todd glaser’s journey in surf photography

Todd Glaser’s journey into surf photography began like many great stories in the surf world—on the water. Growing up in San Diego, California, Glaser was drawn to the ocean from a young age, spending countless hours surfing and developing a deep connection with the sea. His passion for photography emerged naturally as he sought to capture the beauty and energy of the waves he loved. What started as a hobby soon turned into a career, as Glaser’s unique ability to blend technical skill with an intimate understanding of the ocean set him apart from other photographers.

Over the past two decades, Glaser has become one of the most respected names in surf photography, known for his ability to capture not just the action of surfing, but the emotion and atmosphere surrounding it. His work has graced the covers of major surf magazines and been featured in exhibitions around the world. Glaser’s approach is deeply personal—he doesn’t just shoot surfers, he immerses himself in their world, often spending hours in the water alongside them to get the perfect shot.

His dedication to the craft has taken him to some of the most remote and challenging surf destinations on the planet, from the icy waters of the Arctic to the tropical reefs of Indonesia. Glaser’s work is characterised by a sense of adventure and a commitment to capturing the raw power and beauty of the ocean. Whether it’s a perfectly timed barrel shot or a quiet moment of reflection on the beach, his images resonate with surfers and ocean lovers alike.

For Glaser, surf photography is more than just a job—it’s a way of life. His deep respect for the ocean and the surfing community shines through in every image he creates, making him not just a photographer, but a storyteller of the sea.

capturing the essence of kelly slater

When it comes to capturing the essence of Kelly Slater, Todd Glaser’s work goes beyond the typical surf shots. Slater, an 11-time world champion and arguably the greatest surfer of all time, is a figure who transcends the sport. Glaser has had the unique opportunity to document Slater’s career over the years, building a relationship that allows him to capture moments that few others can. His images of Slater are not just about the technical mastery of surfing, but about the man behind the legend—the quiet moments, the intense focus, and the deep connection Slater has with the ocean.

Glaser’s photography of Slater often feels intimate, as if the viewer is being given a rare glimpse into the personal side of a public figure. Whether it’s a shot of Slater paddling out at dawn, his face illuminated by the soft morning light, or a candid moment on the beach after a long session, Glaser’s images tell a story of a man who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of waves. These photos are not just about the action, but about the relationship between Slater and the ocean—a relationship that has defined his career and life.

One of the reasons Glaser is able to capture such powerful images of Slater is the trust and mutual respect between the two. Over the years, Glaser has become more than just a photographer to Slater—he’s a friend and collaborator. This connection allows Glaser to photograph Slater in a way that feels authentic and unguarded, something that is rare for someone as high-profile as Slater. The result is a body of work that not only showcases Slater’s incredible talent, but also reveals the human side of a surfing icon.

Glaser’s ability to capture the essence of Slater is also a testament to his understanding of the sport and the ocean. As a surfer himself, Glaser knows what it takes to ride a wave like Slater, and this knowledge informs his photography. He knows where to position himself in the water, how to anticipate the movement of the wave, and when to press the shutter to capture that perfect moment. This technical skill, combined with his personal connection to Slater, results in images that are both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.

For fans of surfing, Glaser’s photos of Slater offer more than just a glimpse of a world champion in action—they provide a window into the soul of a man who has shaped the sport like no other. Through Glaser’s lens, we see not just the athlete, but the person, the ocean lover, and the eternal student of the waves.

the making of *kelly slater: a life of waves

The creation of *Kelly Slater: A Life of Waves* was a project born out of years of collaboration and friendship between Todd Glaser and Kelly Slater. The idea for the book came about organically, as Glaser had amassed an extensive archive of images documenting Slater’s career, travels, and personal moments. With over two decades of material, Glaser saw an opportunity to tell a more comprehensive story of Slater’s life—one that went beyond the competition results and surf accolades, and delved into the deeper aspects of his journey as a surfer and a person.

Glaser approached the project with the same meticulous attention to detail that has defined his photography career. He sifted through thousands of images, selecting those that not only showcased Slater’s prowess in the water but also captured the quieter, more introspective moments. The book is a visual narrative, but it’s also a deeply personal one, with Glaser curating images that reflect Slater’s evolution over the years—from a young prodigy to a seasoned veteran of the sport.

One of the challenges Glaser faced in creating the book was narrowing down the vast collection of photos. With so many iconic moments to choose from, it was important to strike a balance between the action shots that fans expect and the more intimate, behind-the-scenes images that offer a glimpse into Slater’s life off the board. Glaser worked closely with Slater throughout the process, ensuring that the book would be an authentic representation of his life and career. This collaboration allowed Glaser to include personal anecdotes and insights from Slater, adding another layer of depth to the visual storytelling.

The book is not just a celebration of Slater’s achievements, but also a reflection on the broader themes of surfing, nature, and the passage of time. Glaser’s photography captures the changing landscapes of the surf world, from the pristine beaches of Hawaii to the rugged coastlines of Australia, where Slater has spent countless hours chasing waves. These images serve as a reminder of the deep connection between surfers and the natural world, a theme that resonates throughout the book.

For Glaser, *Kelly Slater: A Life of Waves* is more than just a photography book—it’s a tribute to a lifelong friendship and a shared love of the ocean. The book offers readers a rare opportunity to see Slater through the eyes of someone who has been there for many of his most significant moments, both on and off the water. It’s a visual journey that captures not only the highs of Slater’s career but also the quieter, more reflective moments that have shaped him as a person.

The making of *Kelly Slater: A Life of Waves* was a labour of love for Glaser, a chance to honour one of the greatest surfers of all time while also showcasing his own evolution as a photographer. The result is a stunning collection of images that will resonate with surfers, ocean lovers, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world.

todd glaser’s journey in surf photography

Todd Glaser’s journey into surf photography wasn’t exactly a straight paddle out. Growing up in San Diego, he was more likely to be found in the water than on land. But it wasn’t until he picked up a camera that he realised he could combine his two loves—surfing and photography. And let’s be honest, mate, if you’re going to spend your life chasing waves, you might as well bring a camera along for the ride.

Glaser’s early days were spent shooting his mates, capturing the raw energy of the ocean and the surfers who dared to dance on it. But it wasn’t long before his talent caught the eye of the big leagues. His work started appearing in *Surfer* magazine, and from there, his career took off faster than a grommet on a foamie.

Over the past 20 years, Glaser has become one of the most respected names in surf photography. He’s travelled the globe, from the heavy slabs of Teahupo’o to the crystal-clear barrels of the Maldives, always with a camera in hand and a keen eye for the perfect shot. His ability to capture the power and beauty of the ocean, while also telling the story of the surfers who ride it, has set him apart in a crowded field.

But it’s not just about the waves. Glaser’s work is as much about the lifestyle and culture of surfing as it is about the action in the water. He’s documented everything from the quiet moments before a session to the wild celebrations after a big win. And through it all, he’s maintained a deep respect for the ocean and the people who make their living on it.

In true Aussie fashion, Glaser’s approach to photography is laid-back but precise. He’s not one to overthink things—he just gets in the water, finds the right angle, and lets the ocean do the rest. And if you ask him, he’ll tell you that the best shots are the ones you don’t plan for. “You’ve just got to be in the right place at the right time,” he says. “And sometimes, that means getting absolutely flogged by a set wave.”

kelly slater: a life of waves and the art of storytelling

When Todd Glaser teamed up with Kelly Slater for *Kelly Slater: A Life of Waves*, it wasn’t just another surf book. It was a deep dive into the life of the greatest surfer of all time, told through Glaser’s lens and Slater’s stories. The book is a visual journey, capturing not only Slater’s iconic moments on the board but also the quieter, more personal side of his life. It’s the kind of storytelling that makes you feel like you’re paddling out with Slater, sharing a few yarns between sets.

Glaser’s photography in the book is nothing short of breathtaking. From Slater’s early days as a grommet to his record-breaking 11 world titles, Glaser has been there, camera in hand, documenting the highs, the lows, and everything in between. But it’s not just about the action shots—although there are plenty of those, and they’re as epic as you’d expect. It’s the behind-the-scenes moments that really stand out. The quiet reflections, the moments of doubt, the sheer determination that’s driven Slater for decades. Glaser captures it all with a raw honesty that’s rare in sports photography.

And let’s not forget the waves. Oh, the waves. From Pipeline to J-Bay, Glaser’s images showcase some of the most iconic breaks in the world, with Slater at the helm, carving them up like a Sunday roast. But it’s not just about the big-name spots. Glaser also takes us to lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path locations, where Slater finds solitude and connection with the ocean. It’s a reminder that, for Slater, surfing isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life.

“Kelly’s always been more than just a surfer,” Glaser says. “He’s a storyteller, an artist, and someone who’s constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. I wanted the book to reflect that.”

And reflect it does. The book is as much a tribute to Slater’s career as it is to the art of surfing itself. Through Glaser’s lens, we see not just the athlete, but the man behind the legend. It’s a celebration of a life spent chasing waves, and a reminder that, in the end, it’s the stories we tell that matter most.