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This was my first experience in the Outer Banks. The day prior was spent driving up and down highway 12 trying to find a safe break, but settled for a drifty, 8 foot+ closeout a few miles north of the light house. The swim was dreadful, but the following day at S-Turns (pictured) was flawless. Photo: Jake Zlotnick
I grew up working and surfing in Atlantic City, New Jersey. And it was there, in the Garden State, that I started shooting in-water photography for Stacey’s Surf Camp in nearby Margate. It didn’t take long until I figured out that the thrill in surf photography came from swimming out into big waves and shooting talented surfers, as opposed to shooting beginners on knee high wash.
Anyway, I eventually left South Jersey to attend the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, where I study Oceanography and Climate. Wilmington is an amazing city full of interesting and passionate people. There are a few classic waves in southeast North Carolina, though epic days are not as common. Luckily, the world class waves of Hatteras are only five hours away. I try to make the drive whenever I can get off from bussing tables at the Port Land Grille.
Having just turned 20, I have decided it is time to fully chase my dream of becoming a full-time surf photographer, and will be looking to focusing more on pursuing this passion this coming summer.
For more from Jake Zlotnick, check out website. And don’t forget to follow him on Instagram.