Boardriders TV

The guys at Boardriders TV recently did an episode on Surf Photography. They interviewed the legendary Chris Van Lennep, Luke Pattereson and myself. It was a bit strange being interview, you really just hope they edit it well and you dont sound to stupid ha ha. But all came out well and really stoke to be part of it. Follow the link to You Tube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8_bCWudUsU

The Bush

In this crazy world we find ourselves, it’s hard for it not to build up sometimes. We get tired, a little stressed, you know the usual… For me going for a run is a good way to keep on top of it.  Going for a surf, perfect! I think we surfed so much when we were younger, that we were so on top of it, so chilled that there was no stress at all! Ha ha. In our mellow mind frames we called it ‘Salt Water therapy’ and it was the answer to all life’s hassles.

Growing up in Cape Town I never really knew too much about the bush, well the outdoor kind that is. Kruger Park was over a 20 hour drive away and it wasn’t until I moved up to Durban that I was introduced to wildlife and in particular wildlife photography. I was hooked from the moment I drove into my first park and besides our annual family trips ive been fortunate enough to visit and document a few parks around the country on editorial assignments.

But back to my de-stressing thing. I find going into the bush or spending time in a park an amazing way to unwind. I don’t think about too much else besides, sightings, the golden hour, appreciating the beautiful outdoors and time spent with those around me. Everything else is a few hours away from my mind.  So if Salt Water therapy were a great way to describe going for a surf and unwinding, what would be a good one for going to the bush? Just something to think about. 

Anyways here are a few images from a trip last week. My first Cheetah sighting, pretty memorable!

2010 Gallery

Go check the Zigzag site for a little 2010 Gallery of images that didn't quite make the mag but worth a view.

Goldfish Shoot

A few shots from a recent shoot with the guys from Goldfish.

Much travelling and very little Blogging…

Well it’s been a crazy last month to say the least. Clare and I were married on the 1st September (spring day) at the most beautiful and almost surreal Tuscan Villa in Italy joined my our family and close friends. Wow, what an amazing day! Thank you so much to all of you for making the effort, it makes us both feel so loved.

From Siena it was off to the very romantic but after a glass of wine, very confusing, Venice. Clare and I spent the next 3 weeks catching taxis, planes, trains and a LOT of walking around Europe. We spent time in Paris, Barcelona, Lisbon and Rome and also went to visit our good friends Bridge and Dave in Ibiza.

A highlight for sure, though a bit nerve racking at times (check the scooter) was our day trip to Formentera. Do your self a favour, Google it. I’ve been fortunate enough to have visited some beautiful islands and beaches but this place is crazy! Its not tropical, palm tree beautiful but has the clearest, turquoise water ive ever seen. When I retire and sail around the world, im stopping there for sure!

So it’s kind of back to reality now. Clare is starting her new Job and I have a few projects to work on but I will say one thing. It’s awesome travelling, seeing and experiencing new things but there is nothing quite like home!

Surfer X

A few images in B/W from todays Fox SurferX

Surfer's Path Folio

The guys at Surfer's Path approached me a few months ago to do a photographer profile on my work, of course i jumped at the chance. So together with what i had been submitting to them over the last year or so and some recent material they compiled a pretty cool piece. Today i finally got to see it in print, really stoked and proud so if you see the July/August issue at a surf store or CNA, check it out.

Farmer's Weekly

All those Kruger trips and wildlife stock images paying off with the cover of the latest Farmer's Weekly...

Beautiful locations

Click here to check a little slideshow from our recent Reunion trip on the Zigzag website. It's a little teaser with some leftover shots from our stay but do yourself a favor and go buy the latest Zigzag where you will find the feature article. Also featured in that issue is the Morocco trip i did earlier this year. Been very blessed to have traveled to these beautiful locations and really stoked with the images, have a look and hopefully enjoy!

Cover of Latest Zigzag

Cover of the latest Zigzag with Dave Weare from our recent trip to Reunion. One of those shots that just got that feeling when i shot it and checked it on the screen. St leu is a great place to shoot and once we had seen our angles i was just waiting and hoping we were going to get one of those afternoons with the clean goldern light. Dave's first cover in 9 years or something so we both super stoked!!!

July

July has been a busy time with the Mr Price and the Billabong Pro straight after each other so blogging has taken a bit of a back seat, but I'm back. It was emotional stuff this year as Jordy Smith won both contests and in doing so becomes the first Saffa to win a WCT event and he goes to #1 in the world. We photographers spend a week shooting but it all comes down to one image. There was a little pushing and shoving as photographers tried to get the best claim shot as Jordy exited the water in J-Bay (ask Craig Kolesky). But I don’t think any of us quite expected the emotion we saw. It was an incredible moment in South African surfing and it won't easily be topped.

From J-Bay it was back to Durban to get the images out for editorial and start working on some new projects. Last week I met up with Rudy Palmboom for a Fox catalogue shoot. Rudy was in fine form in front of the camera busting out a few poses he has been working on and has even expanded his skills to location scouting. Thanks Rug!

Few more things on the cards, will keep you posted.

SA Surf Photographer of the Year

Me accepting my award/canvas from the legend Chris Van Lennep at the South African Surfing awards last Sunday. I have to say I'm really stoked and honoured and a big thanks to everyone for the support over the years. Picture by Pablo Ponzone