Sunset surfing is the best, and this was a session for the books! Aside from the mixed up swells and spring winds, there have been some gorgeous days down in Encinitas after the La Nina rains finally subsided. The day before, the surf was too small, the day after, too blown out. It’s been stunning around North County with the super bloom of wildflowers on the cliffs and the loggy waves below.

Taking photographs underwater may seem daunting and a little dangerous for someone who hasn’t done it before, it sure was for me, but here’s a few things I learned during my journey discovering the magic of underwater photography, along with some of the gear I use for certain situations.

Somewhere over the rainbow lies a magical, emerald island named Dominica. For my latest project with adventurer/filmmaker/soul surfer/naked and afraid survivor, Alison Teal, we set off to the island of Dominica deep within the Caribbean. The island of Dominica is the most mountainous island in the Caribbean with hundreds of rivers, countless waterfalls, volcanic hot springs, world class diving and not to mention, abundant wild life like whales, dolphin and parrots!

We escaped from the mainland to the island of Nusa Lembongan, a short speed boat ride away. Lembongan being a much mellower, uncrowded, and less developed place, was the ultimate spot to relax and surf. We hit the waves during high tide, watched the seaweed farmers harvest at low tide, and got to see some of the most gorgeous sunsets.

Somewhere over the rainbow lies a magical, emerald island called Dominica. For my latest project with adventurer/filmmaker/soul surfer Alison Teal, we set off to the island of Dominica deep within the Caribbean.

Last minute trip in the best company I could ever ask for: Stephanie and Louise. Here’s some visual highlights from our week exploring Kauai, soaking in way too much sun, and drinking endless amounts of kombucha from Kauai Juice Co.

Below are a few photos taken with the Photo setting, as well as the Video + Photo (Takes 1 photo every 5 seconds while recording video) setting. It’s so nice to have a built-in touch display, better battery life, and be able to lock down ISO and White Balance. More photo updates to come.

More than a few hundred miles south of the border for three nights of super fun surf with Alison Teal and the Fish Brothers.

After a wild trip to the Maldives with Alison’s Adventures, we headed back to sunny Southern California to edit pictures, video footage, and just chill out for a bit. The summer never seemed to end, with water temps up in the high 60’s for the entire duration of Fall. Spring suits!!!

A quick trip through Big Sur during a WARM weekend in October with Alison and the Fish Brothers. We missed most of the swell that weekend, but it was still worth the escape from the city.

I’ve been fortunate enough to have a GoPro Hero3 to test and take photos and video with the past few months and have had a blast incorporating it into my day to day activities, as I am out surfing or swimming every day more-so than taking photos. I would never replace my DSLR set-up for one of these, but for the times when having a huge camera in the water isn’t necessary, the GoPro is a perfect and convenient solution.

Who is Alison Teal and why did she go naked on national TV in the most challenging survival show ever? This documentary follows the series of wild and comedic events leading up to Alison’s departure for Discovery Channel’s Naked and Afraid. With one week to prepare for the ultimate test of her survival skills, Alison turns to her wilderness expert parents and cast of talented locals from her home in Hawaii and along the way, discovers the most important “tool” for survival.

Great waves around town, pond exploring, a few water shots at Banyans, portraits, and two weddings.

So, I am OBSESSED with surf leggings, especially the ones Danielle Clayton / Salt Gypsy has been making … so when Donica Shouse got a pair, we had to test them in the water.  These comfy leggings have saved my legs many times the past few months from reef cuts and sunburn.

SmugMug just released an artist profile video about my underwater photography, click on this link to watch it: http://youtu.be/3sSX-AJNMjE

Underwater fantasy-land with Donica Shouse.

sunset under the sea, while filming for Kainos.

model: donica shouse

It’s mornings like these that I am reminded why I love photographing people in the water.  Kids especially, because their stoke-factor and way they interact with the water and each other is so pure, genuine and … inspiring.

Here’s a massive collection of photos from the month of May. Such an amazing month! Below are some photos featuring adventurer Alison Teal, RareForm ambassador Donica Shouse, Ina’s Boobie Shack hats, and professional athlete Jenny Kalmbach.

Have you ever opened your eyes, diving under a wave in the sea? It is such an ethereal experience – physically and visually. Floating, swimming, and dancing beneath the clouds of breaking waves in the sea is such a freeing and “present” experience. Yet I have found it is a realm foreign and mysterious to most, even those fortunate enough to live near the sea.