Clark Little - The Shorebreak Shaman
When it comes to putting yourself in harm's way for the perfect shot, Clark Little wrote the book – literally. This North Shore legend has spent decades swimming directly into the impact zone of some of the world's most dangerous shorebreak waves, creating images that make your heart race just looking at them. Born in California but raised on Oahu's North Shore, Little started this madness when his wife simply wanted a photo of the ocean for their bedroom wall. That honey-do list item turned into a full-blown career and international recognition, including exhibits at the Smithsonian. What makes him special: Little doesn't just photograph waves – he becomes one with them. His signature style involves swimming directly into closeout waves at places like Waimea Bay and Ke Iki Beach, capturing the moment from inside the barrel as tons of water crash around him. It's equal parts terrifying and mesmerizing.Website: clarklittlephotography.com
Instagram: @clarklittle
Primary Locations: North Shore Oahu, specializing in shorebreak photography
Booking & Prices: Contact through his website – though fair warning, his gallery recently closed permanently in January 2025, marking the end of an era.
Sarah Lee - The Underwater Virtuoso
If there's anyone who makes swimming with a camera look effortless, it's Sarah Lee. This Big Island native has turned her childhood love of competitive swimming into a career that's graced the covers of National Geographic, ESPN's The Body Issue, and The Surfer's Journal. In 2018, she became the first female photographer to grace the cover of The Surfer's Journal – a milestone that speaks volumes about her talent in a traditionally male-dominated field. What makes her special: Lee's approach is all about patient observation and capturing the profound connection between people and the ocean. Her underwater shots don't just show surfers – they reveal the intimate dance between human and sea, with a gentle sense of purpose that makes even turbulent conditions look serene.Website: sarahlee.photo
Instagram: @hisarahlee
Primary Locations: Splits time between Kailua-Kona and North Shore Oahu
Booking & Prices: Contact through her website for custom underwater and lifestyle shoots
Brent Bielmann - The Legacy Carrier
When you're the nephew of legendary surf photographer Brian Bielmann, you've got some serious shoes to fill. Brent Bielmann has not only filled them but carved out his own unique path in the water photography world. This North Shore native started young, buying his first camera from his uncle and spending hours in the shorebreak with cheap water housing, eventually swimming out at Pipeline to capture the local talent. What makes him special: Brent's work is fearless – he regularly puts himself in extreme positions that would make most photographers reconsider their career choices. His ability to capture both stills and video in challenging conditions has made him a favorite for commercial work and major surf brands. Website: brentbielmann.comInstagram: @brentbielmann
Primary Locations: North Shore Oahu, focusing on Pipeline and surrounding breaks
Booking & Prices: Professional rates available through his website – expect to pay premium for his water expertise
Aaron Chang - The Pioneer
If modern surf photography has a founding father, it's Aaron Chang. This Tucson-born photographer moved to Hawaii in 1974 and became one of the first to use a camera in the water to capture surfing. His most significant contribution? Using ultra-wide-angle lenses inside big wave barrels – something nobody had tried before in the 1980s. After 25 years as a senior photographer at Surfing Magazine, he's shifted to fine art, with galleries in both California and his work featured in major museums. What makes him special: Chang's photos have appeared on 38 magazine covers, and he's traveled to 50 countries for his work. His shot of an arcing wave at Banzai Pipeline in 1985 was the first significant empty wave shot featured on a magazine cover.Website: aaronchang.com
Instagram: @aaronchang
Primary Locations: Splits time between California and Hawaii
Booking & Prices: Fine art prints and custom shoots available through his galleries
Jim Russi - The Waterman's Photographer
Jim Russi came to the North Shore in 1978 for what was supposed to be a "one-week surf trip." He's still there. This veteran shooter has spent over 40 years documenting the evolution of surfing, from the early days of Pipeline to the rise of women's surfing and the longboard renaissance. His work as principal photographer for Quiksilver's Roxy campaign produced iconic images for over 15 years. What makes him special: Russi's approach combines old-school grit with artistic vision. He's survived countless near-death experiences in the Pipeline impact zone and has the scars to prove it. His coffee table book "Flying Through the Clouds" captures decades of surf exploration.Website: jimrussi.com
Instagram: @jimrussi
Primary Locations: North Shore Oahu / Ventura, California
Booking & Prices: Contact through his website for custom sessions
Zak Noyle - The Next Generation Master
Third-generation professional photographer Zak Noyle represents the new school of Hawaiian surf photography. Born and raised on Oahu, he became Surfer Magazine's senior staff photographer at just 25 years old. His work has appeared in ESPN The Magazine, Sports Illustrated, and National Geographic, and he's worked with brands like Billabong, Chanel, and Red Bull. What makes him special: Noyle's approach combines technical excellence with artistic vision. Professional surfer Jamie O'Brien said it best: "He pictures what he wants in his head and then captures it on camera. It's a mind game."Website: Available through his online store and social media
Instagram: @zaknoyle
Primary Locations: Oahu, with extensive travel worldwide
Booking & Prices: Professional rates for commercial and editorial work
Brian Bielmann - The Veteran
With nearly 40 years in the game, Brian Bielmann has seen it all. This award-winning photographer has captured more than 150 magazine covers and has appeared in iconic publications like Rolling Stone, Vogue, Men's Journal, National Geographic, and Sports Illustrated. His nephew Brent learned from the best, and Brian's still going strong on the North Shore. What makes him special: Bielmann's longevity speaks to his ability to adapt and evolve. He's documented the entire modern era of surfing, from the early rebel days to today's commercial boom, and his photos have helped define how the world sees Hawaiian surf culture.Website: brianbielmann.com
Instagram: @brianbielmann
Primary Locations: North Shore Oahu
Booking & Prices: Available for custom shoots and print sales
Tim McKenna - The Tahiti Connection
While technically based in Tahiti, Tim McKenna has strong Hawaii connections and regularly shoots in the islands. This Sydney-born photographer has become synonymous with Teahupo'o, but his work in Hawaii showcases the same technical excellence and artistic vision that made him famous in French Polynesia. What makes him special: McKenna is a three-time winner of the XXL Big Wave awards for best tube photo and winner of the best experimental photo at the inaugural Red Bull Illume contest. His book "Teahupoo: Tahiti's Mythic Wave" is considered essential reading for surf photography enthusiasts.Website: timmckennaphoto.com
Instagram: @timmckenna
Primary Locations: Tahiti, with regular Hawaii shoots
Booking & Prices: Premium rates for his expertise in extreme conditions
Ha'a Keaulana - The Cultural Ambassador
Ha'a Keaulana brings a unique perspective to Hawaii surf photography – she's actual Hawaiian royalty. Granddaughter of surf legend Buffalo Keaulana and daughter of big-wave surfer Brian Keaulana, she's carrying on the family tradition while making her own mark behind the lens. Her work focuses on authentic Hawaiian surf culture, often shooting in her home break of Makaha. What makes her special: Keaulana's photography isn't just about capturing waves – it's about preserving and sharing authentic Hawaiian culture. Her images have that insider's perspective that only comes from generations of family connection to the ocean.Website: Available through social media and local galleries
Instagram: @haakeaulana
Primary Locations: Makaha, West Side Oahu
Booking & Prices: Contact through social media for cultural and lifestyle shoots
Alina Ibragimova - The Maui Specialist
Alina Ibragimova has made Maui her canvas, specializing in surf photography at some of the island's most challenging breaks. Her work at Pe'ahi (Jaws), Ho'okipa Beach, and Honolua Bay showcases both the power of Maui's waves and the skill of the surfers who ride them. What makes her special: Ibragimova's approach focuses on the connection between surfer and environment rather than just the size of the wave. Her sunrise hikes to Pe'ahi and her dedication to showing the surrounding beauty make her work stand out from typical surf photography.Website: alinaibragimovaphotography.com
Instagram: @alinamauiphoto
Primary Locations: Maui, specializing in north shore breaks
Booking & Prices: Contact through her website for surf and lifestyle sessions