Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Darrin Clark had nearly unlimited access to the outdoors from a young age, spending most of his time immersed in nature.
With parents who served as both artistic and adventurous inspirations, Clark grew up with a love for wild animals, survival, and the freedom of the bush—experiences that continue to guide his life today.
That adventurous spirit runs deep in his family.
Clark’s great-grandfather, on his mother’s side, travelled southern Africa by ox cart as a missionary from New Zealand. On his father’s side, his grandparents moved from the U.K. to southern Africa, where his grandfather helped build many of the lodges and camps Clark now frequents through his work.
Based in Red Deer County, Clark now takes people on immersive photography safaris in Africa, combining his love of the wild with his artistic eye.
“I take people on photography safaris, and I take people on just regular safaris too,” Clark said. “But it all started with photography. The places I go to are Zimbabwe and Botswana primarily, and then a little bit of Cape Town in South Africa.”
For wildlife photography, he says Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia offer some of the richest opportunities.
Though interested in photography for most of his life, Clark began pursuing it seriously about eight years ago after his children moved out.
A typical safari with Clark lasts between 10 and 14 days, though some groups book up to a month.
Clark’s love for nature extends beyond Africa. He has travelled throughout Canada capturing landscapes and wildlife, including the aurora borealis in Yellowknife and in the Rocky Mountains around Canmore.
He’s also explored northern Ontario, taking photos of mountains, lakes and prairies.
But wildlife photography in Canada presents unique challenges.
Clark explains that you may be able to see moose, elk or bears every couple of days in Canada, but Africa is different.
“In Africa, we’re going to see lions pretty much every day. We’re going to see many, many elephants, giraffes and zebras.”
Still, Clark hopes to grow his Canadian portfolio.
“It is genuinely one of my goals—to better my Canadian wildlife and landscape portfolio,” he said.
With photography becoming more accessible thanks to digital cameras and smartphones, Clark is encouraged by the growing interest in the craft. But for him, it’s about more than just taking pictures.
“What photography teaches you is to go deeper and to look at the more refined beauty of everything,” he said. “When the sun changes its angle or the animal moves into a different position, we may get something which is just absolutely spectacular.”
You can visit Clark's website for more photos and information.
** With information and gallery photos provided by Darrin Clark and his website.
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