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Richard Clinton -
A Special Sense of Places and Nature

Richard Clinton has always considered photography an art form that allows you to get "up close and personal" without offending anyone's boundaries. He was given his first camera at the young age of 10 and began developing his skills for capturing delicate human moments and beautiful natural scenery on film. He snapped, developed and printed his own photos for his junior high school yearbook.

As an Army Signal Corpsman on duty in Viet Nam, he captured not only the devastation he saw all around him, but the beauty of the lush tropical land. He photographed not just the despair, but also the hope in the faces of his subjects. Richard's images from this period convey deep meaning and personal insight into the fears and feelings of the Viet Namese people, as well as his fellow servicemen so far away from home. Regrettably, upon his return to the States, Richard put down his camera and went to work as a dental technician. He did not pick up his camera again until he was in his 40s.

After showing some of his early work to friends, they all encouraged him to "follow his bliss" and pursue his gift and talent once again. In 1995 Richard enrolled in the Professional Photography program at Santa Monica College and studied under some of California's most respected and inspired professional photographers and teachers. Everyone was impressed with his obvious talent, as well as his gentle nature and soft spoken manner with people. After finishing the two year program with honors and having honed his technical skills, Richard was once again immersed in the work of creating exciting visual images on film.

Since moving to San Juan Capistrano with his wife Cameron, Richard feels as though he's found his home and he has been warmly welcomed into the community. He loves photographing the wonderful historic images all around south Orange county. He is particularly fond of photographing the Living History characters and the members of the Historical Society who dress in the costume of days past and travel through San Juan Capistrano making visitors feel welcome and aware of our rich heritage. Inside the Mission, Richard discovered a new world of beautiful architectural vistas and small, colorful, natural images such as the water lily pond and flower beds surrounding the fountains in the Mission courtyards. He has captured the art and culture of our sparkling community including the historic Los Rios district and it's famous mascot "Spanky", the official working cat at the Moonrose.

His genuine interest in San Juan Capistrano was soon rewarded when the Fiesta Association, presenters of the Swallows Day Parade, asked Richard to be their official photographer. He now records all the festivities leading up to Swallows Day and of course the famous Swallows Day Parade itself, which is the largest non-motorized parade in the US.

As a generalist, Richard also photographs weddings and was pleased to be asked to photograph the first wedding held under the willow arch at the historic Montanez Adobe. He also shoots location portraits using the magnificent local coastline or can photograph in a home or garden. One of his favorite corporate assignments was to shoot portraits of all the of the Endevco employees and executives for their 50th anniversary celebration. Endevco was founded locally and is the largest employer in San Juan Capistrano with more then 350 workers. He was very proud to have their confidence, especially with so many other photographers to choose from in the area.

Whether it's fine art, portraiture, architectural, product, or wedding photography, Richard Clinton brings his love for the camera and his respect and appreciation for his subjects to a wonderful end result. Beautiful images on film and happy, satisfied clients.

© Copyright 2002 Richard Clinton.
No unauthorized duplication without written consent.
Prints are available for purchase at http://www.printroom.com/ghome.asp?domain_name=RickClick