Today we’d like to introduce you to Jack English.
Hi Jack, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In my early 20’s I moved from my hometown of Pismo Beach to Cardiff By The Sea where I then worked full time as a photographer for Surfing magazine. I later joined with Transworld Surf where I was given the opportunity to travel to 23 countries. Some of my favorite places I went to were France, Tahiti, South Africa, Barbados and Hawaii. I’ve worked with some of the best surfers in the world from Mick Fanning, Dane Reynolds, Taj Burrow, Tom Curren, Peter Mel, Kelly Slater and many more.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For me, the biggest challenge was living my life as a gypsy. Owning close to nothing, I enjoy that freedom, but when you’re trying to run a business, you have to play a totally separate role.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a photographer, I am most proud to be alive for starters. I’ve been robbed at gunpoint in Mexico (gun was loaded – they captured the thief) and I have had too many scary encounters in drowning, then I want to remember. The best thing about being a photographer was before I had my first daughter Eden. Once she was born I really thought twice about the choices I made in life. For an example I was in South Africa at a surfing spot called Cave Rock. I was on the shoreline getting ready to jump into the ocean to shoot some surf photos when a fisherman stopped me to tell me he just saw a shark in the lineup, but I chose to go out anyways. That was one of the most terrifying moments for me knowing I have a toddler at home and here I am jumping into the ocean with a shark.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Shoot what you love and don’t let anyone tell you how to do it correctly. For me, I always wanted to be a surf photographer so I would study the shots in the surf mags. Compare your shots to another photographer you admire.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jackenglish.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/seaofseven
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/seaofseven
- Other: www.seaofseven.com
Image Credits
Photos by Jack English
