TCF Ep. 648 - Mark Comon
Pauls Photo's Mark Comon, Peter Hujar film, & Jamey Price's Racing Unfiltered
The Candid Frame #648 – Mark Comon
There are a few people in the photography community whose passion burns as bright and as steady as Mark Comon's. As the second-generation owner of Paul’s Photo in Torrance, California, and the driving force behind the Creative Photo Academy, Mark has spent decades nurturing photographers of every skill level—from complete beginners picking up a camera for the first time to seasoned pros refining their craft.
I’ve known Mark since my earliest days working at Nikon, and I’ve seen firsthand how deeply committed he is to this medium—not just as a business, but as a way of life. In this episode of The Candid Frame, we talk about the legacy of a family-run photo store that has endured recessions, the rise of online retailers, and a global pandemic. We also delve into how Mark has utilized education and community-building to preserve the spirit of photography in the South Bay and beyond.
Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or simply someone who loves this craft, Mark’s story is a reminder that photography isn’t just about gear or trends—it’s about people, passion, and purpose. His belief in photography as a lifelong journey—not a destination—is something I deeply resonate with.
Listen to the episode now:
The Candid Frame #648 – Mark Comon
Peter Hujar’s Day: A Quiet Storm of Art and Intimacy
I’m really looking forward to the release of Peter Hujar’s Day, a new short film that imagines a single day in the life of the late, great photographer Peter Hujar. If you don’t already know his work, now’s the time to explore it. Hujar was a singular voice in American photography—his portraits of downtown New York’s queer and avant-garde scene in the 1970s and 80s are filled with vulnerability, dignity, and stillness. He wasn’t chasing attention or acclaim; he was after truth.
The film captures that same spirit. It’s not a sweeping biopic—it’s a quiet, meditative portrait of the artist during a day in 1985, shortly after his HIV diagnosis. What makes it even more compelling is the cast: Ben Whishaw plays Hujar with the kind of restraint and sensitivity the role demands, and Rebecca Hall steps in as his friend Linda, adding a beautiful counterpoint to the stillness at the center of the story.
This isn’t just a film about a photographer—it’s a film about what it means to live honestly, to create without compromise, and to find meaning even in the shadows. As someone who has long admired Hujar’s work, I’m excited to see him finally getting this kind of nuanced recognition. If you’re a lover of photography, art history, or just stories told with care and quiet power, this one’s for you.
🎥 Learn more about the film or watch the trailer:
Racing Unfiltered by Jamey Price: Speed, Grit, and Total Access
If you’re into photography that captures intensity, motion, and the adrenaline of the moment, then Jamey Price’s new book Racing Unfiltered is going to hit the mark. Known for his jaw-dropping motorsports photography, Price takes us behind the scenes and trackside of some of the most elite auto races in the world—from Formula 1 and Le Mans to Daytona and beyond.
But this book isn’t just about fast cars and flashy finishes. It’s about the atmosphere, the human drama, and the often-unseen moments that unfold between the roar of engines. What I appreciate most about Racing Unfiltered is its rawness. It doesn’t feel overly polished or staged—it feels lived-in. There’s sweat, exhaustion, intensity, and speed. And yet, there’s also an artistry in the way Jamey composes each frame—finding grace within chaos.
There’s a reason motorsports are such a draw for photographers. The challenge of timing, focus, and anticipation pushes your reflexes to the edge. But to do it with this level of consistency and access? That’s something else. Jamey has clearly earned the trust of the racing world, and we as viewers get to benefit from that proximity.
Take a look at the book or pick up a copy here:
Racing Unfiltered – Jamey Price (Trope Press)