I'm Mal, owner & photographer of 1611' Photography.
Just before heading out on deployment with the Marine Corps in 2012, I hiked 1611 ft. up Mount Beacon in New York. The sunset glowed behind an abandoned and crumbling incline railway lift atop the mountain. With a simple photograph of this inspiring scene, I knew I wanted to take pictures for the rest of my life. While I had planned to put in my 20 years with the Marine Corps, my time was cut short with diagnosis of a peripheral neuropathy that would limit my ability to perform the physical demands of the job. Desperately searching for a new place in the world, I pursued an Art degree at the University of Arkansas, to enhance my photography skills. I enjoyed the program, but when I considered careers in the field, I knew I didn’t want to be just another wedding or portrait photographer. My heart longed to document and share physical journeys and outdoor adventures, inspired by my own love of running, cycling, and hiking. As luck would have it, my sister heard of a need for a local race photographer and offered my name. With this opportunity, I found my niche. While I proved to have natural talent for race photography, learning to organize and advertise a small business has been more of a challenge. Multiple attempts at branding, from traditional titles to pun-ny catch phrases, have yet to encompass both my professional aspirations and my adventurous spirit. I’ve stumbled along my climb to the summit, but each fall has brought me closer realizing my dream. And now, I give tribute to the 1611 ft. hike that started it all. I am thrilled to elevate my journey in race, event and adventure photography with one final iteration of my business: 1611’ Photography. I’ll be waiting to capture your proud moments on camera as you complete a race, climb a hill, and bounce back from defeat. Some of my clients have included: Bentonville Race Series; Fayetteville Race Series; Hero Half Marathon; Outback in the Ozarks Pure Trail; Back 40 Trail Race; War Eagle Trail Run; Trifest for MS; Slaughter Pen Jam Run, Ride, Rock & Roll; Square 2 Square Bike; Ride Ozark Family Opera; MCRMT Law Firm; USMC VMGR-452; Travel with Care; NWA Little Giggles.
