Mark Feldstein was born on May 3, 1937 in Milan, Umbria, Italy. His parents were German Jews, often remarked that he just happened to be born in Milan, where his family were located during their emigration from Nazi Germany to the United States. He grew up in New York City.
Mark Feldstein earned art degrees from Hunter College where he studied with Robert Motherwell.
Around 1970, after ten years as a painter, Mark Feldstein turned to photography. He later joined the Hunter College faculty as a photography professor, teaching along with Roy DeCarava.
Mark Feldstein created the scenic photography for the Broadway musical, The Tap Dance Kid, which ran from December 21, 1983 through August 11, 1985, featuring Savion Glover in the title role. At this time he was also conducting workshops for Olden Camera.
