Local Lens: Erik Schwab

“Life should be an ever-changing adventure. The moment you feel comfortable is the moment you stop growing. Step outside of your comfort zone, it’s the only way to grow and improve on yourself.”

Biography

Name:
Erik Schwab

Age:
31

Occupation:
Science Teacher

Hometown:
East Islip, NY

Current town:
Montauk, NY

Interview

Do you surf?

That’s like asking if I breathe…

Favorite thing about shooting?

Being able to freeze a moment in time that can never be replicated and have the ability to share it with those that might never get to see or experience the ocean or what the inside of a wave looks like!

How did you learn to shoot surf photography?

Started with a film class in high school, evolved into digital cameras in plastic Ziploc bags, then came GoPro, and eventually big kid toys like DSLR’s and water housings… Surfing taught me how to be in the spot and how to safely maneuver my way around the impact zone.

Shooting set-up?

Nikon D7200 inside of an SPL water housing.

How can the surf community help you?

The surf community can help me by helping each other… We can achieve this by protecting and preserving this beautiful planet that I try to document on a daily basis. Picking up a handful of trash after your session is a great place to start!

Best day ever?

The best day ever are the days that go nearly undocumented… Several years ago I scored a day of unbelievably perfect waves with a core group of friends. Trading off back to back triple barrels with your best friends is something that I will remember forever. Ironically the photos I did take from that day got deleted, but the GoPro footage survived!

Looking forward to…

Warmer weather. Winters here in New York are tough.

Words of Wisdom?

“Life should be an ever-changing adventure. The moment you feel comfortable is the moment you stop growing. Step outside of your comfort zone, it’s the only way to grow and improve on yourself.”

Best travel experience?

Hands down Hawaii. Pure magic. Blew away all of my expectations. The power of the ocean there to the high level of surfing was nothing but humbling.

Surf photography is…

the most guaranteed way to get barreled.

Shout outs?

@hellocando Who paints many of my images and let’s me go search for those said waves without much resistance.

And these guys who constantly inspire and push me to better my photography!

@clarklittle
@chrisburkard
@iamraycollins
@mattclarkoceanimagery
@letstaukgrams
@tcolla

Gallery

Connect

Erik Schwab Instagram

Erik Schwab Website


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