Mark Laita is a renowned American photographer, author, and YouTuber, best known for his distinctive still-life photography and his popular YouTube channel, Soft White Underbelly. Born on February 1, 1960, in Detroit, Michigan, Laita’s work spans various fields, from commercial photography to interviews with marginalized communities on his YouTube platform. He has collaborated with high-profile brands such as Apple, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, making his mark in the world of commercial advertising. With decades of experience in photography, Laita is also the author of several books, including Created Equal, which showcases his unique vision.
Mark Laita’s Early Life and Background
Mark Laita was born to Aldona and Walter J. Laita in Detroit. His father worked in General Motors’ styling department, while his mother was a model. Laita’s family moved to Chicago when he was 10 years old, where he grew up with his older sister, Laura Laita. Mark developed an early interest in photography, which was nurtured through his family and education.
After completing high school, Mark attended Columbia College in Chicago. He furthered his studies at the University of Illinois Chicago, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in photography. His passion for capturing images of people and objects became the foundation of his career, which has since grown to encompass both art and media.
Mark Laita’s Career and Rise to Fame
Mark Laita’s career began with his first photography project, capturing portraits of homeless people in Chicago. This early work focused on social issues, which would later become a recurring theme in his career. Laita quickly gained recognition for his still-life photography, a genre that highlights inanimate objects in artful and thought-provoking ways.
Laita’s still-life photography became highly sought after for commercial advertising campaigns. Over the years, he worked with major brands, including Adidas, Louis Vuitton, BMW, Visa, and Apple, among others. His work has been displayed in prestigious galleries in the United States and Europe, such as Three Punts Galleria in Barcelona and Camera Work in Berlin.
In addition to his photography career, Mark Laita ventured into the digital space with his YouTube channel, Soft White Underbelly, which he launched in 2016. The channel features interviews with marginalized individuals, including the homeless, drug addicts, sex workers, and gang members. Laita’s empathetic and humanizing approach to these interviews has earned him a massive following, with over 5.13 million subscribers as of 2023.
Who Was Mark Laita’s Wife?
Mark Laita was previously married to American singer Elizabeth Susan. Born in September 1963, Elizabeth and Mark were together for over 25 years before they decided to part ways. The couple filed for divorce on July 31, 2014. Despite the divorce, Elizabeth remains a notable figure in Mark’s life due to their long history together.
Elizabeth Susan currently resides in Santa Monica, California, but has largely stayed out of the public spotlight following her separation from Laita. Their long marriage is often the subject of curiosity among fans, but both have moved on with their lives following the divorce.
Mark Laita’s Children: Alexandra and Olivia
Mark Laita and his ex-wife Elizabeth Susan share two daughters, Alexandra and Olivia. Both daughters have pursued their own paths, carving out successful careers.
- Olivia Laita: Olivia is an up-and-coming model who has gained recognition in the fashion industry. She has appeared in several magazines and modeled for various agencies, including Hanmaroo Management, Margaux the Agency, and One Management. Olivia has also worked with notable figures, such as Emmanuelle Rienda, the founder of Vegan Fashion Week.
- Alexandra Laita: Alexandra, also known as Alex, is a talented volleyball player. Born on December 19, 2000, she played for Sunshine 17 Westside and attended Palisades Charter High School. She later joined the University of Oregon Ducks volleyball team and now resides in Eugene, Oregon, where she continues her athletic career.
Mark Laita’s Net Worth in 2024
Mark Laita’s success in both photography and YouTube has contributed to his substantial net worth. As of 2023, his net worth is estimated at approximately $1 million. His wealth primarily stems from his commercial photography work with top brands and the success of his YouTube channel, Soft White Underbelly. The channel, which delves into the stories of people often forgotten by society, has garnered millions of views and has been a significant source of revenue for Laita.
Mark Laita’s YouTube Channel: Soft White Underbelly
In addition to his photography, Mark Laita’s YouTube channel Soft White Underbelly has become a cultural phenomenon. Through this platform, Laita shines a light on individuals who live on the fringes of society, giving them a voice and a platform to share their stories. The channel’s name refers to the vulnerable underbelly of society, and Laita’s empathetic interviews offer a glimpse into the lives of people dealing with homelessness, addiction, mental illness, and other challenges.
The channel has resonated with audiences around the world, and its growing subscriber base continues to increase as people are drawn to the raw and unfiltered stories of real individuals. Laita’s ability to bring humanity to these often-overlooked narratives has made Soft White Underbelly a critical and commercial success.
Mark Laita’s Photography: Still-Life Mastery
Mark Laita’s photography is distinguished by his ability to bring life and emotion to inanimate objects. His still-life photography has been used by many major brands, contributing to his reputation as one of the leading photographers in the industry. His unique style, which blends artistic vision with commercial appeal, has made him a favorite among advertisers and galleries alike.
Laita’s work has been displayed in several exhibitions and continues to be featured in prestigious galleries worldwide. His photography books, including Created Equal, Sea, and Serpentine, further showcase his remarkable talent and artistic range.
Wrapping Up: The Life and Career of Mark Laita
Mark Laita is a multifaceted artist whose work spans photography, YouTube, and writing. His career in commercial photography, particularly his still-life work, has made him a respected figure in the advertising world, while his YouTube channel, Soft White Underbelly, has gained him a massive following for its honest portrayal of marginalized individuals.
Despite his professional success, Laita has kept his personal life relatively private. He was previously married to American singer Elizabeth Susan, and they share two daughters, Olivia and Alexandra, who have both made their own marks in their respective fields. As of 2024, Mark Laita continues to build his legacy through his art and his ongoing efforts to bring attention to the stories of the overlooked and marginalized.
