First Descents | Santa Cruz Adventure & Surf Photography

Santa Cruz, California | Surfing, Adventure & Community

For the past three years, I've had the pleasure of returning to Santa Cruz, California, to work with First Descents, documenting unforgettable surfing adventures, meaningful connections, and the incredible sense of community that brings participants together.

Set against the beautiful California coastline, these multi-day programs offer a unique combination of outdoor adventure, personal growth, and shared experiences.

As a photographer and visual storyteller, my role has been to capture the entire journey, from the excitement of catching waves and learning new skills to the laughter, friendships, and quiet moments that make each experience so meaningful.

Through a combination of professional photography, video, and aerial drone footage, I've documented these adventures from multiple perspectives, capturing not only the participants and their experiences but also the breathtaking coastal landscapes that make Santa Cruz such a special destination.

Each year brings new faces, new stories, and unforgettable moments. My goal is to preserve the energy, emotions, and spirit of these experiences through authentic visual storytelling.

Planning a Retreat, Group Adventure, or Destination Experience?

Whether you're organizing a surfing adventure, a corporate retreat, or an international group journey, I'd love the opportunity to be part of your experience, capturing the moments, connections, and adventures that make it unforgettable.

EXPLORE RETREAT & GROUP TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY
Two women are sitting on surfboards in the water, smiling and posing for the camera. They are wearing black wetsuits and sunglasses, and they appear to be enjoying a sunny day at the beach.
Group of people standing on the beach with ocean and large rock formation in the background, smiling and wearing casual summer clothes and sunglasses.
People paddleboarding on calm green water, seen from above.
A group of nine people jumping on a sandy beach with houses and palm trees in the background under a clear blue sky.
Seaweed floating in clear, greenish water.
A scenic coastal view with a group of people paddleboarding on calm ocean waters near a rocky cliff with trees and a house, under a clear sky.
A person in a black wetsuit on a blue stand-up paddleboard in a green body of water, viewed from above, with water splashing around.
A pelican flying against a clear blue sky.
A large group of diverse people, including children and adults, gathered on a sandy beach for a photo. They are smiling, waving, and showing enthusiasm, with some wearing hats and sunglasses. Surfboards and beach equipment are visible, with cliffs an
People on the beach with surfboards, preparing to enter the water with waves and a distant landmass or mountain in the background.
Female surfer standing barefoot on the beach, smiling, giving a shaka sign, next to a blue and white surfboard.
A woman wearing sunglasses, a floral cap, a denim jacket, and light-colored pants stands on a sandy beach, smiling and shielding her eyes with her hand. She is next to a stack of blue and white surfboards stored on the sand. In the background, there
Group of diverse people serving food at a buffet table during a gathering or event.
Two women sitting on a large fallen tree trunk in a forest, both wearing backpacks and white caps, smiling at the camera. Tall trees and green foliage surround them.
Person mixing shredded cabbage and purple cabbage in a metal bowl for a salad.
Multiple hands forming a circle, displaying various tattoos on wrists and forearms, with a table and miscellaneous items in the background.
A outdoor setting with white tipi tents set up among trees on a sunny day, with wooden chairs and potted plants in the foreground.
A woman with a wide smile, dressed in a black shirt, white open button-up shirt, denim shorts, and black sneakers, standing on a narrow, rocky, crevice with large rock formations on both sides, surrounded by green trees in a forest setting.
Two women sitting on a white couch, one with curly hair and sunglasses making a peace sign, the other with straight hair with a pink beanie and sunglasses, leaning against each other. There are various clothes and items on the couch and a wooden tabl
A group of people walking along a trail through a foggy, wooded landscape with various trees and shrubbery.
A woman with short hair and glasses smiling while holding a coffee mug labeled 'Torta' sitting at a table outside during daytime, with another woman in purple shirt visible in the background.
Group of people sitting around a fire pit outdoors at night, holding marshmallows on sticks.
A person grilling head of lettuce and vegetables on an outdoor barbecue grill.
Two women are preparing a meal in a modern kitchen. One woman is placing food on a plate, wearing a beige apron and a hat, while the other woman is standing near the sink, looking at the food. The kitchen counter is filled with fresh vegetables, cook
Group of people in wetsuits carrying surfboards on a sandy beach with palm trees and residential buildings in the background.
A sailboat with a group of people on board sailing in the ocean, while several people on paddleboards and kayaks are in the water nearby.
Coastal scene with rocks in the foreground, ocean waves, and houses with trees and palm trees on the cliffside under a clear sky.
People paddleboarding on the ocean near the shoreline on a sunny day with a cloudy sky.