Surfing
Behind the Lens: Mark Clinton
From borrowing his family camera, to shooting international productions in a helicopter...
There's nothing like the ocean's reflections
© Mark Clinton
Mark Clinton has accomplished a lot more than most people his age. At 23, he’s gone from a small-time photo hobbyist to a big-time international photographer. He’s worked for surf brands, tourism boards, airlines and more, and travelled the world in doing so. Get to know him, and some of his favourite work, below.
Beauty from above
© Mark Clinton
Where are you from, and where do you currently reside?
I was born and raised on the Northern Beaches of Sydney Australia, where I currently live. Being only 40 minutes north of the CBD, the Northern Beaches offer a form of respite from the concrete streets of Sydney.
DOB?
18 August, 1992
Taking flight
© Mark Clinton
How did you get into photography, and specifically, surf photography?
During my early teens when my friends started experimenting with bigger waves, I needed a reason to stay dry – and soon my family’s camera became the best excuse. Initially I was using a small point and shoot. The true turning point however, was when the shelf packing at the local supermarket paid off and I was able to purchase an entry level DSLR – the 400D.
What would you consider your “specialty” and how did you find it?
My work is always evolving – my signature at this point in time is perhaps composition, prime lenses and use of natural light.
A stormy, perfect, solitary peak
© Mark Clinton
Can you think of a point in time where you realised that this is what you want to do forever?
Over the past few years I’ve found myself in more and more of those “am I dreaming right now” scenarios. Earlier this year I was shooting stills alongside a commercial production and the final scene was an athlete on a jet ski leaving an active volcano. I was shooting aerials from the helicopter as we tracked the subject. I continued pulling zoom wider and wider until I was sitting at 24mm on the 24-70 and noticed the subject was still large in frame. I lowered my camera down and realised that we were so close I could see the talent’s massive grin only a stones throw away, as he was pushing close to 80km/h.
The power of a backlit moment in time
© Mark Clinton
At the start, was it hard to make your photography into a career?
Absolutely. Once I left school I made the choice I wouldn’t commit to photography full-time until I felt grounded with work. Ironically, two months later I began working as a full-time teacher’s aide alongside children with autism. The passion and sense of community between the kids, staff and parents was contagious, and the school holidays gave me the perfect platform to continue my passion for photography. Three years later I was struggling to keep up with the demand of freelance work. I sadly waved goodbye to my job at the school and began my new journey as a full-time photographer – something I always had dreamt of.
How's that for anticipation?
© Mark Clinton
Looking back, what do you think the biggest factors were that got you to where you are today?
Growing up in Sydney I’ve had great support from an amazing bunch of photographers, from all different disciplines. Also there’s no doubt my commitment to social media played a huge roll in gaining international traction.
What’s the toughest thing about your job?
At the moment it is finding stability between the constant travels, yet still remaining present and available with clients back home. On the contrary I’m excited to begin a new chapter of my life with support from a new producer and team based in Sydney, which will allow me to concentrate on what I love – taking photos.
Golden walls and fearless men
© Mark Clinton
What’s the best thing about your job?
The friendships I’ve built overseas and the insight it’s given me. Also, being able to paddle out at 8.30am and predict the shift change in the surf is very much a gluttonous incentive!
Why is he a photographer? This image tells it all
© Mark Clinton
When people say you’re “living the dream” what’s your response?
It is my dream – but like any job, there’s always a ton of admin/pre/post behind the closed curtains. Travelling can be amazing, yet sometimes I just want my own home.
When water turns to glass
© Mark Clinton
What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to someone who’s looking to get into photography?
Begin with building up personal work and don’t rush the element of business. At times photography can feel like a game of attrition, and when you feel those creative blocks coming along use all that energy to explore something new.
Not your average walk in the park
© Mark Clinton
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt throughout your career?
To avoid putting all the eggs into one basket. There are so many highs and lows throughout photography – with experience I’ve learnt to branch out and to not be afraid of getting my feet wet in new scenarios.
Want more stunning images taken from Mark's lens? Follow him on Instagram or check out his website, here.