Tom Spencer IV

FISH HUNT PHOTO

Master of the running shot

Initially specializing in black-and-white film photography, Tom Spencer IV of Morehead City, North Carolina, now focuses on sport-fishing and hunting subjects. His unique photos of running boats accentuate what makes each build different: flare, crown and shear. The owner of Fish Hunt Photo really knows how to make our hearts race.

Spencer’s father gave him his old Canon AE-1 camera when he was 12 years old, but he did not fully understand that film camera until he took classes at Hampden Sydney College in Virginia. Fresh out of college, he worked for

Southern Piping Company, which hired him to photograph job sites. Using different angles and perspectives, he found ways to make seemingly uninteresting subjects extraordinary. His photos brought the inanimate to life. Spencer’s ability to find new and unusual perspective is clearly reflected in his photographs of boats.

While tournament fishing aboard Fin Planner, Spencer snapped a shot of the Pirate’s Cove fleet returning to the marina. The image showcases a gorgeous lineup of pastel-colored custom boats, and was later published in Marlin. “It’s a really great feeling knowing that someone was admiring the photos.” To capture images like this one, he says it’s important to have fun and stay curious; the technical stuff shouldn’t outweigh the creativity.

FAVORITE SHOT

This shot was taken on a photo shoot with helicopter pilot Timmy Brothers. Capt. Chris Bullock of Eye Roller was running at them at 45 knots when Spencer had to radio him to pull back a bit so the helicopter could keep up. “Helicopter pilots face their own challenges in photo shoots like these,” he says, “maintaining immense concentration and skill to make it happen safely while literally being chased down.” Fortunately everything lined up, and Spencer pulled off an image that is immediately recognizable.