When I was in school, I never had a clear idea of what I wanted to do in life. But, once I graduated I just had an inclination to buy a camera. I’d always liked photography, but never experienced it from behind the lens. I bought my first camera, a Nikon D200, and began teaching myself the craft. Many internet tutorials — there’s really a lot out there! — and many days out by the water followed, j
ust see what worked best via trail and error. I’ve realized that I don’t like to do much editing, so instead, I always try to find the best natural environment and natural light. Luckily Costa Rica makes that easy, the sunrise and sunset light on the coast is amazing. On any given day that I’m out with my camera, I’ll meet up with some of my fellow surfers. We’ll get together around 5:30am or so, then have gallo pinto. Afterward, we’ll make our way a surf spot — maybe Playa Negra, Playa Langosta— there are plenty of options around Guanacaste where I live. If the swell is really good, it’s a toss up for me, ‘Should I be on the beach with my camera, or out on the waves?’ Good surf conditions mean good photos — so it’s always a tough call! But recently I’ve gotten into the GoPro thing, so if I’m surfing I’ll always bring it out with me. I consider myself extremely lucky to have grown up in Costa Rica, having been exposed to the type of life where being outside is core to the culture. My family is originally from Paris, France, and I can’t imagine what my life would look like today had we had stayed there. I’m sure, however, that I wouldn’t be enjoying lunchtime beers by the beach on any given day. After a morning photo session, we always take a long lunch break — often at this little place in Tamarindo called Wild Panda. Costa Rica’s become so popular with tourists the past few years that I meet new people almost every day — we talk, share stories, share photos. That’s something really special about living here, we love welcoming people and people are always in a friendly mood when they come to visit. At sunset, it’s back to the water. I love getting home and seeing the results of everything I snapped that day. I can see an improvement in my craft, which is such a good feeling when you’re pursuing your passion. Photography is one of those rare professions and hobbies where you can literally chronicle your own work, and have a visual reminder of the places and people you’ve witnessed and what you felt at that time. Next, I want to expand the subject of my photography — I recently went on a trip to Panama and focused mainly on portraits. It’s much different than surf photography, but I still carry the same principles — natural beauty all the way.”
