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Portfolio: Seth Migdail

I explore the human limits and big wave surfing at Mavericks, as well as the harsh conditions the everyday surfer encounters in Northern California.

BY Seth Migdail |

Party wave at Mavericks 2010. Todd Tissue, Ryan Augenstein and Tyler Fox

Party wave at Mavericks 2010. Todd Tissue, Ryan Augenstein and Tyler Fox

  • Ocean Beach is world class. This mid-beach frieght train is proof.

    Ocean Beach is world class. This mid-beach freight train is proof. Photo: Seth Migdail

  • Fort Point is one of the most scenic surf spots in the world, but rarely seen from above. Being up on the Golden gate Bridge gives you a unique perspective.

    Fort Point is one of the most scenic surf spots in the world, but rarely seen from above. Being up on the Golden gate Bridge gives you a unique perspective. Photo: Seth Migdail

  • Zach Wormhoudt knows Mavericks.

    Zach Wormhoudt knows Mavericks. Photo: Seth Migdail

  • The sunsets at Ocean beach provide amazing backdrops for some of the best surfing in NorCal.

    The sunsets at Ocean beach provide amazing backdrops for some of the best surfing in NorCal. Photo: Seth Migdail

  • Tyler Fox stayomg ahead of the lip at Mavericks.

    Tyler Fox staying ahead of the lip at Mavericks. Photo: Seth Migdail

  • Local NorCal ripper Morgan Albertoli showing his evening colors at Ocean beach.

    Local NorCal ripper Morgan Albertoli showing his evening colors at Ocean beach. Photo: Seth Migdail

  • Another great vantage point looking down on Fort Point. This really illustrates how the wave wraps into the cove.

    Another great vantage point looking down on Fort Point. This really illustrates how the wave wraps into the cove. Photo: Seth Migdail

  • So many sunset shots, but so few sunrises. Fort Point with Alcatraz in the background.

    So many sunset shots, but so few sunrises. Fort Point with Alcatraz in the background. Photo: Seth Migdail

  • Kelly's Cove on the north end of Ocean Beach. Robin Caddell knows how to avoid the rocks and find a face to work with.

    Kelly's Cove on the north end of Ocean Beach. Robin Caddell knows how to avoid the rocks and find a face to work with. Photo: Seth Migdail

  • Greg Long's perfect 10 during the finals of the 2008 Mavericks Contest. The wave that won him the contest.

    Greg Long's perfect 10 during the finals of the 2008 Mavericks Contest. The wave that won him the contest. Photo: Seth Migdail

  • Mental preparation.

    Mental preparation. Photo: Seth Migdail

  • Indian Summer at Ocean Beach. Should have stayed for just one more wave.

    Indian Summer at Ocean Beach. Should have stayed for just one more wave. Photo: Seth Migdail

  • Zach Wormhoudt towing into a beast during the February 2005 Ghost Trees swell.

    Zach Wormhoudt towing into a beast during the February 2005 Ghost Trees swell. Photo: Seth Migdail

  • Hiding from the sunset at Ocean Beach.

    Hiding from the sunset at Ocean Beach. Photo: Seth Migdail

  • Local HMB/Mavericks legend Ion Banner during the 2010 Mavericks Contest.

    Local HMB/Mavericks legend Ion Banner during the 2010 Mavericks Contest. Photo: Seth Migdail

  • This image really shows why guys train at Ocean beach for Mavericks. On the big days the paddle out is fierce and the waves push your limits.

    This image really shows why guys train at Ocean beach for Mavericks. On the big days the paddle out is fierce and the waves push your limits. Photo: Seth Migdail

  • João De Macedo hucking himself over the ledge at Mavericks. Yeah, he took a beating!

    João De Macedo hucking himself over the ledge at Mavericks. Yeah, he took a beating! Photo: Seth Migdail

  • Derek Dunfee is one of the SoCal standouts to make his way up to Mavericks. His dedication to big wave surfing and Mavericks earned him the 2008 XXL Monster Paddle Award.

    Derek Dunfee is one of the SoCal standouts to make his way up to Mavericks. His dedication to big wave surfing and Mavericks earned him the 2008 XXL Monster Paddle Award. Photo: Seth Migdail

  • Surf check at Ocean beach. I think it's time to suit up!

    Surf check at Ocean beach. I think it's time to suit up! Photo: Seth Migdail

  • James taylor, one of the many Saffas to make the pigrimage to Mavericks. Good things the fins dug in!

    James Taylor, one of the many Saffas to make the pilgrimage to Mavericks. Good thing the fins dug in!Photo: Seth Migdail

  • Rain clouds passing at sunset at Ocean Beach. Seems to always get glassy after a big storm.

    Rain clouds passing at sunset at Ocean Beach. Seems to always get glassy after a big storm. Photo: Seth Migdail

  • Shane Dorian on what should have been a 2010 XXL Monster Paddle nomination. I somehow overlooked this one when doing my first edits.

    Shane Dorian on what should have been a 2010 XXL Monster Paddle nomination. I somehow overlooked this one when doing my first edits. Photo: Seth Migdail

  • Fort Point is very fickle, but when it's big and the intervals are right, the outside reefs can get double to triple overhead.

    Fort Point is very fickle, but when it's big and the intervals are right, the outside reefs can get double to triple overhead. Photo: Seth Migdail

  • Matt Lopez pulling into a perfection on a well groomed mid-beach bar at Ocean beach.

    Matt Lopez pulling into perfection on a well groomed mid-beach bar at Ocean beach. Photo: Seth Migdail

  • When the Rip Curl Pro came to town, the whole city showed up. Miguel Pupo did too!

    When the Rip Curl Pro came to town, the whole city showed up. Miguel Pupo did too! Photo: Seth Migdail

  • The left at Mavericks. Looks dreamy, but will kick your ass if you're not careful.

    The left at Mavericks. Looks dreamy, but will kick your ass if you're not careful. Photo: Seth Migdail

  • Under the pier in Pacifica.

    Under the pier in Pacifica. Photo: Seth Migdail

  • Grant

    Grant "Twiggy" Baker dropping into a 2008 XXL nominated wave at Mavericks. Photo: Seth Migdail

  • Party wave at Mavericks 2010. Todd Tissue, Ryan Augenstein and Tyler Fox

    Party wave at Mavericks 2010. Todd Tissue, Ryan Augenstein and Tyler Fox. Photo: Seth Migdail

  • Back lit barrel at Ocean Beach.

    Back lit barrel at Ocean Beach. Photo: Seth Migdail

I’m a San Francisco based freelance surf photographer. I’ve been published both in the US and internationally for his photography at Mavericks, as well as other surf photography around Northern California, and I was nominated five times in the Monster Paddle-In category for the Billabong XXL competition.

Born and raised in New York, I journeyed to California in the mid 1990s where I discovered my passion for surfing while living on the Central Coast. Combining a BFA in photography and my love for the ocean, I explore the human limits and big wave surfing with my work out at Mavericks, as well as the harsh conditions the everyday surfer encounters in Northern California.

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