Mark Laita Wife, Bio, Age, Career, Parents, Siblings, Wealth and More

Mark Laita is a renowned American photographer, author, and social media personality, known for his striking still-life photography and popular YouTube channel, Soft White Underbelly. His impressive career spans various fields, from commercial photography for global brands to documenting the lives of marginalized individuals. Despite his professional accomplishments, many of Mark’s fans are curious about his personal life, particularly his past marriage and family. This article delves into Mark Laita’s life, career, and family, providing a comprehensive overview.

Who is Mark Laita?

Mark Laita was born on February 1, 1960, in Detroit, Michigan. His parents, Aldona and Walter J. Laita, moved the family to Chicago when Mark was 10 years old. His father worked in the styling department at General Motors, while his mother had a career as a model. Mark grew up alongside his older sister, Laura Laita, who is married to Keith Petranek.

Mark’s interest in photography developed early, and he went on to study the craft at Colombia College. He later earned his bachelor’s degree in photography from the University of Illinois Chicago, laying the foundation for what would become an illustrious career.

Mark Laita’s Photography Career

Mark Laita began his career by photographing the homeless population in Chicago as part of a portrait series. Over time, he honed his skills in still-life photography, a genre focused on capturing inanimate objects in artistic compositions. His distinctive style has attracted major commercial clients, and his work has been featured in advertising campaigns for brands such as Apple, BMW, Coca-Cola, Adidas, Nike, and Mercedes-Benz.

Laita’s work has not only appeared in high-profile ad campaigns but also in art galleries across the United States and Europe. His photography has been exhibited in galleries like Camera Work in Berlin and Three Punts Galleria in Barcelona. Today, Mark Laita operates photography studios in Los Angeles and New York, continuing his artistic contributions to both commercial and fine art photography.

Soft White Underbelly: Mark Laita’s YouTube Journey

In addition to his photography, Mark Laita is the creator of the popular YouTube channel Soft White Underbelly, which he launched in 2016. The channel features interviews with individuals from marginalized communities, such as the homeless, sex workers, drug addicts, and gang members. With over 5.13 million subscribers, Soft White Underbelly offers a platform for people to share their stories, often providing a raw and unfiltered glimpse into lives that are often overlooked by society.

Mark’s compassionate approach to interviewing and his ability to create a safe space for vulnerable individuals has earned him widespread acclaim. His channel offers a thought-provoking and empathetic view of the struggles faced by many, resonating with viewers across the globe.

Mark Laita’s Personal Life: Marriage and Children

Mark Laita was previously married to American singer Elizabeth Susan. Born in September 1963, Susan is known for her musical talents, though her marriage to Mark brought her into the public eye. The couple was married for over 25 years before they divorced on July 31, 2014. While details of their relationship have remained private, it is known that Susan currently resides in Santa Monica, California.

Mark and Elizabeth share two daughters, Alexandra and Olivia. Alexandra, born on December 19, 2000, is a professional volleyball player who has played for Sunshine 17 Westside and the University of Oregon Ducks. She currently resides in Eugene, Oregon. Olivia, the younger of the two, is an up-and-coming model. She has modeled for agencies such as Hanmaroo Management and One Management, and has appeared in several magazines. Olivia has also worked with Vegan Fashion Week founder Emmanuelle Rienda.

Mark Laita’s Net Worth

Mark Laita’s career in photography and his success as a YouTuber have contributed to his estimated net worth of $1 million. His income streams include his commercial photography work, YouTube revenue, and book sales. As his career continues to grow, both his influence and financial success are expected to increase.

Mark Laita’s Published Works

In addition to his photography and YouTube career, Mark Laita is also an accomplished author. His first book, Created Equal, published in 2010, explores the concept of equality through powerful photographic juxtapositions. He has since released several other works, including Sea and Serpentine, each reflecting his artistic talent and vision.

Conclusion

Mark Laita’s multifaceted career as a photographer, YouTuber, and author has made him a respected figure in both the art world and online media. His ability to capture compelling images, whether of inanimate objects or marginalized individuals, showcases his deep understanding of human emotions and storytelling. While his personal life has piqued the curiosity of many, Laita remains focused on his creative endeavors, continuing to make a significant impact through his work.