F-Stop Collaborate and Listen 425: Mark Handy - Why I Quit Landscape Photography
Jun 9, 2025
Mark Handy, a former landscape photographer who operated a successful gallery, opens up about his shift to a career in private equity focused on family life. He shares why he left photography, highlighting the emotional toll of travel on his family and the lessons learned from harsh experiences, including gallery embezzlement. Mark reflects on the camaraderie he misses, the balance between personal fulfillment and family duties, and finding joy beyond the lens. His journey serves as an honest reminder of the sacrifices artists often face.
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Legacy Beyond Photography
- Mark Handy realized photographers are remembered mostly for their human connections rather than their images.\n- He wants to be remembered for how he was as a person in the field, not his photography.
Son's Impact on Career Choice
- Mark quit photography largely because his young son felt his long absences deeply.\n- He traveled about 150,000 miles a year, realizing the toll on family was significant.
Missing People, Not Photography
- Mark doesn't miss photography itself after quitting in 2018 and even sold all his gear immediately.\n- What he misses most is the camaraderie and connection with fellow photographers.