How many times have you flipped through a magazine and seen that image that catches your eye? Your imagination starts to dream. Instantly that destination is on your tick list. A new bullet point is added to that on going bucket list. This weeks Adventure Chronicles Friday Focus makes Adventure Photography his career. He has traveled extensively to those destinations that many of us still have on our bucket list. He puts himself into a position to grab that centerfold image that when we see we are caught with an open jaw.

Trevor Clark knows how to catch our eye with that perfect adventure image. His passion for adventure began in Curitiba, Brazil where he was born to an American mother and a father who called Australia and New Zealand his "homes." The two sides of Trevor’s family were on two different continents, and his beginning was on a third. Going to see his family meant big trips, with expedition quality logistics for his Mother, three siblings and he to make Indiana Jones style plane connections.

Recalling his adventures as a youngster Trevor says, “I loved running through airports clinging to Mom with a death grip.  I loved having people speak languages to me that I didn't understand or whipping out my passport like a 21 year old proudly showing his/her real driver's license to a bouncer. I loved the feeling of getting on a plane and taking off, or waking up and landing. I loved the smell of the air in a new place and the anticipation of what it might bring.  I loved everything about the unexpected, and I still do.”

Trevor now lives, travels and works from a beefed up 4x4 Sportsmobile “El Guapo” converted van and have dedicated his life to documenting the people, places and activities that embody this elemental relationship. Whether it is sea kayaking in Prince William Sound, Alaska, stand up paddleboarding at Great Falls of the Potomac, carving fresh backcountrylines in the West or dropping waterfalls in Mexico, trevor will be there with a camera in his hands, making those images that help us expand out tick list.

Trevor shared some of his stories and his passion for what he does with us at the Adventure Chronicles.

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What energizes you as a professional adventure photographer?

Being outside with a camera.  The more I am shooting and the more opportunities I have, the more energized I am.  When I am out on a trip or shooting with a group, I have a clear goal and purpose and most other things seem to fade away.  That is when I can really get in “the zone.”  Early starts and late nights are all part of it and really become secondary to the main objective.  I never feel more at ease than when my only responsibility is to document what is happening.

Over the years you have taken thousands of photos. What is the one photo that will always stick in your memory?

I think photographers always associate feelings and memories with their images.  In fact, I know that is one of the main reasons I picked up a camera, but of all of the images I have shot, the most valued ones are not in my portfolio or on my website.  They are the ones that have meant something to someone.

A few years ago my uncle was diagnosed with Cancer, and during our family Christmas get together, he and I were running around shooting candid pictures of the whole family.  At one point, he and I both found each other through our lenses and I shot an image.  He passed away two months later and when I flew back to his funeral, my image of him looking at me through his camera was in a frame next to his casket.  I was honored to have the image displayed, but the real value of it was for my aunt and cousins who had lost a husband and father.  It was one of the last images of him doing well, and looking back on it, I cannot imagine how I would feel if I had not pushed the shutter button at that moment.

What are the challenges you face as an adventure photographer?

Well, there are the more traditional challenges that all photographers face in earning and maintaining consistent work, but as an adventure photographer, I would say just shooting in the elements.  You and your gear are constantly exposed to whatever gets thrown your way and a lot of times you need the clarity to step back from your shooting mission to assess the situation.  It is really important to keep the big picture in mind, even if it means sacrificing whatever images you are after.  I have had to turn around a number of times

because something was wrong.  People can get tunnel vision when there is a photographer around, and they might make a decision they would otherwise stay away from.  It is your job to be a part of the group and decision-making process, and even act as a check on the situation

Aside from that, physical challenges dominate the spectrum.  It is your job to go out and shoot the suffering, endurance, beauty and balance of the whole situation.  If the people in my images look like they are struggling, it means I was right there with them.

How do you embrace those challenges?

My main focus is to just be a functioning part of it all.  When you are outside and in stressful (physically, mentally, environmentally, etc…) situations, group dynamics play a huge role.  Be a leader and a part of the group, help in the decision-making process, keep everyone on the same page and always remember that the biggest objective is to get back safely.

Physically, I do everything I can to stay in shape.  You never know when you might get the call to go on a big trip or shoot something very strenuous, so I have a nationwide gym membership.  I am on the road full-time, so my rule is that if I want a shower (a big reason for the membership), I have to work out first.

What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

So far it is the opportunity to work on the project I am currently shooting, but unfortunately I can’t really say too much about it.

What’s your next big adventure?

That is another one I cannot talk too much about.  I have a few things up in the air right now and really cannot wait to find out if any of them will pan out.

What’s your Ultimate Adventure?

Haha, that’s the ultimate question!  If you ask any of my friends, they will tell you that I am always coming up with something.  I like trying to incorporate traditional outdoor skills and sports with a modern twist: something new, in order to get somewhere a little easier or with more options and access.  There are quite a few places in the world that I would like to explore with new methods, but Antarctica and Siberia are at the top of the list.

What is the one thing that you never leave home without when working in the mountains?

Sunscreen!  I have pretty fair skin and one of my biggest fears is being out somewhere in the burning sun without any protection from it.  I go over everything a few times before heading out, but I almost have to have my hands on the sunscreen bottle as I am walking away to feel comfortable.

In five years what would you like to have in your life that you don’t have now?

Haha, a house!  I am almost through my second year of living and working from a 4x4 Sportsmobile converted E-350 van.  It has been great, and El Guapo (the van) has been the ultimate tool for getting where I need to be comfortably, but I think seven years would be too much.  I actually can’t believe I have been on the road for nearly two years already.  It has truly flown by.

Learn more at:

URL:    www.trevorclarkphoto.com

Twitter:     @trevorclark

Facebook:    Trevor Clark or Trevor Clark Photography Page