Award-Winning Photos

photos, soundstripe, video by Mark M. Hancock / © DFWmark.com
photos by Mark M. Hancock / © DFWmark.com, The Beaumont Enterprise and/or The Dallas Morning News

This video features International, national, state and regional award-winning photos I created during my 25-year career as a professional photojournalist.

Enough for now,

Wheelchair Frustration

© Mark M. Hancock / DFWmark.com

A basketball player expresses his frustration at missing a shot during a 3-on-3 tournament in Richardson in 1997.

Award-winner: 
1st Place, Feature / Single, NPPA Region 8 monthly clip contest

I've had this print hanging on my wall for years, but I never scanned it for some unknown reason. It was my first professional National Press Photographers Association monthly clip contest win. Unfortunately, I don't have the caption information anymore.

I scanned the image to include it in an upcoming "Award Winners" video slideshow of my work. I also plan to make various portfolio slideshows (PJ categories) since I pulled down my portfolio website when I became a Realtor.

My 2020 plan is to teach FREE photo classes to large groups of adults (I need a less-dangerous hobby). If you are in an organization in Collin County or southeast Denton County that would like to learn more about SLR photography or iPhonography, please call 214-862-7212, text or email. My information is also located on DFWmark.com

Enough for now,

Mardi Gras World Tour

photos and soundstripe by Mark M. Hancock / © DFWmark.com

Artisans work while tourists are guided through the Mardi Gras World fabrication areas and float den in New Orleans on April 13, 2015. The facility prepares and manages more than 500 floats. Artists work all year, and tours are available every day except Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter and Mardi Gras Day (Fat Tuesday).


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Enough for now,

Savory Tips to Improve Photos

video, narration, beats by Mark M. Hancock / © DFWmark.com
photos by Mark M. Hancock / © DFWmark.com, The Beaumont Enterprise and/or The Dallas Morning News

Please watch and share.

This is the long form of this video. It allows viewers more time to savor each image. For a spicier version of this same presentation, please see "Quick Tips to Improve Photos." It is only about 14 minutes long. Don't blink.

The companion "cheat sheet" on this blog is located here: quick-tips-to-improve-your-photos.

Please share and subscribe to the NewsEagles YouTube channel (it’s free and easy). Please follow this link, sign in to YouTube (or create an account) and hit SUBSCRIBE at www.youtube.com/newseagles

Although I will do some additional work in the future, this is my Magnum Opus.


Enough for now,

Exterior Holiday Decorations 2016

video and music by Mark M. Hancock / © DFWmark.com

Inflatable decorations "wake up" at our house in Frisco on Friday, Dec. 16, 2016. Rudolf's snow globe was repaired this year and has fresh styro-snow. New this year are a six-foot-tall Yoda and animated snowflake lights. Video and music composition by Mark M. Hancock. Shot with a GoPro. Music composed in GarageBand.

Halloween Decorations 2016

video by Mark M. Hancock / © DFWmark.com

Our Halloween decorations are ready for trick-or-treaters at our home in Frisco on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016. I composed the soundtrack with various music loops in GarageBand.

Frisco Starfest

Linda Fields of Frisco looks at the moon through a telescope while the Jindal family prepares for their turn during the Texas Astronomical Society's free Starfest star-gazing party at Frisco Commons Park in Frisco on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014. Starfest events take place on the second Saturday of each month.

photos © Mark M. Hancock andThe Dallas Morning News

Visitors view the cosmos during the Texas Astronomical Society's free Starfest star-gazing party at Frisco Commons Park in Frisco on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014. Starfest events take place on the second Saturday of each month.

Please see the YouTube slideshow with an original music composition.

Smiles Concert

Stephanie Olson of McKinney blows bubbles for her daughter Amelia Olson, 2, before the Smiles Charity Concert at Adriatica in McKinney on Sunday, May 25, 2014.

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

Wounded warrior Brian Aft was presented with a new house and Bret Michaels (formerly with Poison) performed in concert during the annual Smiles Charity Concert at Adriatica in McKinney on Sunday, May 25, 2014. The charity event raises funds and presents a wounded warrior with a new house in a good community each year.
Please also see the YouTube version of this slideshow with an original beats composition.

Texas vs. OU football

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News Oklahoma wide receiver Ryan Broyles (85) takes a hit from Texas cornerback Quandre Diggs (28) during a college football game in Dallas on Oct. 9, 2011. See a larger version of this slideshow. The University of Texas battles Oklahoma University in the Red River Rivalry during a college football game at the Cotton Bowl during The State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Named in this slideshow are:   Austin Dunlap, Peyton Wyatt, Bevo, Hayley Gurwitz, Tim Lucas, Ashlea Poirot, Gabe Ikard, Malcolm Brown, Tony Jefferson, Landry Jones, Fozzy Whittaker, Blake Gideon, Ryan Broyles, Kenny Stills, Adrian Phillips, Quandre Diggs, Case McCoy, Travis Lewis, Ronnell Lewis, David Ash, Mike Davis, Jaxon Shipley and Demontre Hurst.

Downtown Dallas lighting

Mark M. Hancock / © DFWmark.com

Lighting illuminates part of the downtown Dallas skyline over the Arts District in Dallas on Sept. 29, 2011.

Rock Climbing as a whole-body exercise

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

Kirk Taylor of Dallas scales a wall during a climbing session at Exposure Indoor Rock Climbing in Carrollton on June 23, 2011.


See a larger version of this slideshow.

Climbers get a workout and staff demonstrate additional exercises at Exposure Indoor Rock Climbing in Carrollton. Rock climbing provides a whole-body workout for participants.

Named in this slideshow are: &nbsp Tadd Jensen, Kirk Taylor, Paul Soutner, Chris Castrianni, Pat Roscovius, Kit Sinclair and Zach Marsh.

Please read "Rock climbing offers workouts for all body types" (subscription required) by Caitlin Johnson / The Dallas Morning News.

Scarborough Fair 2011

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News
Miguel of Don Juan & Miguel entertains guests during the Scarborough Renaissance Festival in Waxahachie, Texas on Sunday, May 1, 2011. The annual event features artisans and performers from around the world. Guests enjoy the day at Scarborough Fair renaissance festival in Waxahachie, Texas on on Sunday, May 1, 2011. The annual event features artisans and performers from around the world. The fair-themed park features horseback jousting, Royal Falconer shows, music, swordplay, comedy acts and more. Artisans create custom, handmade pottery, jewelry, leather goods, swords, glassware, clothing, oils and more. Food ranges from pirate-style fish and chips to Greek gyros, turkey legs, fresh honey-roasted nuts and other delicacies. There is always song and merriment around the frequent pubs.

Independence Day Children's Parade

Strollers, bikers, carters, wagoneers and walkers begin the Independence Day Children's Parade on Timber Creek Road on July 3, 2010 in Flower Mound.


photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News


See a larger version of this slideshow.

Strollers, bikers, carters, wagoneers and walkers begin the Independence Day Children's Parade on Timber Creek Road in Flower Mound.

Also named in this slideshow are:   Skylar Witte, Linley Phillips, Maggie Phillips, Amelia Ryan, Thomas Ryan, Aiden Morris, Genevieve Robins, Schadle Landry, Alex Alexandrov, Pat Alexandrov, Justin Alexandrov, Yohanna Garcia, Claire Henderson, Lindsay Henderson, Josh Bennett, Ella Bennett and Eve Bennett.

Texas Horse Park Trail Ride

Loyd St. John of Ovilla holds on as Candy, a 10-year-old Silver Chocolate Rocky Mountain, rears at a backing obstacle during a trail ride to break a world record at the Texas Horse Park in Dallas on June 13, 2010.


photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News


See a larger version of this slideshow.

Horses and riders participate in a trail ride to break a world record at the Texas Horse Park in Dallas. More than 60 horses and riders traversed a six-mile obstacle course to help break the record for the most simultaneous rider teams in one country.

Also named in this slideshow are: &nbsp Diana Williford, Cody Hampton, Suzanne Creel, Mary B. Rhoades, Marianne Marsden, Margo McClinton, Jennifer Robinson, Loyd St. John, Kevin Woods, J. Williams, Sylvia Harmon, Gary Patrick, Mark Limsky, Judy Limsky and Dallas Police Department Sr. Cpl. Dale Baugh.

Cottonwood Art Festival Spring 2010

Please also check out Fayrouz's series.


photos © Mark M. Hancock / DFWmark.com

Colorful signs and activities entertain children at the Artstop during the Cottonwood Art Festival at Cottonwood Park in Richardson on May 1, 2010.


Fayrouz Hancock returns to her shoot after capturing duck images during the Cottonwood Art Festival at Cottonwood Park.




The avian residents of the park remain relaxed during the Cottonwood Art Festival in Richardson. The festivals are held during the first full weekends of May and October each year.


Siena, 7, (right) licks Sophie, 4, (left) during the Cottonwood Art Festival at Cottonwood Park in Richardson. Both are Pomeranians owned by Jay and Donna Riha of Plano. The Cottonwood Art Festival is very "dog friendly" and features frequent water stops throughout the park.


Chloe, a 9-month-old designer "Schnorkipoo," (left) and Katie, a 13-year-old designer "Shipoo," (right) owned by Carlos and Patricia Flores of Plano ride through the Cottonwood Art Festival in a special stroller in Richardson.


Kinetic Sculptures by Andrew Carson of Seattle, Wash. move in the wind during the Cottonwood Art Festival at Cottonwood Park in Richardson.


The tools of artist Jean Joseph Monfort of Los Angeles await use in a box during the Cottonwood Art Festival in Richardson.


Haitian-born artist Jean Joseph Monfort of Los Angeles paints during the Cottonwood Art Festival at Cottonwood Park in Richardson.

The Cottonwood Art Festival is special to Fayrouz and I for a number of reasons. Both of us enjoy being surrounded by art and artists. I also won First Place for Best Feature Photo Story or Series at the Suburban Newspapers of America in 2001 for this series.

Most importantly, it's next to the Justice of the Peace's office where we were first married. So, our first wedding photos were at this park. :-)



Fayrouz Hancock (right) photographs artist Jean Joseph Monfort (left) at the Cottonwood Art Festival in Richardson.

Because I've shot this event many times for publication and didn't have a client for these shots, mine are somewhat random (I went to spend time with Fay and the food). However, check out Fayrouz's series because she worked it hard.

Holmes fans deduce in Diogenes Club

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

A Sherlock Holmes-inspired hunting cap sits on a barstool during a meeting of the Diogenes Club at The Londoner restaurant in Addison on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009. The Diogenes Club caters to Sherlock Holmes fans.


Jack Pugh of Farmers Branch pulls tables together at The Londoner restaurant in Addison before a meeting of the Diogenes Club.


Group leader Jim Webb (left to right) greets members as Don Hobbs of Flower Mound and Jack Pugh of Farmers Branch look at memorabilia before a meeting of the Diogenes Club.


Sherlock Holmes memorabilia is displayed during a meeting of the Diogenes Club at The Londoner restaurant in Addison.




David Horton of Farmers Branch sips a beer during a meeting of the Diogenes Club at The Londoner restaurant.


Jack Pugh of Farmers Branch (center) and Marland Henderson of Dallas (right of center) share a laugh during a meeting of the Diogenes Club at The Londoner restaurant in Addison.


Don Hobbs of Flower Mound (right) reads a radio script presented by Dean Clark, founding member of the Tulsa Diogenes Club, (left) during a meeting of the Diogenes Club at The Londoner restaurant in Addison.

Please read, "Sherlock Holmes fans hopeful and skeptical before movie opens" by Chris Whitley.

Smart Art

photos © Mark M. Hancock for The Texas Catholic

Guests are framed by "Properties of Space," a sculpture by Juanluis Gonzales, during the Smart Art at the Andelon Art Gallery in Dallas on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009. The sale featured art donated by Dallas-area artists to benefit the St. Mary of Carmel School.


St. Mary of Carmel School teachers Lynn Moeller (left) and Gerardo Romo (right) admire the art during the Smart Art at the Andelon Art Gallery.


St. Mary of Carmel School principal Thom Suhy (top) addresses guests during the Smart Art at the Andelon Art Gallery.


Jody Jaspersen, a sponsor, chats with buyers during the Smart Art at the Andelon Art Gallery.




Guests and artists, who donated the art works, mingle during the Smart Art at the Andelon Art Gallery in Dallas.

Buddy Walk

photos © Mark M. Hancock for The Texas Catholic

Notre Dame School of Dallas cheerleaders Chelsea Waits (left) and Georgi McNutt (right) play with pompoms before the 9th annual Buddy Walk at Flag Pole Hill Park on White Rock Lake in Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009. The event benefits the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas.


Jesuit High School head coach Bob Wunderlick (right) leads coach Luke O'Brien (left) through an obstacle course drill before the Buddy Walk at Flag Pole Hill Park in Dallas.




Participants leave the start line for a one-mile walk during the Buddy Walk at Flag Pole Hill Park on White Rock Lake.


Notre Dame School of Dallas cheerleaders perform a cheer during the Buddy Walk at Flag Pole Hill Park.


Frank and Charlotte Cherry watch proudly as the Notre Dame School of Dallas cheerleaders and sign language choir perform during the 9th annual Buddy Walk at Flag Pole Hill Park on White Rock Lake in Dallas.

First snow in DFW 2009

Today (technically yesterday) brought the first real snow I've seen since 2004. I didn't have time to work it, but I got a few shots on my way to the coffee shop.


photos © Mark M. Hancock / DFWmark.com

Snow falls into a private lake in Plano on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009.


Holly berries hint at the season as snow falls.


A tree displays its fall colors as snow falls.




Snow falls into the creek along Lorimar Drive in Plano.


Pansies fight against the snow.




An oasis of warmth and caffeine appears through the snow.




Roses support the snow in Plano.




A rose bud is surrounded in snow in Plano.

Wish 100 Bike Rally

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

Travis Armayor of Dallas talks with friends before the inaugural Wish 100 Bike Rally at the Frito-Lay corporate headquarters in Plano on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009. The rally was organized to raise funds and grant 100 wishes to North Texas children with life-threatening medical conditions through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.


Tommy Thompson of Plano adds air to his tires before the Wish 100 Bike Rally at the Frito-Lay corporate headquarters.



Bikers roll past traffic waiting to get to the Wish 100 Bike Rally in Plano.


Gracie, a 9-year-old long-haired Chihuahua owned by Gene and Annie Carleton of Wylie, watches activities atop a table before the Wish 100 Bike Rally.


Camille Smouse of Keller basks in a brief ray of sunlight before the Wish 100 Bike Rally in Plano.



Mechelle Armstrong of Dallas waits for the start of the Wish 100 Bike Rally at the Frito-Lay corporate headquarters.


Riders organize before the Wish 100 Bike Rally in Plano.


Members of the Frito-Lay "Cheesy Riders" assemble in the second start position before the Wish 100 Bike Rally at the Frito-Lay corporate headquarters.


Riders leave the start line during the inaugural Wish 100 Bike Rally in Plano.


A long line of riders wrap through the city during the inaugural Wish 100 Bike Rally at the Frito-Lay corporate headquarters in Plano.