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John John Florence and Mark Cunningham. This photo was taken just after JJF had won his second Triple Crown in three years. Despite this massive achievement, John John was hugely disappointed. His coveted Pipeline Masters win had just been snatched away by Kelly Slater in the waning moments of their heat. It was a bittersweet moment. Mark strolled up to John and gave him a heartfelt and compassionate hug that conveyed an untold measure of empathy, condolence, and kindness. An unmistakable grin appeared on John’s face, but only for a brief moment. Photo: @JustinJayPhoto
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Buttons Kaluhiokalani, Sunset Beach. I had just spent the afternoon shooting with Buttons and we ended up back at his house after a session at Sunset. Suddenly, for no apparent reason, Buttons appeared with a huge grin on his face wearing this pink wig. I snagged one frame and he disappeared back inside his living room. Later that day, I found myself singing karaoke with his wife Hiriata and Reno Abellira. I love this picture because it really captures the warm spirit that Buttons always radiated whenever I got to shoot with him. Photo: @JustinJayPhoto
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Bruce Irons, Pine Trees, Kauai. I was on the island shooting Bruce for Nixon, and I got a chance to hang out and tour Kauai with him and Lyndie for a few days. Bruce was having a private moment looking at the lineup at Pine Trees. He turned around briefly, and I was able to snag this shot. His expression and the sign says it all. It’s impossible not to recognize the reverence that the Kauai surf community has for the Irons family. Photo: @JustinJayPhoto
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Three generations of the Ho family, Rocky Point. I can’t think of any family that represents the aloha spirit of the North Shore better than Michael, Derek, Mason, and Coco Ho. I was fortunate enough to get to attend a family BBQ for Michael’s mom’s birthday. It was a true honor getting to eat, drink, and take pictures with a family that has a World Champion, a Pipe Masters winner, and two of the most exciting surfers from Hawaii’s next generation. Photo: @JustinJayPhoto
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Kelly Slater, North Shore bike path. Kelly had just narrowly beaten John John Florence and won the prestigious Pipe Masters title. They both surfed magnificently that day, but their their awe-inspiring accomplishments were tainted with the bitter irony that Kelly had desperately wanted another world title, and John John had lusted for the elusive Pipe title. Despite their magnificent victories, both surfers were horribly disappointed. At dusk, I spotted the 11-time World Champ walking solemnly down the bike path with his board and lei in hand. Alone. The number 2 on the back of his jersey resonated poignantly in my mind as I watched Kelly make the five-minute trek towards his home—sans entourage or fanfare. Photo: @JustinJayPhoto
Editor’s Note: #SolidHumans is a brand new series featuring priceless portraits and anecdotes of inspiring individuals we know and love in the surf and ocean community.
Raised in Santa Barbara, California and based in New York City, I specialize in advertising, portrait, and lifestyle reportage of artists, athletes, and musicians. Over the course of my career, I have been fortunate enough to have had exceptional access to the private lives of many of today’s top personalities. However, I’ve taken a particular interest in documenting intimate moments of the insular world of the North Shore of O’ahu. Here are a few priceless moments captured last winter on the North Shore.
See more of Justin’s photography on Instagram @JustinJayPhoto and www.justinjay.com.
