We asked Salt Lake City-based photographer Austin Clark to tell us about what it’s like to work as a freelance artist.

W: Can you tell us how you got your start?
AC:  I got my start working in a photography studio – shooting families, babies, toddlers, seniors – all types of sessions!

W: What is your biggest inspiration?
AC: I draw inspiration from my family, my friends, the people who don’t like my pictures, and numerous amounts of people from Instagram.

W: How would you describe your style?
AC: I would say that I’m sort of like a jack-of-all-trades. I love to try out all types of photography including macro, street, landscape, and much more. So I have a very diverse style.

W: Tell us the story behind one of the photos we’re featuring – why did you choose that photo to send?
AC: The story behind this photo means a lot to me. At 18 years old, I traveled to Toronto, Canada all by myself. That’s a long ways away from Salt Lake City, Utah. I had to be completely independent, and able to navigate Canada by myself. There was no way I’d receive any help from anyone. I feel like this was the first step towards my transition of growing up and becoming my own individual.

W: Where are your favorite spots to shoot.
AC: My favorite spots to shoot include the mountains of Salt Lake City, Utah. I’ll often do a hike and take my gear with me, then go camera crazy at the top!

W: What kind of equipment do you use?
AC: I use a Nikon D600, most often with a 50mm 1.8 nikkor, or my 100mm 2.8 Tokina.

W: Do you have any special techniques? Do they define your style?
AC: As far as techniques go, I love to do long exposures. Whether it’s to show light trails, show stars, or anything else. That’s one of my favorite things to do. It doesn’t define what I do as a photographer, since I try to pursue various types.

W: What challenges have you had to overcome in this industry?
AC: Being a senior in high school while maintaining a job, working 20 hours a week, and being an athlete. It was hard to find time to go out and shoot.

W: How do you see your career progressing?
AC: I never thought of pursuing this as a career, but the more I shoot, the more I fall in love with it. it’s an incredibly competitive field, but doing what makes you happy is the most important thing in life.

Contact Austin on Instagram: austeeze_
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