SAN DIEGO SURF PHOTOGRAPHY
For Surfers
Forget those grainy Surfline cam rewind clips.
Put a real camera in the water in the hands of a real photographer (who loves surfing too), and see what happens. The wave of your life lasts a few seconds. These pictures can be on your wall for a lifetime. Prove to your kids you were actually good at surfing at one point in life!
Every session is different.
No two sessions look the same, because the ocean doesn't run on a schedule like a studio does. Dawn patrol at Swami's hits different than golden hour at Grandview, and a solid south swell changes everything about where I need to be — standing, swimming, doesn't matter — to actually catch you instead of guessing. I check the forecast, the tide, the wind, same as you do before you paddle out. Then I build the session around what the ocean's actually giving us that day.
Here's the part that actually matters: I surf too.
I'm not some beach photographer who learned to point a long lens at wetsuits. I know how to spot a peak, and I know where the sets swing through because I've probably sat in that exact lineup plenty of times myself. That's the difference between someone snapping whatever paddles into frame and someone who's already in position, already knows your wave's about to stand up. You focus on surfing. I'll be exactly where I need to be.
“Jack knows the waves around here better than most. It’s not easy to swim with a camera, and I’ve seen him out shooting during some pretty serious swells. The dude has skill.”
— Patrick Giles
How It Works
1
I check forecasts before we lock anything in. If it's flat or blown out, I'll tell you early and we reschedule, free.
Check The Swell
2
Tell me your go to break + paddle time and I'll meet you on the beach or in the lineup.
Pick Your Spot & Time
3
Surf like you normally would — I'll be in the water, on the shore, or in the air, already in position to catch it.
Paddle Out
Surf Packages
Shore, water, air — pick what fits, or just ask if you're not sure!
AERIAL ONLY
Fly Over — $297
Up to 60 minutes, drone coverage of your session from above
10+ professionally edited images
Great for quick social content!
FROM SHORE
Dawn Patrol — $397
Up to 60 minutes on location
15+ professionally edited images
One main subject, courtesy shots if a friend paddles out too
MOST POPULAR
IN THE WATER
Surf Session — $497
Up to 60 minutes, swimming in lineup
25+ professionally edited images
One main subject, courtesy shots if a friend paddles out too
IN THE WATER
Extended Session — $847
Up to 120 minutes, swimming in the lineup
40+ professionally edited images
I wait for the big kahuna with you
FOR VISITORS
Surf Trip! — $1,697
Three 60 minute sessions during your stay
70+ professional edited images
Consolidated gallery for whole trip delivered 14 days after you leave
Priority scheduling for best swell windows during your stay
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Yeah, of course. I usually build a session around one main subject, and if your crew paddles out with you, I'll catch what I can of them too between waves as a courtesy — just give me a heads up who's out there beforehand. Rolling deep with three or more? Let's talk first, that may change how I work the lineup, so those get quoted based on the situation
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I can't control the ocean. Sometimes you get skunked, sometimes the swell just doesn't deliver. If that happens and you walk away with fewer than 5 photos you can actually use, we reshoot at 50% off. I want you stoked on what you got at the end of the day.
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I can, depending on conditions. But I'll tell you straight — trying to grab both in the same session usually means neither one's as strong as it could be. If you want both, let's figure out what matters most and build the session around that.
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Sony G Master glass, all f/2.8, anywhere from 24mm to 200mm depending on the wave + surfer and how close I can get in the conditions. Housed for water, obviously.
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Yep, check out the Fly Over package above — pure aerial coverage of your session, no swimming required. Great for a wider, more dynamic look at the lineup or quick social content.
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For the right swell, yes. Travel outside the county is quoted separately depending on distance.
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Your fully edited gallery lands in your inbox within 7 days, ready to download, share, and print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not Sure Which Package Is For You?
Just reach out and I’ll guide you to the best wave and the right package for your trip.
Traveling To San Diego?
Read about the top surf spots for tourists in North County.