21_sally_fitz
This is an image of Sally Fitzgibbons warming before paddling out with Torah Bright at the Quiksilver Pro New York in 2011. I was hired by Roxy to shoot all of their events and promo stuff at the suggestion of my friend Nick Zegel, who threw my name into the mix of photogs to consider hiring. I was in heaven. Jenny Pham and the whole crew at Roxy were so easy to work with. Not only because because I was shooting the beauties that the Roxy surf team is, but because I was doing what I loved: documenting surfing. I was seriously living the dream that week. 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.