Mark Polelle
Technology and Web-based technology expert, Mark Polelle has been one of the leading figures in Silicon Vally for almost a decade after being one of the first to spot the possibilities available in Blockchain technology. It was during his childhood in his home of Atlanta, Georgia that Polelle begins to feel his future lay in the developing computer technologies of the period and prompted a move to California and the innovative environment of Silicon Valley. The entrepreneur has seen the focus of his career shift with the changing technology on offer throughout the world from basic Web design during his first years in California to the huge level of success achieved by Polelle in developing Blockchain technology. Mark Polelle now lives in Oakland where he feels he has easy access to the best technology companies in Northern California but also allows him to enjoy the benefits of the success he has achieved throughout his career.
What is your hobby?
I rarely have a large amount of free time as my company has seen new clients arriving to explore the benefits of Blockchain technology on a regular basis who I try to give my time to freely. Living in California with the wide range of landscapes on offer has inspired me to explore digital photography as a hobby. I love the blending of my artistic side with a push to find and use the latest technology to make sure my images are of the highest possible quality. My personal favorite is to take a hike into the mountains and find some nature or landscapes to photograph and relax alongside nature. I recently headed into the Pacific Northwest and hiked around the Cascades Mountains where I found the snow-filled landscapes beautiful and relaxing which allowed me to return to work relaxed and chomping at the bit to continue my business development.
How did you get started with this hobby?
To be honest I just started taking pictures with my phone before I even invested in any equipment and set out to explore any specific skills. Once I began looking at SLR cameras I realized the marriage of technology and artistic freedom was a good fit for me and my own interests.
What inspired you?
Originally I don’t know if it was an inspiration or simply the fact my mind would turn away from work for a short time as I began taking photos around my office and home. Since I’ve become more interested in photography I’ve been researching the great photographers of the past and present including the beautiful work of Juergen Teller and the classic crime photography of Weegee from the 1940s.
Tell us what you love about it.
Like I said earlier, I think modern photography speaks to my love of technology and a largely untapped artistic side. Taking the chance to manipulate an image using Photoshop is something I love doing and speaks to me on many different levels.
Are there any groups you’re a part of or events that you attend related to your hobby?
I haven’t really set out to join any groups or attend many events but I did recently submit some work to the Southern California Photo Expo and plan to attend this year’s event.
Have you had to invest in equipment and if so, please share some of the things you’ve bought.
I’m somebody who likes to explore the various options available in technology for any sector of my life including my career as a Blockchain developer and for my hobby. Initially, I invested in a Nikon D3400 which was an excellent camera for a beginner to start their career with. I recently invested in a Fuji X-100F body which gives a completely different experience more closely related to the traditional manual photography of the 20th-century.
Where do you buy most of your supplies?
I’m a technology enthusiast so the majority of my purchases are made Online through Amazon but I do love visiting stores such as Best Buy to handle equipment before buying. I remember there used to be photography stores on Main Street in Atlanta when I was growing up and would now love to visit one of these shops to talk to the experts and share my love of this art.
Are there any good books for beginners?
One of the books I have referred to recently is “The Art of Photography” by Art Wolfe and Rob Sheppard which gives a good overview of composition and simple techniques. Although I feel a lot can be learned by simply looking for books by photographers you personally admire. I enjoyed “Christian Dior in the South of France” by Laurence Benaim with stunning images by Manuel Flores-Vianna.
How has this changed your life?
In general, I find I am more relaxed and focused after spending some time in nature taking photos which can be important in such a high-intensity business as Blockchain development.
What advice do you have for others starting out with this hobby?
Get out and take some pictures and you’ll be amazed at the beauty you can create as a photographer.
Are there any other hobbies you have?
I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia so I’m a sports fan with a love for watching baseball and football. On a recent business trip to the U.K., I had some free time in the North of England where I began exploring old churches around the Lake District area and began looking for my ancestors in old records which have sparked an interest in genealogy I’m beginning to explore.