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Kind of an ironic image and a similar one to the one Seth Stafford shot a few years back, although Seth's photo bests this one ten-fold. The sand had just been pumped in Monmouth County and it created this nuts sand bank with a ripping current. I was shooting from the beach for a while, as were a ton of other photographers (insert bitter Jersey attitude here). I couldn't seem to find my own angle. Rippers started showing up in droves, Mike and Sam were still getting the best waves of the day and I was yet to make an image I was happy with. A bit frustrated I threw the Hail Mary and put my fisheye into the Essex Housing. I walked up the beach, jumped in and swung into position a number of times, never holding my ground for more than a few minutes. On one of my last attempts I saw Sam go for one and I followed him through the wave for this perspective shot. As you can see, I still couldn't get away from the photographers this day, it was that good. Photo: Ryan Struck
My career is still growing, and no single image has really excelled my progress more than any other. I’ll never be someone anyone needs in this industry; there are hoards of other people out there with a camera. Instead, I just aim to show surfing in a different light.
I’m forever a student of light and still reaching further to get a better grasp of this visual journey I’ve undertaken. I don’t want to give the impression that having your photos run in a magazine is the main goal, although I used to think that for a time. Really, having your images run doesn’t mean much. I don’t need street cred and the pay won’t support me. I have discovered that I’m not out to prove anything anymore, and I don’t need the surf media to validate me as a photographer. I do love surf photography though. I love it with all my heart. I enjoy approaching it with a critical eye to make the best image possible and am always trying to succeed. These images and captions may be more anecdotal than career progressing. Hope that jives well with you all.