Meet Jason Clarke

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Clarke. 

Hi Jason, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Growing up in Central Florida, my parents took me camping a lot. At the time primitive camping was real popular, and my parents embraced the culture. As soon as I was old enough, we started traveling the country. All the while my dad was taking pictures. He took some great landscapes of the Tetons, Devil’s Tower, Craters of the Moon, and of course the Grand Canyon. When we were home, we would watch this show called, Movie Magic. It was a behind-the-scenes type of show that revealed aspects of movie-making that got me excited. My dad was also a metal fabricator, so I was taught how to build things from a young age; which I think is responsible for my work ethic. 

Once I was a senior in high school, I had completed all of my academics, so I wound up taking art and theatre classes the whole year. By the end of the year, I became a thespian, which usually took 2 years. That year really informed me on my passion for entertainment production. So, when it came time for college, I pursued a degree in theatre. 

I got my associate’s at Seminole Community College. We put on a lot of really excellent shows. I made a life-long friend, and I was working professionally before I even graduated. I worked professionally in the Orlando area for about 5 or 6 years before deciding I needed more. I didn’t really go to see plays, but I was obsessed with horror movies. So, I switched gears and started my bachelor’s at the University of Central Florida, in the film department. 

During that point in my life, I was living in a big house with several of the best artists I’ve ever known. They were costume and mask makers, mostly. Alliteration… They created characters that were unique and strange, and I felt that I would be doing myself an injustice not to take advantage of my surroundings. So, I bought myself a camera and lights with some school money. When I wasn’t making movies at school, I was taking pictures. 

While at UCF I chose to purse a focus in gaffing, or the lighting designer of a film, and head of that department. In total, I lit around 25 short films and 5 full-length feature films. I was also lucky to be Art Director as well as co-Director of the 2016 Best Documentary Emmy winning film, Filthy Dreamers. 

After school, I continued to work on my photography and working on sets. And that’s basically what I still do. I’m currently working as gaffer on my 6th full-length feature. My main focus is my photography business, Hyena Head Photography. I create cinematic portraits for the strange and unusual. I shoot a lot of Dark Pinup, which is a mix of Caravaggio and Mid-Century pinup. I love shooting creative and colorful portraits for my clients. Whether it’s headshots or family portraits, I bring a unique perspective and bold style to my shoots. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I’d say I’ve had the typical experiences everyone has learning how to run a small business. I surprisingly enjoy the business side of it. I love making lists and checking things off. Something filmmaking has taught me is that there is an answer to the problem. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in on-location conceptual and non-traditional portraits, with a focus on capturing the characters within us all. With over 15 years of experience in theatre and film production, I excel at mixing lighting, environment, and characters together to tell a cohesive photographic story my clients will never forget. 

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I think luck is made. Luck is the ability to recognize opportunity. 

Contact Info:

• Email: hyenaheadphotography@gmail.com
• Website: www.hyenahead.com
• Instagram: @hyenahead
• Facebook: @hyenaheadphotography

Image Credits
Hyena Head Photography
Cherry Von Topp
Sarah Martini
Jen Belak
Sandy Holmes
Saturn Werde
Shelly d’Inferno