By Lara Vander Ploeg
For many, there is nothing quite as inspiring as the ocean canvas. The ebb and flow of tides, the vast landscape of wind-swept peaks and valleys, the incredible colors of sun-kissed shallows, and the silken curtain of gray as a storm sweeps across the horizon, are all evidence of an ecosystem with multiple per- sonalities. The curl and spray of waves breaking on shore is another image that can sooth or exhilarate and no one captures these images like Clark Little.
Clark has spent his whole life near the beach. He is distinguished in the world of surfing as a “shore- break surfer” – one who surfs the waves that break very close to shore on the beach or rocky shore- line. These type of waves end up on the beach or rocks just a few seconds later. For surfing, the drops are usually very steep. Even if you make the drop, there is no escape out since the wave hits the beach soon after and engulfs you. While Clark doesn’t claim to be heroic, even a glimpse of other shorebreak surfers and you know this is not a passion for the meek. It was this unique surfing expertise (and a re- quest from his wife for bedroom art- work) that helped him get started capturing the incredible, once-in- a-lifetime moments you see here.
Clark’s work is constantly evolving. Because he has the heart and mind of a student, he is always searching. He shoots in all kinds of weather, times of day, and sizes of waves. Over the years he has learned more and more about photography, equipment, shooting secrets, and let his own style emerge. He may take 250-350 shots in an outing and get 2-4 keepers. Some days he gets nothing at all. However, there is something incred- ibly satisfying about getting an amazing shot.
In fact, Clark’s work is so unique and compelling, he has been fea- tured in magazines, newspapers, and other media outlets all over the world. In response to over- whelming interest and the sheer accumulation of images, he chose
to publish his favorites in a book.
The Shorebreak Art of Clark Little, is
a breathtaking visual expose that not only serves to honor this force of nature but also chronicle Clark’s own journey.
“To be able to create a book was a wild dream. As it started to look like it could become a reality, I just had to go for it. And then to have forewords written by singer/ song- writer Jack Johnson and 9-time
most and not only stands out as an incredible photographic collection; it serves as a reminder to all of us that we “are just a speck of sand compared to the greatness of na- ture. Nature doesn’t stop for us. We are the ones who need to adjust to her.”
Clark is blessed to enjoy the beaches of Hawaii on a daily basis. We are not all so lucky. However, Clark gives his readers and fans a view of nature they have never seen before and may never see again. It is his gift to us and it doesn’t just stop with his book. As the year goes on, Clark Little has many other projects in the works. To re-attune yourself to the awe-inspir-
surfing world champion, Kelly Slater, is beyond what I could have ever imagined.”
Truth is: The Shorebreak Art of Clark
Little challenges the imagination of
ing display of water and surf, check out his website at www.clarklittle- photography.com and keep abreast of the exciting things that lie ahead.
ADistinctive style 27
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