SoCal's Lens Masters: 10 Photographers to Frame Your Perfect Wave
Southern California is the undisputed heartland of American surf culture, and behind every iconic image is a photographer with an intimate knowledge of the ocean and a keen eye for action. Whether you're a pro looking for magazine-quality shots or a weekend warrior wanting to immortalize that one perfect ride, this list is for you. Here are ten of the best surf photographers in SoCal, ranging from world-renowned legends to local heroes who are in the water every day. This is your guide to finding the perfect artist to work with, especially for a platform like Surf Snaps that connects surfers with the talent on the sand.
Aaron Chang
A true legend in the field, Aaron Chang was a senior photographer for Surfing Magazine for over 25 years. His work has been published in dozens of international magazines, and he is celebrated for his vibrant, impactful images that define an era of surf. Chang's style combines technical mastery with a deep passion for the ocean's power and beauty. He now operates successful fine art galleries in Solana Beach and Carmel. Source
Website: aaronchang.com
Instagram: @aaronchang
Primary Locations: San Diego County, particularly Solana Beach.
Booking & Prices: Inquiries for commissions or purchasing prints can be made through his gallery website's contact page.
Todd Glaser
San Diego native Todd Glaser is a staff photographer for Surfer Magazine and a multiple award-winning artist. Known for his versatility, he captures everything from high-action competition shots to serene, reflective moments in the water. Glaser's work with Kelly Slater on the book "Kelly Slater: For the Love" showcases his ability to document the surfing life with authenticity and artistry. Source
Website: tglaser.com
Instagram: @toddglaser
Primary Locations: San Diego, North Shore of Oahu (seasonally).
Booking & Prices: Contact Todd directly through his website for assignments and collaborations.
Jeff Divine
If you want a photo from a master who has seen it all, look no further than Jeff Divine. He began his career in the early 1970s and became a pivotal photo editor for Surfer Magazine and The Surfer's Journal. His archives are a veritable history of modern surfing, capturing the evolution of style and culture. His work is iconic, timeless, and deeply embedded in the soul of surfing. Source
Website: jeffdivinesurf.com
Instagram: @jeffdivinephotographer
Primary Locations: San Clemente, Orange County.
Booking & Prices: Prints are available for sale on his website. Contact for commercial inquiries.
Brent Broza
Based in Manhattan Beach, Brent Broza's photography is a love letter to the South Bay. His work focuses on the interplay of light, water, and landscape, capturing the unique surf culture of his home turf. Broza is not just a surf photographer; he's an ocean artist whose images of empty waves, piers, and local life are as compelling as his action shots. He is also a co-founder of the 'Art of Surfing' Festivals. Source
Website: brozaphoto.com
Instagram: @brozaphoto
Primary Locations: Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, South Bay.
Booking & Prices: Inquiries can be made via the contact form on his website.
Morgan Maassen
Hailing from Santa Barbara, Morgan Maassen brings a cinematic and deeply artistic perspective to surf photography. His work is characterized by unique angles, rich colors, and a dreamlike quality. Maassen has not only shot for every major surf publication but has also directed award-winning short films and worked with global brands like Apple, Nike, and Mercedes-Benz, bringing his distinct ocean aesthetic to a wider audience. Source
Website: morganmaassen.com
Instagram: @morganmaassen
Primary Locations: Santa Barbara and Ventura County.
Booking & Prices: Contact for inquiries via the email provided on his website.
Mark Johnson
Mark Johnson of Ironstring Photography is a San Diego-based photographer who provides dedicated photo and video services for individual surfers. His approach is perfect for those looking to get a full portfolio of high-quality images from a single session. He's known for his friendly approach and ability to capture the peak moments of a surfer's ride, offering packages that are ideal for building a personal collection. Source
Website: ironstring.com
Instagram: @ironstringphoto
Primary Locations: North San Diego County (from La Jolla to Oceanside).
Booking & Prices: Packages and pricing for individual surf sessions are detailed on his website.
Ashleigh Yob
Ashleigh Yob founded San Diego Surf Photos with a focus on community and capturing the everyday surfer. She is a constant presence at breaks around San Diego, shooting from the beach and providing a valuable service for locals who might not have their own photographer. Her galleries are organized by date and location, making it easy for surfers to find their shots—a model very similar to the goal of Surf Snaps. Source
Website: sandiegosurfphotos.com
Instagram: @sandiegosurfphotos
Primary Locations: La Jolla, Black's Beach, Del Mar, and other San Diego spots.
Booking & Prices: Photos can be purchased directly from the galleries on her website.
Diane Edmonds
Diane Edmonds of YourWavePics.com is an Orange County institution. For years, she has dedicated herself to shooting the surf at Salt Creek and other local breaks almost daily. Her commitment has made her a beloved figure in the community. She knows the waves and the local surfers, and her passion is evident in her massive collection of images that document the OC surf scene with incredible consistency. Source
Website: yourwavepics.com
Instagram: @yourwavepics
Primary Locations: Salt Creek, Dana Point, San Clemente.
Booking & Prices: Photos can be found and purchased on her website, sorted by date.
Joni Sternbach
For a completely different and timeless take on surf photography, Joni Sternbach is a must-see artist. She uses a 19th-century wet-plate collodion process to create stunning, one-of-a-kind tintype portraits of surfers. Her work transcends action photography, capturing the soul and character of her subjects. Her book "Surf Site Tin Type" is an acclaimed collection that treats surfers as modern-day explorers. Source
Website: jonisternbach.com
Instagram: @jstersurf
Primary Locations: Shoots at various California beaches when traveling.
Booking & Prices: Contact through her website for information on private portraits and print sales.
Sachi Cunningham
Sachi Cunningham is a filmmaker, professor, and photographer with a deep focus on powerful ocean stories, particularly big wave surfing. While known for her work at big wave spots like Mavericks, her documentary style brings a raw and compelling honesty to all her subjects. As a professor at San Francisco State University, she is also mentoring the next generation of visual storytellers. Her work often highlights the strength and resilience of female surfers. Source
Website: sachicunningham.com
Instagram: @sachicunningham
Primary Locations: Shoots up and down the California coast.
Booking & Prices: Contact through her website for assignments and projects.