DANE PETERSON | SURF PHOTOGRAPHER PROFILE [11.03.2010]Industry

NAME: Dane Peterson
LOCATION: Man of mystery | Yaroomba, QLD
CONTACT: dp@danpetersonphotography.com
WEB: www.danepetersonphotography.com

As a child I was forced to move around a lot. Fortunately at 16-17 ish I settled in Malibu with some dear friends, living and surfing. Being there was so foreign from my past life; a place filled with new people, surfing styles and lifestyle. Looking back on it now, I realize how much inspiration I drew from my years there. Most notable, and in a word: Style. Style was something that was somewhat bred into me during my years there and is something I strive to apply within every day life.

I'm currently residing on the Sunshine Coast (Yaroomba) but divide my time when home, between there and Noosa. I love the Sunny Coast. It's a massive change in lifestyle from where and how I grew up in LA (I'm in La at present time- and tripping on this exact thing). The overall vibe and lifestyle moves at a slower pace that suits my demeanor and approach in life. Everything here, from the people, their smiles, the foliage, waves, and climate are ridiculous. How could you not be stoked and creative in such an amazingly beautiful zone?

As a child my family resided inland but I was raised in and around the water, mainly in part to my father’s history as a respected surfer/shaper. In saying that, I believe surfing and the ocean are definitely in my veins. Personally the one thing that keeps me so connected to the ocean is knowing that no matter what’s going on in life, whether it is good, bad, ugly, or beautiful, the ocean is always there. It washes you and your mind clean of any and all distractions when you truly embrace the moments your experiencing.

My passion for photography came into my life purely on accident. I was headed on a promotional trip to Japan and my past partner asked me to take her little point and shoot film camera to show her my view of the place.  At the time I was "surfing professionally" traveling loads and just so over getting photographed, working on video projects etc. that I wasn't that receptive of the idea. After returning home I felt a rush of excitement from sending my film to the lab to the anticipation of getting rolls back.  I realized right then and there I was hooked and went out and bought a Nikon FM2 (fully manual operated slr) off eBay and started going for it. To this day I see that trip to Japan and the photos I took as a pivotal moment of change in the course of my life’s direction.

Waking up everyday and being fortunate enough to document my friends and people who surround me vibing off the same things is achievement enough. But, if I were forced to pick a highlight I'd say that being the first/only surfer to have been featured on the cover of The Surfers Journal, as well as photographing the cover (issue 18.2) is pretty cool.

My favorite haunts for imagery range from far away lands filled with long lined up logging waves, anywhere I can jump in the water and get tubed with my friends whilst shooting and hooting, to late night party/bar scenes. It’s an eclectic mix for sure. But that’s what keeps me going.

My favorite things to try and capture within my surf photography are all the little subtleties and moments in between, all the things that get overlooked by the casual observer. These moments ring especially true when I’m shooting members of the logging community that I grew up in, as that is my background. Everyone focuses so much on the nose ride (which is fucking amazing when done right don't get me wrong). But there are so many little delicate moments in between that lead you to that point. To me, those moments are truly traditional long boarding and when its done right, It's a sight to behold.

As far as the future goes, I'm just taking things day by day. Going where the wind and my heart take me. Whether that leads me down a dark alley way in kings cross or an art show in SoHo, it doesn't matter. I'll have a smile on my face and some type of photographic instrument in hand.

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