Me

My name is Markos Berndt, and I take pictures of landscapes, waterscapes, and florals.   It was never my intention to do this for as long as I have. It just happened, the way most interesting things do; slowly and with lots of mistakes.

I’ve spent the last 20 some years walking trails, crawling through brush, and swearing at my tripod— capturing light at its best.   I’m based in Wisconsin, where the four seasons used to change at the same time, but lately we’re a good month or two away from what seasons used to be.   What started as a hobby that balanced between boredom and curiosity has grown into something deeper. A way of paying attention, maybe. Or making chaos into simplicity.

I’m drawn to fog, ice, white water, long shadows, and the sort of quiet that feels earned. My photos lean toward the surreal—but not too far. I want them to feel like memories you forgot about. When I’m not behind the camera, I try to write about those images that mean the most to me, or simply about the places I have been. Sometimes I just tell the stories behind the shots. Sometimes I ramble. But it’s all as honest as I can make it.

A few of my images have made their way into shows, contests, and publications, though I still consider it a win when someone pauses and asks about anything I have photographed or written.

If you’re here to look around, I welcome you. If something catches your eye or makes you feel something—even a small something—then this whole thing’s worth it. Reach out if you'd like. I'm always up for a good story or a new trail or just for the camaraderie.