Michael Clark became a climber first and then a professional photographer. In college while
earning a degree in physics, he learned to climb. Climbing became an obsession and he ended
up turning down job offers in physics to go climbing. It was climbing that brought him back
to photography (which was his obsession in high school). At first, his return to photography
was to record the amazing places he traveled to and later to inspire others. His work has been
published in Sports Illustrated, Outside, Climbing, and Rock & Ice to name just a few.
(See his complete client list!)
This is what Michael says about his time in the field. “Out in the field, living and shooting conditions are almost always rustic and sometimes extremely scary. No matter how many times you do it, rappelling over the edge of a 2000 foot cliff will get your heart going every time. Camping at -35 degrees Fahrenheit or solo-aiding a route to put a rope up. Standing in the line of fire of a mountain biker going Mach 10 off a cliff. Hanging off a tyrolean traverse over a 40-foot waterfall as a kayaker drops in. It is all in a day’s work and the higher the sweat factor the better the shots. I am always looking for a new angle to shoot from. I do a lot of location research before a shoot and then I spend time sketching images that I’d like to create. I don’t consider myself just a documentary photographer. I strive to create images that are jaw dropping, artistic and clever. I want the viewer to see the photo and wonder, "how in the world did he get that shot?"
Michael realizes the privileges he has. “I am extremely blessed and passionate about my work and I can’t imagine doing anything else. I thank God every day for the life He has given me and I have found that dreams really can happen.”
Visit Michael Clark's Website at:
www.michaelclarkphoto.com
Photo: Jon Krakauer courtesy of Mountainzone.com
Tricia and Jeremy Collins at Vedauwoo, WY
