Category Finalist 2007: close up

John Clark

I grew up in California with a passion for photography. I built a darkroom when I was about 12, and my father’s Nikon F1 remains the most treasured sentimental object that I possess. In 1983 I began film studies at UC Santa Barbara, and my career in film production began before I graduated. After this I moved to Los Angeles, where I quickly found work with a special effects company. I was fortunate enough to be involved in two Academy Award®–winning movies (for visual effects), The Abyss and Total Recall. Other opportunities and my disinterest in the L.A. lifestyle led me to Northern California. I have always been an avid sportsman and love to surf, fish, snowboard, wakeboard, and ride motocross. While involved in racing motocross, I developed some custom parts, and I started a parts and accessories business, Hammerhead Designs.

For me, the next best thing to participating in the sports that I love is to photograph them. After injuries ended my motocross racing (and due to the need for Hammerhead advertising photos), I began shooting more national races, including Supercross, Motocross, Supermoto, and Superbike. I have had photos published in numerous publications and advertisements and am a contributing photographer for Racer X Illustrated and MXP.

Nationality: United States