KERBY BROWN
Thanks for taking the time to chat, you’ve got your first solo show coming up on the 14th, have you what has the reaction been like from your peers in the surfing world?
Yeah good. Everyone has been really supportive of it and sounds like they are genuinely happy for me. I've had people tell me on various occasion over the years that I should do an exhibition of my work so it's cool it's finally happening.
Yeah good. Everyone has been really supportive of it and sounds like they are genuinely happy for me. I've had people tell me on various occasion over the years that I should do an exhibition of my work so it's cool it's finally happening.
What was it like growing up in the north west? I can imagine that’s where your love affair with surfing, the ocean and exploring started?
Yeah It's an amazing place to grow up and live. Your whole life is based in and around the ocean. Its such a unique piece of coastline. Lots of adventures and ocean activities thats for sure.
And then the photography, did that start up there? The colours and light, oh and course the waves... in the north west are one of a kind, not a bad place to pick up a camera!
Yeah exactly. It really is such a photogenic place. From the colour of the ocean being so blue with the contrast of the red rocky landscape and the amazing golden light you get so consistently early mornings and late afternoons. Its hard not to want to photograph it. Before Go Pros were around I wanted to photograph what I saw from inside the barrel so I purchased a DSLR rig to hold in the barrel with me. I soon realised that there was a lot more to photography than just that so I started shooting all kinds of stuff. I was hooked.
What was it like seeing your first image published in a magazine alongside some names that you’ve worked with in front of the lens or looked up to?
Ahhhh yeah It was kind of weird initially as I was usually the one being photographed so when I started shooting and my photos started to get published It was cool for me to have my shots in the mix with the other guys . I don't know how the other photographers felt about it though ha ha.
Who are the guys pushing the limits with shooting the ocean?
In terms of putting there own safety on the line guys like Russel Ord will swim in really heavy situations to get the shot , where most guys will shoot from the safety of the ski. I respect the guys that are willing to get completely smashed to get a shot. In terms of photography styles I personally like the works of guys like Ray Collins with his stunning , moody, seascapes. I also like the more abstract ocean imagery. It's cool to see different peoples approaches to shooting the ocean.
Ahhhh yeah It was kind of weird initially as I was usually the one being photographed so when I started shooting and my photos started to get published It was cool for me to have my shots in the mix with the other guys . I don't know how the other photographers felt about it though ha ha.
Who are the guys pushing the limits with shooting the ocean?
In terms of putting there own safety on the line guys like Russel Ord will swim in really heavy situations to get the shot , where most guys will shoot from the safety of the ski. I respect the guys that are willing to get completely smashed to get a shot. In terms of photography styles I personally like the works of guys like Ray Collins with his stunning , moody, seascapes. I also like the more abstract ocean imagery. It's cool to see different peoples approaches to shooting the ocean.
And what are some photographers whose work you admire outside of the ocean and surfing?
Jason Reposar is a guy I've always looked up to. He shoots surfing too among other things, he does killer portraits, music, fashion & women. He's got a really cool, unique edgy style. I dig it. I also love all the old work by Helmut Newton his style & eye was incredible. I love black and White photography and get inspired by many different people from all walks of life.
Jason Reposar is a guy I've always looked up to. He shoots surfing too among other things, he does killer portraits, music, fashion & women. He's got a really cool, unique edgy style. I dig it. I also love all the old work by Helmut Newton his style & eye was incredible. I love black and White photography and get inspired by many different people from all walks of life.
I can’t help but notice the Emu Export can getting tubed in a bunch of your photos on Instagram, is that the beer of choice for the Kalbarri boys? (Better hope so!)
Yes indeed, You can't go past a red can in the deseret... Its our go to 100%
El Grotto is will be hosting the show, can you sum it up for those crew who haven’t been down to check it out?
The boys have absolutely nailed it with a killer Tequila bar on the beach always bringing the good vibes, friendly staff, live music and the tastiest beverages going around. I'm stoked El Grotto have given me the chance to do the exhibition there, you can guarantee we will all be there having a hell time! Come down and join us.
Yes indeed, You can't go past a red can in the deseret... Its our go to 100%
El Grotto is will be hosting the show, can you sum it up for those crew who haven’t been down to check it out?
The boys have absolutely nailed it with a killer Tequila bar on the beach always bringing the good vibes, friendly staff, live music and the tastiest beverages going around. I'm stoked El Grotto have given me the chance to do the exhibition there, you can guarantee we will all be there having a hell time! Come down and join us.