problem are you still trying to solve?

How to find things that get caught between the car seat and the center console.