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

Hi Mark, why did you pursue a creative career?
I fell into my photography serendipitously when my father asked me to sell his DSLR camera while I was a second-year resident physician in orthopedic surgery. Instead of selling it, I asked if I could borrow it for a few months first. At the time, I was working nights for months and so during the day while I was off, I would explore the city of Philadelphia and use photography as a reason to get out. This is where my photography journey began. I started reading about photography, watching tutorials, etc. I did not initially start this with a plan to market my work, but I was constantly asked about purchasing work. At the time, I didn’t even put my name on it. I had a rapid expansion of my work locally and had it purchased and on permanent display in condo buildings and lobbies in the Philadelphia area. Since then, I have become more and more proficient in the craft — all self-taught through the “Google Academy.” Now my work is in commercial buildings throughout the country and in individual hands internationally. I feel very humbled and lucky to have had my art explode like this. This is not anything I ever expected to happen in my life. Now, while I am a practicing orthopedic minimally invasive surgeon, I am lucky in that I also have an artistic career that helps keep me grounded.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work started locally in Philadelphia, but now is focused more on national and international travel landscapes.

My goal is to create a sense of zen through my work rather than to carry a political cause. Some of my favorite moments was watching patients and families stop in the hallway of Einstein Hospital (where I trained) and take time to look at my work, which the hospital purchased. Everyone in the hospital is always rushing to get somewhere. No one is there to admire art. The fact that my photography was able to stop people in the hallways was extremely humbling and gratifying.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In Philly, one of my favorite spots is the Schuylkill river trail. A nice sunrise run along the trail, followed by a hike in the Wissahickon park, ending with some relaxation, grub and brews at Spruce Street Harbor Park.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Surely, my dad gets the shoutout since it was his camera that got me started in photography!

Website: www.phillyphotoart.com

Instagram: @urbanartscapes

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-ayzenberg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phillyphotoart

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNltZOFiegArf6TiJB3a4rA

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.