seawildearth
"The 'word' I use to define my online presence epitomizes and marries together the natural elements that have forged my career to date. Namely, the Sea, Wildlife and our natural Earth".
Ocean and Wildlife Photographer / Cameraman; Mark Thorpe
I'm a freelance Ocean and wildlife photographer as well as an Emmy Award-winning wildlife cameraman based in Okinawa, Japan. Before that, I was many things. I've been a soldier, a Legionnaire, I've parked cars for Casinos, scrubbed industrial-sized animal feed containers, and washed dishes in Hotel kitchens. I've attached cameras to Tiger sharks and filmed African Wild Dogs during their hunts across African plains. I've been a lot of things, but what drives me is my desire to interact with our natural planet. I consider myself incredibly fortunate enough to make a living from photography and videography, predominantly serving the private and corporate branding and marketing sectors with a penchant for the promoting of responsible and environmentally ethical tourism service providers. This, in turn, allows me to pursue my endeavors to hone and perfect new and exciting imaging challenges within terrestrial and marine environments.
Over the years, I've lived in Micronesia, Southern Africa, The Canary Islands, Indonesia, and now Japan. I've interacted with iconic marine and terrestrial wildlife throughout my imaging journeys. From Great White Sharks and Elephants to Manta Rays, Mandarinfish, Sperm Whales, and Lions. I've found myself at times in situations that money couldn't buy. In that time I've been instrumental in the provision of imagery in still but predominantly video formats to a comprehensive and veritable who's who of international broadcast and production concerns. As a National Geographic field producer and cameraman, life on the road was as far removed from the romantic ideal many would imagine. Still, the riches gained in personal experience are incalculable. "A man is only as big as the dreams he dares to live." These are the words I see as my personal mantra, words I've lived by.
I'm currently based in the stunning islands of Okinawa, Japan where I continue to seek out imaging challenges and adventures. With so much to offer in Ocean, wildlife, landscape, and natural history imaging, these islands are an absolute treasure trove. I rise to any challenge to provide comprehensive and ethical imaging services to all corporate and private sector clientele and am continually amazed at the variety and diversity of commissions I receive. Please feel free to reach out for an obligation free chat to discuss how I could best suit your imaging and media requirements moving forward.
Natural Respect and Ethical Professionalism
I specialize in numerous media fields beneficial to promoting the environmental appeal of a location and those responsible service providers within that region.
I've been fortunate to have traveled far and wide throughout our beautiful planet for imaging commissions for many years. During that time, I've witnessed some of the most breathtaking scenes within the Natural World. In all aspects of imaging I aim to showcase the stunning beauty and fragility of the natural assets of any given location, and doing so by endeavoring to create as small an intrusion as possible. Our natural world is a stunning place, let's act responsibly in its embrace and allow our children to also experience the magic for years to come.
Promoting responsible and safe tourism interaction with a variety of local terrestrial wildlife and marine species is always a unique feature for any tourism service provider.
Interactions with terrestrial species initiates questions of ethical tourism, that which respects the target species, the local environment and other species found therein.
Driven by a responsibility in the heart of any wilderness with the one desire, to showcase but also to keep things pristine for future generations. Imaging with a conscience.
Words of Wisdom
Paulo Cuelho - Brazilian lyricist and novelist.
"If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine, it's lethal"
