Mark Hillis was born in Phoenix, AZ in 1970 and was interested in art before he could even read. He developed his artistic skills throughout his entire childhood and went on to win the "Art Award" at Brophy, the prestigious Phoenix high school. Mark then went on to get a degree in Advertising at Northern Arizona University (NAU) in Flagstaff, AZ. It was during the pursuit of this degree that he was exposed to photography and his life changed drastically.

After graduating from NAU in 1993, Mark went on to learn the intricacies of lighting and composition through some of the top photographers in the Phoenix area. In 1998 he moved to California to start his own photography business. Now, with the success of his business in San Diego, he continues to explore the process of digital manipulation. Mark’s style of imagery has been the result of 12 years of exploration of the digital medium and the process of manipulating and combining images. The digital medium has opened doors that previously were unattainable in any other media. By combining the process of traditional photography with the precise control, yet infinitely creative aspects of digital manipulation, Mark believes that a depth of expression can be reached via the computer that rivals any traditional art form.