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About Mark

   Mark Dolejs is a freelance photographer based in Durham, NC. He specializes in sports, news, editorial and corporate photography. Before venturing into the freelance world, Dolejs was a photojournalist with The Herald-Sun (Durham, NC) for more than 17 years (1991-2009). In 1994 he was promoted to Photo Assignment Editor. In April, 2003, Dolejs stepped down from his management position and returned to his passion as a staff photographer. Since graduation from Randolph Community College in 1985, Dolejs worked for several newspapers in North Carolina and Georgia before settling in Durham.

   Dolejs has won many professional awards for his work through the years, including 3rd place Feature photo at the 2003 Atlanta Photojournalism Seminar, and 1st place Spot News photo in the 2003 North Carolina Press Association annual competition.

   In addition to photojournalism, Mark maintains a web site of his concert photography, www.solidrockpix.com. He also does promo/publicity photos for some of the bands.

   While working in Augusta, GA, Dolejs developed an interest in B&W Infrared photography. After several years of using this unique film to explore his photographic vision, Mark exhibited his work in several galleries in North Carolina and Florida.

   Mark's current photographic interests include Christian missions. His first international mission trip was to Thailand, followed by another to Kenya, both of which are featured on this web site.
 



Professional Awards

2006

North Carolina Press Association, 2nd place General News
NC Press Photographers Association, POY, HM Sports Feature
NC Press Photographers Association, finished in Top 10 of Monthly Clip Contest

2004
National Press Photographers Association, Special Citation
"In recognition of his major role in guiding the oldest continuously-running photojournalism seminar in the States, the Southern Short Course in News Photography, selflessly committed to the endeavor for more than ten years."

2003

Atlanta Photojournalism Seminar, 3rd place Feature
North Carolina Press Association, 1st place Spot News
NPPA Region 6 Monthly Clip Contest, 1st place Sports, May
NC Press Photographers Association, POY, 2nd place Sports Action
NC Press Photographers Association, POY, HM Feature

1997

NC Press Photographers Association, POY, HM Spot News

1995

Southern Short Course in News Photography, HM General News

1994
NC Press Photographers Association, POY, HM General News

1993

NC Press Photographers Association, finished 4th overall,
Monthly Clip Contest

1992

Southern Short Course in News Photography, HM Sports Feature
NC Press Photographers Association, POY, HM Illustration
NC Press Photographers Association, POY, HM Portrait
North Carolina Press Association, 1st place Photo Page

1991

Southern Short Course in News Photography, HM Food Illust.
Georgia Press Association, POY, 1st place B&W Sports
Georgia Associated Press, POY, HM Portrait

1990

Southern Short Course in News Photography, HM Fashion Illust.
Georgia Press Association, POY, 2nd place Feature
Georgia Associated Press, POY, 2nd place B&W Feature
Georgia Associated Press, POY, 3rd place Color Sports
Georgia Associated Press, POY, 3rd place B&W Sports

1989

Georgia Associated Press, POY, 2nd place B&W Feature

1988

North Carolina Press Association, 3rd place Photo Page
Georgia Associated Press, POY, 2nd place Color News

Service

North Carolina Press Photographers Association

Secretary and Contest Chairman, 2000 - 2003
Editor/Designer of Exposure, newsletter, 2000 - 2003
Editor and Designer, 1994 Pictures of the Year Calender Secretary, 1993

Southern Short Course in News Photography
Contest Chairman, 2000 - 2002
Director, 1992 - 1995, 1997 - 1999
Board of Directors, 1989 - 1999
Faculty Chairman, 1989 - 1992
Contest Volunteer, 1985 - 1989

Randolph Community College
Advisory Committee Member, Photographic Technology Dept.
2001-present

Durham Arts Council
Judge/reviewer, selection process for 1999-2000 Emerging Artists Grant Program
Jury Member for 1998-99 Gallery Exhibits


Solo Exhibits

Louise Jones Brown Gallery, Duke University, Durham, NC
August 18 - October 2, 1997

Hugh Mangum Photography Museum, Durham, NC
October 26 - December 15, 1996

Barrier Island Group For The Arts, Sanibel Island, Florida
March 1-26, 1995

Durham Art Guild, Durham, NC
January 16 - February 16, 1994


Group Exhibits

Durham Art Guild, 1996 Annual Members' Exhibition
June 9, 1996 - July 10, 1996

Randolph Arts Guild Juried Photography Show, Asheboro, NC
Second Place, Alternative Category
December 11, 1995 - January 19, 1996

Durham Art Guild, 41st Annual Juried Art Show
November 18, 1995 - January 4, 1996