Evolve: Moments That Made Me the Photographer I Am Today

My winning photo for February this year on Surfline. I picked a different photo because I thought this one was a little too pretty and was only meant to be seen on my site. Billy Watts thought that this one was a better shot to go with and of course I agreed. And it won. I gave away my prize which was a Billabong wetsuit – a gesture to give back for all I have been giving. I will never let attention get to my head ever. We are all equal in God's eyes so why should we be any different in mine? Photo: Ben Currie

I took this photo with my first DSLR three years ago on Easter Sunday. One of the first photos that got me recognized as an up-and-coming photog. Still had a ton of work but was told that I had a great eye for photography and to keep at it. Taken with a 60d and a canon 70-300 4-5.6 which I learned the hard way that, at 300, was soft no matter the aperture. Bought the 70-200 2.8is soon after seeing too many good photos getting trashed because they were too soft for my liking. Photo: Ben Currie

Tom Petriken on an -8 degree day of surfing as if it's warm out. 20 lbs of rubber on so can't wait to see what he can do when he sheds the weight for this spring and summer. This was my first big gallery feature on SurferMag.com and was truly honored and humbled for the experience. Photo: Ben Currie

This is the most important photo that really got me recognized and still is a lot of people's favorite shot of New Jersey. It's the best picture I've ever taken in regards to surfer's position on the paddle and the perfect form of the wave. I took this not long after we were able to move back onto the island after Hurricane Sandy hit. This was taken in Midway Beach, NJ. Photo: Ben Currie

An -8 degree day and by far my best day of shooting again with this lighting. Photo: Ben Currie

Took this photo last year down in Cape May around March and was just starting to submit my pics to ESM and Surfline. Nobody wanted it, but it ended up getting picked by Jared Muscat for Surfline's Monthly User Submitted Photo Contest. Jared is the one who has been responsible for giving me a name in surf photography. I couldn't be more thankful to have met such an awesome person who really has an extreme passion for everything surfing stands for. Photo: Ben Currie

One of my favorite photos of the spot by where I live. New camera, new lens and things are looking up for me. I couldn't do anything without Christ in my life, and that's why I always say to myself, "I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me." That's from this book that I should pick up more often...The Bible. Photo: Ben Currie

Here's Clay Pollioni doing what he loves, and me doing what I love. I used to be the guy standing in barrels, but I'd rather get the shots first then go surfing. Sometimes I have to miss the best days. All worth it to me. I'm truly dedicated to surf photography and hope that I continue to only get better. This shot was with my 6-month-old strapped to me in a harness thing and, at that time, nothing could stop me from shooting every bump that came in. Photo: Ben Currie

This photo is the best lineup shot I think I own. I really am not happy with the harsh lighting and not sure why I didn't throw a polarizer on. I hope to catch another wave similar without the harsh lighting soon. This one was going to be a double-page spread in Surfer Mag, but I screwed up and it's something I will get over. Rookie mistake I have learned heaps from. Photo: Ben Currie

From a Surfline feature a year ago that only lasted a few months. I was the first of this short-lived feature called Aaron's Eye. Couldn't be more happy to get some advice from him, but I'm my own person, and my eye is what's important. I try not to follow too many land surf photographers because I want all my shots to be inspired by my own creativity, and it's becoming more and more evident that people are just copying others' shots. Photo: Ben Currie

This day was super fat and barely breaking, but the light was good and is something I'm always drawn to. I love to shoot into the light, although my eyes wouldn't rather I didn't plus our mornings in NJ are the best and that's when you can actually see that our water is amazing and not just chocolate-colored water. Photo: Ben Currie

Early morning surf check just north of the Casino Pier and not one person out yet. This was my first photo entered into the Monthly Photo Challenge for Surfline and since have had 7 photos in the challenge. It really motivates me having my photos next to some of the best in the world. Photo: Ben Currie

This winter has been the best and has pushed me to the level of full commitment. It has challenged me like nothing else, and I'm thankful for this crazy winter we had this year. Photo: Ben Currie

One of my favorite photos along my journey to becoming a better photographer. Photo: Ben Currie

Clay Pollioni. What can I say about this man. Believe it or not, he used to hoot and holler at my every wave while he was a grom and now I'm his biggest fan and will drop whatever I'm doing to get a few shots of the most stylish, animated, friendliest surfer around. Clay has helped me to become a better photographer and always called me in the beginning and would say, "Jumping in at the pier, tough light but good practice for you come on." Top 3 favorite surfer to shoot in NJ. Photo: Ben Currie

Another great shot from this winter in December. -8 degrees with absurd wind chills. Not a great day for my eyes, face and extremities, but well worth capturing this lighting. Magical. Photo: Ben Currie

My second photo ever run by ESM. At this point, I was over the game and thought I would never get a photo run and my friend Tom Scillia and Jason Smith from Epicshirts both said, "you take great photos, don't be discouraged. You'll see pretty soon you have photos on Surfline and SurferMag one day..." I still have a tough time thinking my photos are good because I've always had a tough time with compliments. I don't like being praised but love to praise and lift others up. My church here in NJ taught me, "Others first, then you." I will always lift others and focus on other people before ever focusing on myself. Just my nature. Photo: Ben Currie

This was the coldest day shooting and my best day yet. Crazy lighting and crazy colors. Only lasted for a half hour so Petriken and I went right to work. -8 degrees outside. Photo: Ben Currie