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. During my time as a field producer and underwater cameraman for National Geographic I attached cameras to Great White and 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 imaging challenges within the natural embrace of both 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 Elephants to Manta Rays, Mandarinfish, Sperm Whales, and, King of the Jungle, Lions. I've found myself at times in situations that money simply couldn't buy. I've been instrumental in the provision of imagery in both still and motion formats to a comprehensive list of who's who of international broadcast and production concerns.
With a photographic archive spanning 30years of travel and adventure I also send out monthly postcards of various imagery to the growing membership of my 'Postcards from seawildearth' Patreon channel. 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. Please use the contact page on this site for any imaging commissions and requests.
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"
