Here is a little video i shot and edited with the help of Gavin Beschen.
enjoy!!!
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Waves
Was stoked to get a little water time the other day and it made me smile
and Catherine Gregory got some fun shots that im appreciative of.
have a great weekend!!!
Friday, March 28, 2014
Frank Hill
Frank Hill
Frank Hill is the man!!! SUPER pumped on our new ad shot for Gullwing in the new Thrasher magazine.
Frank and I have been working together for quite some time.. So its a real treat for us to get this shot...
Google Frankie Hill if you are unfamiliar with his skating..
Frank Hill is the man!!! SUPER pumped on our new ad shot for Gullwing in the new Thrasher magazine.
Frank and I have been working together for quite some time.. So its a real treat for us to get this shot...
Google Frankie Hill if you are unfamiliar with his skating..
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Shoot Day
Shoot day with the very talented and gorgeous Kelly Brooks.
Had a good time at sector 9 and showing her around... Got some fun clips as well.
:)
Had a good time at sector 9 and showing her around... Got some fun clips as well.
:)
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Monday, March 24, 2014
Joe Crimo
Joe Crimo is a good friend of mine.
Its been a while since we have hung out.. I hope he is surfing and skating somewhere.
He was epic at shuvits and big spins in the water... Changed surfing for sure..
here is a portrait we did about 4 years ago...
Its been a while since we have hung out.. I hope he is surfing and skating somewhere.
He was epic at shuvits and big spins in the water... Changed surfing for sure..
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Friday, March 21, 2014
Planeta Surf
I Had the privilege of working with long time friend Jan Bernad from Vera Cruz Mexico.
He works closely with Planeta Surf which is Mexico's Premier surf magazine!
I was THRILLED to work with him and stoked on this portfolio.. Check out the link to see the photos from the interview.. Thanks Jan and Planeta Surf!!!
Planeta Surf Jon Steele Interveiw
Link: PORTFOLIO AND INTERVIEW
Hi Jon, it’s been a while since our last encounter. If I recall it was last summer in Puerto Escondido charging and shooting some insane pics. First of all, could you tell our friends of Planeta Surf where you grew up and how you got into photography?
R:
Aloha and its great to see ya again friend!! Puerto was good this past year and it was great to run into you and hang out again as well as surf! I grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas and started surfing around 12 years old there in the fickle and challenging conditions the Gulf produces. I was turned onto a camera while traveling Mexico around 17 years old with a girlfriend of mine at the time. Her father was a journalist from Laredo and after shooting a few big waves and lineups randomly, I was thrilled by the results and really turned on to the process.
When did you decide you wanted to become a professional photographer?
R: I was painting at the time and wanting to be a professional artist. Finding the camera could take a shot of the place I wanted to paint and produce the art later, I was pretty hooked. I wasn't that good at painting or drawing so I knew I had to figure the camera thing out so I wouldn't have to get a real job. jajajajaj
Who do you look up to (surfer, photographer, etc)?
R: I am blessed to have many colleagues that I call good friends and I learn a lot from them as they are the best and have been inspirations for years for me. Art Brewer, Jeff Flindt, Brian Nevins, Pete Hodgson, Vince Cavataio and so many others as well as just random shooters and big LA type fashion shooters. I'm always just ingesting magazines and reading photo credits always learning.
Surfer wise, another inspiration and good friend has always been Christian Fletcher, Wardo, Archy, Crimo and all the early air guys. Guys who kept surfing "Radical" and didn't care what others thought. Pushing the envelope and that carries over to tons of inspirational surfers nowadays. John Florence and Gabriel Medina who getting Pipe barrels to air and making that the norm! Variels and progressive surfing as well as Alex Knost and guys just approaching surfing different.
Where has your camera taken you?
R: When I actually stop and think about where the cameras I have owned have taken me its amazing. I have shot and scored epic waves in so many amazing places: Jamaica, Italy, Alaska, Indonesia, Fiji, China, Galapagos Islands, all of Central America, Hawaii and many many more as well as upcoming trips this year. It really has been a whirlwind and I'd like to make a book here soon and let the imagery speak for itself.
What difficulties have you encountered while shooting?
R: Difficulties could be chalked up as part of the trip and with out them it wouldn't be an adventure and everyone would be doing it for work. jajaj But on the road and in foreign unfamiliar countries there are always hiccups that arise. Missing flights, language barriers, inner group disagreements, sickness, injuries, rain and natural disasters these are all exciting life moments to experience when out of ones comfort zone of home. It makes traveler who they are and how they approach life. There have been flipped boats, broken vertebraes and teeth, overdoses and dehydrations, lost luggage, coup d'etats, etc. and none of it can be experienced behind a desk job. A life less ordinary.
How do you prepare for a photo trip?
R: "Have Camera, Will Travel" is my motto. jajaj I'm pretty much packed and ready at all times. I have been on the road for over a year now with renting rooms for only a few months at a time or on trips, couch surfing, staying at the Sector 9 team house etc. Everything else is in a storage unit in San Clemente and I just swap out gear and boards there depending on the upcoming trip. But yes, there is tons of preparation before a trip. Camera gear is always cleaned and inspected as well as the right clothing, wetsuits, vests, water and land gear. I've been doing this for so long, I'm ready to go on a moments notice. Depending on the location there are maps, weather charts, rental cars, plane tickets to be bought, talking to sponsors and outlets and tons more behind the scenes type work.
Do you get to surf on a photo trip, and how do you manage being behind the lens when you score the perfect day on an exotic location?
R: Some jobs like the recent one to China I wasn't allowed to surf but most of the time I can slip out for some water time. I have been living in the different countries for months at a time lately so in-between getting the shots, I can get my shred on as well. When the surf is the epic day you had hoped for, sometimes I don't get to score it and just have to shoot. The window of opportunity and the job itself is relying on it, so one must sacrifice in order to finish the job. When an image is created and the story is done, it's like you got to surf that day and it's very rewarding just the same. It's different shooting those days in water vs. land as swimming is more exercise and makes ya feel like you got your "tube" on that day so I would prefer that to land shooting. My favorites are shooting lineups as to immortalize that spot and how perfect it was that day to always look back and enjoy.
What type of equipment do you use?
R: At the moment I'm shooting with Canon 7D bodies which fit in my water housing as well as long lens land work and the bodies shoot video too. I have a few new GoPro's and a variety of lenses for various jobs and rent equipment when needed for larger jobs. I still have all my old film cameras and pop off rolls when the occasion is right.
Besides photography, I know you are quite an artist. Where did you get your inspiration in painting and how did you start?
R: Thanks and I'm truly thrilled to be recognized with my painting and art as well as my shooting and be able to combine them all. I mentioned earlier that I really doubted myself in college that I could produce art that people could connect with, enjoy and understand. So thanks. I get inspired for the need to make money for my next surf trip as well as its relaxing after editing or computer work all day. I use to paint all skulls and death metal stuff but now I have been catering to selling more pieces and doing smiley faced suns and kinda "cute" type lineups. These sell well and I do enjoy painting them. I gain inspiration from life, seeing my other friends and artists work and how they sell work. It becomes a job for sure but still super fun and constantly learning. I get a lot of inspiration from hanging out with Dibi and Herbie Fletcher. They are both amazing artists, always learning and enjoy doing and talking art. My family has always been creative so it just was always around it seems. My sisters and mom are just always doing arts and sewing and decorating and my brother was always drawing bad ass dungeon and dragons type shit as a kid which was very inspiring..
Best trip ever?
R: Every trip is the best trip ever as one is constantly learning about themselves and growing. If on a trip one scores epic waves or a lover you connected with or found yourself centered, opened yourself to a new experience out of your comfort zone, I feel that justifies a "best trip ever "nomination. Every wave is just beautiful and every trip one is progressing or learning. So I don't feel my "best trip ever" has happened yet. Where we off to next?
Do you have any pointers for the amateur photographer wanting to take it to the next level?
R: Surely as one must always help up and comers as I was blessed to be guided from some amazing photographers when I first was starting out. Do what ever you do in life with passion and do it 100%. No one else will believe in your work unless you do. I would suggest an internship with someone who's work or field you are interested. Assist on as many shoots as you can and also learn the business side of the work. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
He works closely with Planeta Surf which is Mexico's Premier surf magazine!
I was THRILLED to work with him and stoked on this portfolio.. Check out the link to see the photos from the interview.. Thanks Jan and Planeta Surf!!!
Planeta Surf Jon Steele Interveiw
Link: PORTFOLIO AND INTERVIEW
Hi Jon, it’s been a while since our last encounter. If I recall it was last summer in Puerto Escondido charging and shooting some insane pics. First of all, could you tell our friends of Planeta Surf where you grew up and how you got into photography?
R:
Aloha and its great to see ya again friend!! Puerto was good this past year and it was great to run into you and hang out again as well as surf! I grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas and started surfing around 12 years old there in the fickle and challenging conditions the Gulf produces. I was turned onto a camera while traveling Mexico around 17 years old with a girlfriend of mine at the time. Her father was a journalist from Laredo and after shooting a few big waves and lineups randomly, I was thrilled by the results and really turned on to the process.
When did you decide you wanted to become a professional photographer?
R: I was painting at the time and wanting to be a professional artist. Finding the camera could take a shot of the place I wanted to paint and produce the art later, I was pretty hooked. I wasn't that good at painting or drawing so I knew I had to figure the camera thing out so I wouldn't have to get a real job. jajajajaj
Who do you look up to (surfer, photographer, etc)?
R: I am blessed to have many colleagues that I call good friends and I learn a lot from them as they are the best and have been inspirations for years for me. Art Brewer, Jeff Flindt, Brian Nevins, Pete Hodgson, Vince Cavataio and so many others as well as just random shooters and big LA type fashion shooters. I'm always just ingesting magazines and reading photo credits always learning.
Surfer wise, another inspiration and good friend has always been Christian Fletcher, Wardo, Archy, Crimo and all the early air guys. Guys who kept surfing "Radical" and didn't care what others thought. Pushing the envelope and that carries over to tons of inspirational surfers nowadays. John Florence and Gabriel Medina who getting Pipe barrels to air and making that the norm! Variels and progressive surfing as well as Alex Knost and guys just approaching surfing different.
Where has your camera taken you?
R: When I actually stop and think about where the cameras I have owned have taken me its amazing. I have shot and scored epic waves in so many amazing places: Jamaica, Italy, Alaska, Indonesia, Fiji, China, Galapagos Islands, all of Central America, Hawaii and many many more as well as upcoming trips this year. It really has been a whirlwind and I'd like to make a book here soon and let the imagery speak for itself.
What difficulties have you encountered while shooting?
R: Difficulties could be chalked up as part of the trip and with out them it wouldn't be an adventure and everyone would be doing it for work. jajaj But on the road and in foreign unfamiliar countries there are always hiccups that arise. Missing flights, language barriers, inner group disagreements, sickness, injuries, rain and natural disasters these are all exciting life moments to experience when out of ones comfort zone of home. It makes traveler who they are and how they approach life. There have been flipped boats, broken vertebraes and teeth, overdoses and dehydrations, lost luggage, coup d'etats, etc. and none of it can be experienced behind a desk job. A life less ordinary.
How do you prepare for a photo trip?
R: "Have Camera, Will Travel" is my motto. jajaj I'm pretty much packed and ready at all times. I have been on the road for over a year now with renting rooms for only a few months at a time or on trips, couch surfing, staying at the Sector 9 team house etc. Everything else is in a storage unit in San Clemente and I just swap out gear and boards there depending on the upcoming trip. But yes, there is tons of preparation before a trip. Camera gear is always cleaned and inspected as well as the right clothing, wetsuits, vests, water and land gear. I've been doing this for so long, I'm ready to go on a moments notice. Depending on the location there are maps, weather charts, rental cars, plane tickets to be bought, talking to sponsors and outlets and tons more behind the scenes type work.
Do you get to surf on a photo trip, and how do you manage being behind the lens when you score the perfect day on an exotic location?
R: Some jobs like the recent one to China I wasn't allowed to surf but most of the time I can slip out for some water time. I have been living in the different countries for months at a time lately so in-between getting the shots, I can get my shred on as well. When the surf is the epic day you had hoped for, sometimes I don't get to score it and just have to shoot. The window of opportunity and the job itself is relying on it, so one must sacrifice in order to finish the job. When an image is created and the story is done, it's like you got to surf that day and it's very rewarding just the same. It's different shooting those days in water vs. land as swimming is more exercise and makes ya feel like you got your "tube" on that day so I would prefer that to land shooting. My favorites are shooting lineups as to immortalize that spot and how perfect it was that day to always look back and enjoy.
What type of equipment do you use?
R: At the moment I'm shooting with Canon 7D bodies which fit in my water housing as well as long lens land work and the bodies shoot video too. I have a few new GoPro's and a variety of lenses for various jobs and rent equipment when needed for larger jobs. I still have all my old film cameras and pop off rolls when the occasion is right.
Besides photography, I know you are quite an artist. Where did you get your inspiration in painting and how did you start?
R: Thanks and I'm truly thrilled to be recognized with my painting and art as well as my shooting and be able to combine them all. I mentioned earlier that I really doubted myself in college that I could produce art that people could connect with, enjoy and understand. So thanks. I get inspired for the need to make money for my next surf trip as well as its relaxing after editing or computer work all day. I use to paint all skulls and death metal stuff but now I have been catering to selling more pieces and doing smiley faced suns and kinda "cute" type lineups. These sell well and I do enjoy painting them. I gain inspiration from life, seeing my other friends and artists work and how they sell work. It becomes a job for sure but still super fun and constantly learning. I get a lot of inspiration from hanging out with Dibi and Herbie Fletcher. They are both amazing artists, always learning and enjoy doing and talking art. My family has always been creative so it just was always around it seems. My sisters and mom are just always doing arts and sewing and decorating and my brother was always drawing bad ass dungeon and dragons type shit as a kid which was very inspiring..
Best trip ever?
R: Every trip is the best trip ever as one is constantly learning about themselves and growing. If on a trip one scores epic waves or a lover you connected with or found yourself centered, opened yourself to a new experience out of your comfort zone, I feel that justifies a "best trip ever "nomination. Every wave is just beautiful and every trip one is progressing or learning. So I don't feel my "best trip ever" has happened yet. Where we off to next?
Do you have any pointers for the amateur photographer wanting to take it to the next level?
R: Surely as one must always help up and comers as I was blessed to be guided from some amazing photographers when I first was starting out. Do what ever you do in life with passion and do it 100%. No one else will believe in your work unless you do. I would suggest an internship with someone who's work or field you are interested. Assist on as many shoots as you can and also learn the business side of the work. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Galapagos
This is a shot from the Galapagos swimming at Sleeping Lion as Spotted Eagle Rays and sharks swim past me...
Super Blessed to have experienced this..
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Skate and Destroy
got to hang out with this skate guru legend humble amazing human.
Daewon Song giving me some pointers on a trick attempt and the difficulty of it!! ( stoked i got that trick under my belt shortly after this shot.
and a few high fives on my layback reverts 360! (never did it to 360) so we were both pretty psyched!!
watching Daewon skate in real life was a real life treat.. he is soo fast, smooth and his bag of tricks is limitless!!!!
Definetely a high point in my skate life..some one on one time with one of the best skaters in the world!! and humble to boot.. down to earth and super cool cat...
. super stoked...
then got an interview from my friend Matt Silva who's starting up his own zine and blog..
and even got some new Lakai kicks!!!
what a day!!!
Skateboarding is such a strong force in so many lives, so much so that tattoos are needed to express one's love for the skateboard.
Daewon's Tattoo
make sure and check out the latest interview from Mexico's Planeta Surf Magazine my buddy Jan did on me..
Link: PLANETA SURF MAGAZINE PORTFOLIO
Been working hard, and its really starting to show...
BLESSED!!!
hope y'all have waves!!
Daewon Song giving me some pointers on a trick attempt and the difficulty of it!! ( stoked i got that trick under my belt shortly after this shot.
watching Daewon skate in real life was a real life treat.. he is soo fast, smooth and his bag of tricks is limitless!!!!
Definetely a high point in my skate life..some one on one time with one of the best skaters in the world!! and humble to boot.. down to earth and super cool cat...
. super stoked...
then got an interview from my friend Matt Silva who's starting up his own zine and blog..
and even got some new Lakai kicks!!!
Skateboarding is such a strong force in so many lives, so much so that tattoos are needed to express one's love for the skateboard.
Daewon's Tattoo
make sure and check out the latest interview from Mexico's Planeta Surf Magazine my buddy Jan did on me..
Link: PLANETA SURF MAGAZINE PORTFOLIO
Been working hard, and its really starting to show...
BLESSED!!!
hope y'all have waves!!
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Spring Break
SPRING BREAK!!! time to strip outta those warm weather clothes and get to the beach!!
Winter is ending, LA is shaking with earthquakes and surf is pumping!!!
enjoy your week!
Winter is ending, LA is shaking with earthquakes and surf is pumping!!!
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Meet My Friend Kalani David
Meet my friend Kalani David.
Known this kid since he was like 8 or so hahah.
good surfer and skater...
here are a few shots from this winter on the North Shore.
Kalani spinning 180's all day long.
Can't wait to see what he does in bigger surf as he grows older.
Known this kid since he was like 8 or so hahah.
here are a few shots from this winter on the North Shore.
Kalani spinning 180's all day long.
Can't wait to see what he does in bigger surf as he grows older.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
San Diego
Epic day in San Diego..
Yes.. it was like old times, bloody marys , cruising to surf spots on bikes, pool side and sunshine.
life is good..
more of the same today.
Yes.. it was like old times, bloody marys , cruising to surf spots on bikes, pool side and sunshine.
life is good..
more of the same today.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Good Ol Days
Hahaha
so.. there has been NO surf ..
a bit but i have been in hard drive world catchin up on syncing all my work..
any who.. i come across amazing stuff from the past... its lovely..
good old times back in SB on the set of the first Death Weasel Films movies!!!!!
love this woman!!
so.. there has been NO surf ..
a bit but i have been in hard drive world catchin up on syncing all my work..
any who.. i come across amazing stuff from the past... its lovely..
good old times back in SB on the set of the first Death Weasel Films movies!!!!!
love this woman!!
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Italy
Skate Italy!!!!
Our trip to Italy was amazing!!!! we had such a good time, good waves and some skating a few days here and there..
Here is a fakie shuvit that i set up and Alek Parker pulled the trigger on..
good times...
Here is a fakie shuvit that i set up and Alek Parker pulled the trigger on..
good times...
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Teenagers From Mars
Teenagers From Mars
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Re: Jon Steele's "Teenagers From Mars" Skateboarding Art Show Reception
Date: April 5, 2014
Time: 7-10pm
Location:
Hand Plant Skate Shop
1025 Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, California
92651
Cost: Free event
Teenagers From Mars is Jon Steele's first time showing strictly skate derived art. Mr. Steele collaborates with Hand Plant skate shop in Laguna to bring 20 years of documenting skateboarding he has captured from around the globe. Jon Steele is a renaissance man, writer, artist, photographer, skater, surfer, wanderer and his past and present work has taken all over the world. China, Guatemala, New York, the Galapagos as well as many other spots and working with great and amazing athletes and talent. Its been non stop traveling, producing art and shooting photos and video closely with the Sector9 surf and skate team, XGames/ESPN site, surfing, skate and SUP magazines and websites as well as many more companies.
"I like the fact that skateboarding was an outlaw activity growing up as a kid and I'm blessed to have gone through that period in time of skating." says Steele "I think 'Teenagers from Mars' is a show that shows the fun and outlaw side of skateboarding and being different growing up then others." "I would have never thought that a piece of wood with some wheels on it would have taken me all over the world." recalls Jon. So make sure and stop in Hand Plant Skate Shop and visit with traveling skateboard artist/ photographer Jon Steele .The viewer can enjoy a complete different look and approach to skate photography and art.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Re: Jon Steele's "Teenagers From Mars" Skateboarding Art Show Reception
Date: April 5, 2014
Time: 7-10pm
Location:
Hand Plant Skate Shop
1025 Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, California
92651
Cost: Free event
Teenagers From Mars is Jon Steele's first time showing strictly skate derived art. Mr. Steele collaborates with Hand Plant skate shop in Laguna to bring 20 years of documenting skateboarding he has captured from around the globe. Jon Steele is a renaissance man, writer, artist, photographer, skater, surfer, wanderer and his past and present work has taken all over the world. China, Guatemala, New York, the Galapagos as well as many other spots and working with great and amazing athletes and talent. Its been non stop traveling, producing art and shooting photos and video closely with the Sector9 surf and skate team, XGames/ESPN site, surfing, skate and SUP magazines and websites as well as many more companies.
"I like the fact that skateboarding was an outlaw activity growing up as a kid and I'm blessed to have gone through that period in time of skating." says Steele "I think 'Teenagers from Mars' is a show that shows the fun and outlaw side of skateboarding and being different growing up then others." "I would have never thought that a piece of wood with some wheels on it would have taken me all over the world." recalls Jon. So make sure and stop in Hand Plant Skate Shop and visit with traveling skateboard artist/ photographer Jon Steele .The viewer can enjoy a complete different look and approach to skate photography and art.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay is a special place with amazing energy and beauty.
The shore break is nutz! (see blog post of Poopies) the jump rock is fun as all hell..
The waterfall is gorgeous and its pretty with and with out waves..
here is a day of waves at the Bay!
Man it sure is amazing
The shore break is nutz! (see blog post of Poopies) the jump rock is fun as all hell..
The waterfall is gorgeous and its pretty with and with out waves..
here is a day of waves at the Bay!
Man it sure is amazing
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Poopies
HAHAHAHA if you have watched any of Who is JOB video webisodes
then you are probably getting familiar with Poopies..
Poopies bombed the storm gutter and has been doin other crazy shit..
Here is a day when we were towing in at Waimea Shore break.
Poopies almost died... twice!!!
Marshall got after it too and had a blast.. Poopies is towing in the line with gut busting laughter as Marshall comes up short again. hahahahahha
then you are probably getting familiar with Poopies..
Poopies bombed the storm gutter and has been doin other crazy shit..
Here is a day when we were towing in at Waimea Shore break.
Poopies almost died... twice!!!
Marshall got after it too and had a blast.. Poopies is towing in the line with gut busting laughter as Marshall comes up short again. hahahahahha
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Mason Ho
Mason Ho is pretty much the man.
Free fall rail grab airs into the pit at Pipe.
Air guy and funny to boot..
always epic to watch and work with.
expect to see lots more from this gentleman in the future.
Free fall rail grab airs into the pit at Pipe.
always epic to watch and work with.
expect to see lots more from this gentleman in the future.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Misc. Hawaii
Missing Hawaii..
getting work done here.. but over the cold, polluted water..
Dax airs out..
Malia Rips the top off one.
and you have to take photos like these when you visit.
missing hawaii and my friends right now.
getting work done here.. but over the cold, polluted water..
Dax airs out..
missing hawaii and my friends right now.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Nat Young
Nat Young is ripping..
Somedays he doesn't look all that , but then some days he is on fire!
Got himself a good pipe wave this year..
A few backside turns on different waves.
A few frontside turns on more waves.
and just a pretty evening sequence..
enjoy your day.
Somedays he doesn't look all that , but then some days he is on fire!
Got himself a good pipe wave this year..
A few frontside turns on more waves.
and just a pretty evening sequence..
enjoy your day.
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