Tommy Clarke
From stunning coastal landscapes to vibrant cityscapes, Tommy Clarke's (website) aerial photography captures the essence of our world from a breathtaking perspective. His work, characterized by bold colors and striking compositions, has earned him a well-deserved reputation as one of the most influential aerial photographers in the industry.
Early Life and Career
Tommy Clarke was born and raised in the United Kingdom, where he developed a passion for photography at a young age. He studied photography at the Arts University Bournemouth, and it was during this time that he began experimenting with aerial photography. After graduation, Clarke traveled extensively, seeking unique perspectives and capturing the world's beauty from above.
Clarke's big break came when he started sharing his aerial photographs on social media, quickly gaining attention for his unique style and impressive imagery. His work has since been featured in numerous publications, exhibitions, and galleries worldwide.
Photographic Style and Techniques
Tommy Clarke's photographic style is characterized by his ability to transform ordinary landscapes into extraordinary visual experiences. His images are marked by vibrant colors, bold contrasts, and geometric patterns that captivate the viewer's attention. Clarke often shoots from helicopters, which allows him to achieve the perfect aerial perspective and capture intricate details from high above.
Some key elements of Clarke's style include:
Emphasis on color: Clarke's photographs are known for their vivid colors, which add depth and visual interest to each image.
Abstract compositions: By focusing on the patterns and shapes created by natural and man-made landscapes, Clarke's work often takes on an abstract quality.
Unique perspectives: Clarke's aerial viewpoint allows him to capture scenes that are otherwise impossible to see from the ground, creating truly one-of-a-kind images.
Career Highlights
Clarke's work has been featured in numerous publications, including Vogue, GQ, and The Guardian.
He has collaborated with several high-profile clients, such as British Airways, Land Rover, and Sony.
Clarke's photography has been exhibited in galleries worldwide, including London, New York, and Sydney.
Photography Gear
Tommy Clarke's choice of photography gear reflects his commitment to capturing the highest quality aerial images. Some of the key pieces of equipment he uses include:
High-resolution camera: Clarke typically shoots with a medium format camera, such as the Hasselblad H6D, which provides exceptional image quality and detail.
Wide-angle lens: A wide-angle lens, like the Hasselblad HC 35mm, allows Clarke to capture expansive scenes and create dynamic compositions.
Stabilization equipment: To ensure sharp images while shooting from a helicopter, Clarke often uses gyroscopic stabilization systems to minimize camera shake and movement.
Photography Books
"Up in the Air" by Tommy Clarke is a remarkable collection of aerial photography, showcasing a diverse range of landscapes and locations from around the world. Spanning six years of work, the book features 100 stunning color photographs capturing locations such as California, Australia's Shark Bay, Utah, and St. Tropez.
This book is a valuable resource for practicing photographers, as it highlights the unique aspects of aerial photography and the techniques used to achieve these captivating images. The photographs in "Up in the Air" showcase Tommy Clarke's progression from documentary travel photography to abstract art, offering insights into the creative process and inspiration for photographers interested in exploring aerial photography and the fascinating interaction between land and water.
Quotes
"I love the challenge of finding beauty in the everyday, and aerial photography allows me to do that in a unique and exciting way."
"Color is such an important element in my work; it brings life to each image and creates a sense of depth and emotion."
"The world looks different from above, and I want to share that perspective with others, to help them see the beauty that surrounds us all."*
"For me, photography is about pushing boundaries and taking risks; I'm always looking for new ways to capture the world from above."
"There's something magical about seeing a familiar landscape transformed into an abstract work of art through the lens of my camera."
Legacy and Influence
Tommy Clarke's impact on the world of aerial photography has been significant, with his distinctive style and exceptional images inspiring both aspiring and established photographers alike. His ability to transform ordinary landscapes into extraordinary visual experiences has earned him a place among the greats in aerial photography.
Other notable photographers with similar style are:
Alex MacLean: Known for his detailed aerial images of landscapes and urban environments, MacLean shares Clarke's fascination with capturing the world from above.
Cameron Davidson: A fellow aerial photographer, Davidson is recognized for his striking images of both natural and man-made landscapes, often exploring the intersection between the two.
Jason Hawkes: Like Clarke, Hawkes focuses on capturing vibrant, high-resolution images from a bird's-eye view, showcasing the beauty and complexity of the world from above.
These photographers, along with Tommy Clarke, have contributed to the growing popularity of aerial photography as an art form, pushing the boundaries of traditional landscape photography and offering unique perspectives on our world.
