Heartfelt tributes have poured in for a New Zealand photographer who travelled the world in pursuit of his passion before settling in Liverpool.
Ant Clausen, 47, used his finely-honed skills to capture the city at its finest, with stunning shots of St George's Hall, fireworks on the waterfront, the Red Arrows soaring over the Royal Liver Building, and the sun setting on the tranquil waters of the Port.
He died while on holiday in his native New Zealand on January 21, leaving behind his wife, Natalia, and two daughters Scarlett and Liberty.
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In an Instagram post, Natalia said: "Our beautiful man has followed the sun and left this world behind. There are no words to express how utterly lost we feel without you.
"You filled our lives with constant joy and were the life and soul of everything we did. We are just distraught and don’t know how to do life without you."
Further tributes were posted on social media by friends and fellow photographers.
A spokesman for ACC Liverpool, where Ant regularly worked, said: "We are heartbroken to hear of the tragic passing of our hugely talented photographer Ant Clausen. He brought our events to life, capturing their vibrancy through his own boundless energy and enthusiasm while always making people feel at ease with his laidback style.
"He was an extended member of our team and will be sorely missed by us and by everyone who was fortunate to work with him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this terribly sad time."
Ant appeared behind the lens at many key moments in Merseyside's recent history, including the Queen's royal visit to the Town Hall, the restoration of Stanley Park, Wayne Rooney's visit to Claire House hospice in 2016, and the redevelopment of Lime Street station in 2017.
Michelle Walters said: "A native New Zealander and hugely talented photographer, Ant Clausen will also be forever remembered by so many in his adopted home city of Liverpool.
"Despite knowing Ant and loving his work for years, I will now treasure the fact we got to shared a special day creating images and reels for my website and podcast. His huge smile, presence and energy filled the house. We put the world to right while I nervously faffed about changing outfits and making us lunch. His talent was immense but his heart was even bigger.
"Ant beamed endlessly whenever he spoke about his life with Natalia, his gorgeous girls and more recently with their new pup, Marnie. I always loved hearing about all his travels and of course, his beloved New Zealand.
"Every image he created and shared was met with a 'wow' as each scene or moment in time was captured so beautifully that they leapt off the page.
"Our hearts go out to Natalia, Scarlett and Liberty. Ant, you will be so greatly missed my friend but your light and legacy and love of life will forever live on."
Business journalist Tony McDonough said: "I’m stunned to learn of the passing of the brilliant photographer Ant Clausen. A New Zealander, Ant had made a life and earned a great reputation here in Liverpool. A hugely talented snapper and an incredible human being."
A spokesman for Static Complex art studio and bar said: "You’ve gone way too soon big man! We have lost a beautiful friend and artist, the space will never be the same again, but your legacy and inspiration will burn as brightly as your incredible life. You were truly one of a kind and we are going to miss that big smile so much!"
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