mikecoots_inertia_selects_andy
This was my first published image, which ran in Surfer Magazine as a spread in the Big Issue. I remember Andy really liking that pic, which really stoked me out. He was by far my favorite surfer to shoot. Very spontaneous and creative surfing, which made him exciting to shoot. I would sit in the pouring rain to shoot him surfing, and felt he was always on the verge of pulling the craziest maneuver. Kauai is just not the same without him around. 1/1200@F8 ISO 200. Shot with a 500mm lens. Photo: Mike Coots
I was fortunate to be raised on the white sand beaches of Kaua’i. Shortly after high school, I lost my leg to a large Tiger Shark. It was a blessing, though, as it brought me to photography, which I learned during my downtime when I was injured. I love everything about capturing images. Finding the light, building relationships, and seeking out the unordinary is what I base my passions on. In my spare time, I still surf (now with a prosthetic leg) and am active in shark conservation.
See more of Mike’s work on his website and his Instagram: @mikecoots