During the 2019-2020 Women's World Surf League season, I served as DP and editor for a 20-minute short film profiling the top three American female surfers as they competed for two olympic spots in the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Locations /

Production took place on the Hawaiian islands of Maui and Oahu, as well as the coasts of both southern and central California.

Equipment /

Sony FS7 mark ii Super-35mm Cinema Body

Sigma Cine Zoom set

Canon 100-500mm with 2x adapter

Scope /

Serving as DP, we conducted three interviews on-location at Lakey, Caroline, and Carissa's homes. I lighted and audio-operated each of the three interviews to preserve intimacy and privacy.

Production also brought us to the World Surf League Lululemon Maui Pro World Title championship, where I was tasked with keeping cameras rolling on all three surfers as they competed in the most important event of the season, and for the world title. I was able to build trust with the athletes and provide glimpses into their daily life, even during an incredibly high-intensity week, which cumulated in capturing an intimate moment in the locker room with Carissa Moore as she clinched the World Title, the 5th title of her career.

Delivery /

In addition to the 20-minute documentary short that was published by Marie Claire in partnership with Newsy, I also photographed Carissa, Caroline, and Lakey throughout production. Ultimately, the portraits I made over the course of 6 months were published in Marie Claire's Summer 2020 print magazine and shared online.

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Ropes In Brown Hands / NEWSY