Written By Former WRAL-TV Photographer Joe Frieda
I worked with Mark at WRAL for 10 years and consider him one of my closest friends.  He left to start his freelance photography business in 1999.  Two years later, following his model, I did the same thing.

He was a mentor to me.  He introduced me to all the people I needed to know with no regard to the fact that it may take away from his business.  The man was the most generous and selfless person I ever knew.  I was constantly on the phone asking for advice - something he dispensed in a fatherly manner.  

Mark was single, but had a family in NC.  That family was called WRAL. He bled WRAL-blue.  Despite having a very successful business, he often thought about returning to Channel 5 because he enjoyed it there so much.  Many will remember the Emmy viewing parties at his house.  He had one of the only satellite dishes that could downlink the regional Emmys show.  We would gather in his frontroom each year to see if we had won the coveted prize.  Then, we would phone the newsroom with a live update so they could announce the award winners on the air.

A dedication to all things video and an attraction to the latest technical gadget was his calling card.  If there was a new tech toy coming out, Mark had it ordered before it even hit the market and couldn't understand why others weren't doing the same.

Last month, Mark told me he was interested in scuba diving and asked if I could take him under with my gear so he could try it out.  He had a blast and did exceptionally well.  Afterwards, he said he wanted to become a certified diver.  Another adventure he would've loved. 

If someone ever mentioned anything about Tennessee Mark would shout out, "I'M FROM TENNESSEE!"  Mark loved his family in Oakridge, Tennessee.  No matter how busy he got, he frequently made the six hour drive to see his family.  You didn't have to be around him long before he would start telling you stories about them, his wonderful hometown and the state champion high school football team he played on. 

Not many people know of his musical talents.  He was an accomplished drummer and even took up the base guitar a couple of years ago. 

Mark was one of the best steadicam operators you'll ever see.  I remember shooting a Faith Hill concert with him at Ft. Bragg for ABC's Good Morning America show.  After the shoot, the director, who had been in the business about 30-years, pulled Mark aside and told him that was some of the best work he has seen and if he ever wanted to move to New York, he could guarantee him work every day. 

On several occasions, Mark and I would ask each other what we would do if we weren't photographers.  Mark's answer was always the same.  "I have no idea.  This is the best job in the world.  Can you believe we get paid for doing this!?!"

Mark LOVED to shoot.  The only thing in life he loved more was shooting out of a helicopter.  So, the solace I take out of his tragic death was that he died doing the two things in life he loved the most.   

I love you, Mark and miss you tremendously already.