What makes us click

We are the Chopstick Guys!  There is only one thing that we love more than eating food with chopsticks.... that’s photography. We have a passion for sharing our passion.   We eat, sleep and breathe photography.  We think and talk about photography minute by minute and we never leave home without a camera. (and a set of custom chopsticks)  Now we realize that not everyone is as over-the-top crazy about photography as we are but we have a passionate desire to share our love with others. This is THE reason why Panoptic Chopsticks exists. We are proud to have been named to the acclaimed Westcott Top Pro team as well as Stella Pro’s Champions of light team.

Mark Behrens -The Other Chopstick Guy

Mark Behrens has been shooting high-quality photographs for over twenty years. Always interested in teaching others the art of good photography, he began conducting workshops emphasizing the various aspects of photography. These workshops have now been attended by thousands of amateur and professional photographers worldwide. Since 2010 Mark has also taught Adobe Photoshop in 38 states.

Whether in a classroom or at his latest workshop, Mark relies on a down-to-earth style to teach basic and advanced photographic techniques. He can never be found without a camera, believing that every good photographer’s camera should become an extension of themselves.
Mark’s past work has included Banzai magazine, and ESPN as well as working with a number of musicians, A-list celebrities and professional athletes. When not working in his studio or conducting workshops, Mark spends most of his free time with his wife and their four children. Together, they enjoy boating, camping, hiking, and riding quads in the mountains near their home in Redding, California.

Steve Batz - The Other Chopstick Guy

Steve is a seasoned and published photographer, boasting an impressive 30-year journey behind the lens. His profound love for music has translated into a portfolio gracing the pages of top music magazines, adorning album covers, enhancing artwork, and being featured in newspapers and across various online platforms.

Beyond the realm of artistic expression, Steve's lens has served a higher purpose as he traveled globally, contributing his skills as a humanitarian project photographer for renowned organizations such as World Vision, Compassion International, Convoy of Hope, and Focus of a Child, capturing poignant moments that tell powerful stories.

For the past 15 years, Steve has been a dedicated educator, sharing his wealth of knowledge in photography through teaching, workshops, and leadership roles. His teaching style is characterized by a blend of fun, enthusiasm, and genuine passion, making the learning experience enjoyable and impactful.

Steve proudly aligns himself with industry leaders, serving as a Spider Holster ambassador and earning a coveted spot on the prestigious Westcott Top Pro team, Stella Pro’s Champions of Light team, and as a brand ambassador for Cheetah Stand.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Steve finds fulfillment in his roles as a devoted husband of over 30 years and a father of two. His welcoming nature extends to a wide circle of friends. Currently residing in Granite Bay, California, Steve continues to capture the beauty and essence of life through his lens.