I was recently interviewed by Shutterstock and wanted to share an excerpt. Please check out the full interview in the link below!
Shutterstock: What comes first for you — surfing or photography?
RS: Photography definitely comes first, without a question. Before photography became my career, it was my favorite thing to do (and still is!). I walk the world with eyes wide open, and for a long time I wanted to capture everything I saw. My vision’s spirit is just as excited to create and tell stories, though; I believe I’m refining it with each passing year.
SS: We’re really drawn to your view of surf culture. How do you try to visualize it?
RS: For me, shooting surf culture, or lifestyle, is the most interesting part about surfing. Not many surfers share those sentiments, which I’m totally OK with. Everyone wants to see the best wave ridden; I relish in these images also. Most of my friends let me do my thing when I want to snap a portrait on the beach, or when a flock of seagulls flies overhead just as the sun is setting. Birds may be cliche, but these moments we live on the beach represent the most carefree times of our lives. Even if lived just a few short hours, riding waves is pure joy. The heart of surfing, the innermost definition of it, is happiness. I do my best to translate this feeling both in and out of the water.
Full interview here: Catch a Wave and the Perfect Shot With Surf Photographer Ryan Struck
