mikecoots_inertia_selects_kellyportrait-1909
This is one of those times where you have to anticipate the moment. Although I was working for Quiksilver as a staff photographer, it takes a bit of instinct to know when he will show up to surf. I had a Quiky grom hold my strobe off camera, and got this moment near the water's edge at Pipe. There are about 40 people surrounding him, but with the magic of composition, you can remove those unneeded elements. Profoto 7B at full power, 1/200@f16 ISO 100. 70-200mm 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