Shawn Clark

Photo by Miriam.

Fine Art Photographer & Storyteller

I remember the exact moment I fell in love with photography. As a Bachelor of Fine Arts student majoring in Photography with a minor in Forensic Photography, I captured an unforgettable image from my ’77 corvette while waiting at a red light in the Little Haiti neighborhood of Miami, Florida: a store owner meticulously cleaning the sidewalk, framed by the steel door that protected her establishment. I had only been living in Miami about 6 months and was in my second semester at Barry University. As that first print exited the University’s color processor, I knew I was embarking on something I wasn’t expecting: exploring, organizing and structuring my world view through a physical lens. I am particularly passionate for vintage lenses.

Professional Journey

In 1997, I embarked on my photography career while operating as an Executive Protection Agent. Since I was the only agent on the team with a camera and an interest in surveillance, I was tasked with surveillance of local off-duty police officers hired by a private company during street festivals. Over the years, I expanded into fine art landscape and street photography. Fueled by my passion and university studies, Forensic photography became a fusion of my law enforcement background and photographic drive. But after 9/11, my path diverged. Job opportunities for forensic photographers dried up and their responsibilities were incorporated into other positions such as autopsy technicians, auto accident investigators and police patrol officers. Instead of carrying a gun (again) or cleaning cadavers, I found myself in Alaska, installing and repairing mini-lab equipment for Noritsu America.

From Alaska to San Francisco

After 18 months in the Alaskan wilderness, Noritsu transferred me to the Northern California team and the vibrant streets of San Francisco. A year later, I found myself working at the Ansel Adams’ Gallery where I immersed myself in Ansel’s iconic work, meticulously framing pieces for discerning buyers, galleries, and museums. Simultaneously, I pursued my Master of Fine Arts at the Academy of Art University, working my way through the degree by adding lab technician, graduate assistant manager of 2 resident halls, academic tutor and starting a photographic studio.

Synchronized Elegance Imaging created images for weddings, corporate events (including photos at AT&T park for the San Francisco Giants) and portfolios for other event professionals such as caters, florists, venues, and event planners. We employed many students from the Academy of Art as additional photographers, assistants and editors. One of our long-time clients was the Computer History Museum. Over 7 years, I photographed the luminaries - and my personal rock stars - of the world of technology: Nathan Myhrvold, Linus Torvalds, Dr. Gordon Moore, Steve Wozniak, Whitfield Diffie, Donald Knuth and many more.

Versatile Light, LLC

During 2010, I moved back to Miami, Florida, where I married my best friend, Jenifer Day Clark. Since then, we have owned and operated, Versatile Light, LLC. Our current services are a diverse blend of corporate marketing, portraits and concert photography. We have been photographing concerts around South Florida, especially at the Frost School of Music for more than 10 years.  Recently, I delved into pizography printing by Cone Editions Studio, learning to get the most tonality and exquisite subtlety in black and white photographic printing.

Navigating Healthcare IT

From 2013 to 2022, I worked at UHealth, the hospitals and clinics of the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami. Initially, as an Ophthalmic photographer at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, I photographed a wide variety of patients and disease processes. Due to my technical skill and clinic acumen, I was transferred from the clinic to the Enterprise Imaging group of the IT department, were we redefined visible light imaging and archiving for medical use. Our small team of 3 engineers handled application development, standards, camera testing, and best practices for doctors and medical staff. We managed over 60 servers and 4 applications used by more than 1,300 users. In October 2018, I transitioned to the Cybersecurity team as the Healthcare Infrastructure Cybersecurity Manager, responsible for safeguarding the PACS and VNA systems I helped build and manage. During this time, I also spoke at national conferences, sharing my passions with international audiences. I actively contributed to UHealth’s positive response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, I earned two more master’s degrees while at the University of Miami: a master’s in leadership during 2016 and a master’s in healthcare administration during 2020.

Cleveland Clinic Journey

In February 2022, I accepted a position at Cleveland Clinic as the Cybersecurity Network Protection Manager. This role has provided numerous opportunities for professional and personal growth, including many more speaking opportunities. Beyond its world-class medical care and philanthropic activities, Cleveland Clinic is renowned for its extensive art collection. While my own art hasn’t joined the collection, walking through the corridors as both caregiver and patient inspires me to continue creating.

Connect with Me

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