Mark Paulda

Mark Paulda is a globe-trotting photographer and best selling author whose thirst for knowledge takes him to almost every corner of the world. He was exposed to travel at an early age, as his parents took him on perpetual trips abroad when he was still a child. Born in America, Mark grew up in Tripoli, Libya where he learned to be curious and genuinely appreciate cultures foreign to his own. Mark began his professional career with his own event company that led him to work with the Olympic Games planning and coordinating corporate events for VIPS. Creativity drives Mark today in the world of photography. Mark’s images have been exhibited throughout the world in galleries, special exhibitions and museums. He is considered one of the Top 100 travel photographers in the world according to Light & Composition. You can also find his images in a large variety of magazines, websites and other publications worldwide. He's been nominated for a Grammy award and a Grammy finalist for Best Album Art (Recollections by Asia featuring John Payne) released with worldwide distribution. He is author of five photography books, three of which are among the fastest selling books published by TCU Press. One of his books, “El Paso 120 : Edge of the Southwest” was named the best photography book in Texas.

Awards and Honors: National Geographic: World in Focus Wildlife Photographer of the Year: Semi-finalist Grammy Awards: Finalist (Album Packaging/Art) Travel Photographer of the Year: Commended Photographer to First Lady Laura Bush International Master’s Cup for Color Photography: Honor of Distinction Venice International Photography : Honor of Distinction London Photographic Society: Honor of Distinction Pilsner Urquell International Photography Awards: Honor of Distinction Black and White Spider Photography Awards: Honor of Distinction World’s Top 100 Photographers : Light & Composition Magazine Exhibitions: International Exhibition of Fine Art Photography: Center for Fine Art Photography, NYC Fine Art of Photography Exhibition: Denver Artists Showcase: Center for Fine Art Photography, Colorado Eyes on Bhutan Exhibit: Centennial Museum, University of Texas, El Paso Walter Mill Gallery Exhibit: Southampton, NY London Photography Association London Photography Festival London Photo Gallery The Bridge at London Bridge El Paso Museum of Art Hal Marcus Gallery: El Paso, Texas

Mark is a man who has an intense love for photography and the art of capturing life in a single frame. His passion for this art form has led him to explore all parts of the world, learning from people and their culture as he goes. He is a creative and dedicated individual with an eye for capturing the beauty in life. He has had many adventures, from hiking deep into the Sahara Desert to joining a family of Berber nomads on their pilgrimage through Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains and celebrating the full moon in Bali’s gorgeous temples. He strongly believes in giving back to those cultures that have given so much to him, which is why he set up programs teaching guides photography in Bhutan - with hopes that they can use these skills to earn extra income while also being able to share their culture with others. The current project he is working on involves mentoring a young man in Bali whose talent is immeasurable and is recognized by Indonesia's Consulate. Gede's images have been featured in magazines, exhibitions, and internships as well as achieving international recognition for his work under the watchful eye of his mentor.