What do you ride?
Surfing: JHR surfboards from 6’5” to 6’10”
Kiteboarding: Cabrinha and Caution Kites, Caution 145 Hustla twin tip kiteboard or a 6’5” JHR epoxy surfboard with no straps

What was your best or most interesting shoot?
It was not even a surf photo session. I was in Death Valley shooting full moon landscape photography. It was amazing seeing that landscape by the light of the full moon. I was with a photographer friend of mine and I remember saying to him, “If I'm ever going to be abducted by aliens--its going to be tonight” it's so remote and silent out there. I love shooting full moon lit landscape photography.

How did you become a photographer?
I was always interested in cameras. My dad had a really nice Nikon I used to play with when he was not looking. I just loved looking at the world around me through my camera. I made, of all things, bodyboarding videos for a while and shot a lot of surf video.

What is your average day as a photographer like?
Wake up early and check it. If it’s on I call some of the guys and meet up. We argue about were the best spot is and finally get some work done. The thing is, the work starts when I get home. Sorting, editing, resizing for email, submitting to the mags…then the wind picks up and I'm out the door again to repeat the process with the kite guys.

What equipment do you use?
Canon eos 1DMKII digital, Canon L series glass, del mar housing projects housing, Canon eos A2 film camera with a dale kobatich pistol grip fisheye housing, Mac G4 powerbook, 5 removable drives, and on and on.

What photographers have influenced your work?
Both William Sharp and David Pu’u have been very inspiring and helpful. I love looking at the water photography of Scott Aichner, Jeff Flindt, and Chris Van Lennep. As for landscape, Ansel Adams, Galen Rowell, and George Lepp. Julius Shulman for architectural photography. My family has been really supportive and this inspires me to keep doing what I love.

What has been one the most memorable moment in your career?
My first Cover shot. I got the cover of the Ventura Star newspaper a while back. I was helping my dad evacuate during a wildfire and had my camera with me. It was a scary day. It was rewarding to see the photo all over Ventura County the day the paper came out. I still have 20 copies.

When you’re not shooting, what do you like to do?
I like to surf good waves with brother Jeff and my friends, kiteboard, camp, snowboard, bbq with friends, watch hockey, read. Mostly, I try to have fun every day. If you don’t have fun, what's the point?

Do you think that photographers have their own specific point of view in their work? Could you describe yours and how it's different from others?
Yes, but I’m not sure this applies to my action sports photography. I think I see texture and light a little differently than most photographers, mostly in my abstract water photography. I also look for angels that most don’t shoot.

What does it take to do what you do?
As a freelance photographer you have to driven, creative, and as good a salesman as you are photographer. I think that the only way you can make a good living, as an action sports photographer is to diversify. I shoot mostly surfing and kiteboarding but have shot ice hockey, skateboarding, snowboarding, BMX and a lot of other stuff. I also shoot architecture, landscape, and abstract fine art photography.