01_brad_ettinger_foster
This shot of Brad Ettinger will always be one of my favorites. He's such a funny guy and we worked together for about 5 years straight training and shooting. I remember pushing him on a swing at a park so he could get the concept of "the weightless tail" instead of always just carving the rail into the lip. Anyway, we would shoot this place alot from different angles and finally came up with this one. Photo: Foster
Hmmmm, what to say. I guess about half of these photos are really special to me because they are not just about the photo, but the trip or the connection I have with the guys. I really love not just the shooting, but the adventure we all share. It sometimes can be as simple as a car ride and the laughter that comes with all the funny things that happen, even the bad. The trips become memories attached to the shots, which is what makes them special. It’s easy say to go to lowers and get a shot of a CT just going off, but without knowing the guys you’re shooting it just becomes a random good shot. It can be technically perfect, but without the other dimension I will never feel it as much. I think it’s really important to have a strong connection with who you’re shooting. It’s a big family in and out of the water and thats what I love. I feel so blessed to have gotten to know and enjoy so many great people through the years.
I am currently really focused on my new band Blood Days, which helps keep me balanced. I think it’s really important to have something outside of your everyday routine that stokes you out. I also just had a little boy, Oliver Kyuss Foster, and can’t wait to watch him grow up and and enjoy this new journey with him. I am so thankful for my beautiful wife Iris and all my friends and life. I pray that everyone be kind and thoughtful and good to each other. A smile can make all the difference in the world.
In addition to being an extremely skilled photographer, Joe Foster has had multiple career successes: from professional bodyboarding, modeling, and playing guitar for the punk band Ignite. The following 3-part series by David Lee Scales takes an in-depth look behind the lens.
Part 1:
Part 2:
Part 3: