Surf photographer Daniel Russo captures the awesome power of… | Huck

Sign up to our newsletter and become a Club Huck member.

Stay informed with the cutting edge of sport, music and counterculture

Surf photographer Daniel Russo captures the awesome power of shore breaks

Calm like a bomb — Daniel Russo’s incredible shore break photos reveal the mysterious power of the ocean.

Photographer Daniel Russo has swum in some of the world’s most powerful waves to capture surfing’s A-listers like Nathan Fletcher or Joel Tudor destroying Puerto Escondio, Pipeline, and Cloudbreak.

Hawaii-born Russo is the only photographer to have the cover of Surfer, Surfing, and Transworld – all in one month.

When he looked back towards the beach after the action had passed him by and focussed his lens on the waves exploding against the shore, he discovered how to capture the awesome power and the mysterious beauty of the ocean.

In this edit for California eyewear brand SALT Optics, Daniel explains his relationship with the sea and the story behind this incredible series of photos.


You might like

Activism

Queer resistance & sun-soaked solidarity at the world’s largest trans pride march

Our Future, Our Fight — Over the weekend, over 150,000 people marched at the London Trans+ Pride, with the parade ending at Trafalgar Square for the first time in history.

Written by: Ella Glossop

© 2026 A. B. Bell
Culture

In photos: Black Texas life since emancipation

Kinship & Community — A new photobook and exhibition showcases the rich culture, history and community of African American folks in the Lone Star State, whose existence in the region predates colonial Britain.

Written by: Miss Rosen

Culture

Youthful joy & end-of-era poignancy at a London school prom

Leavers — For several years, Lewis Khan documented young people as they celebrated the last of their school days and the completion of their exams. The series is now collated in a new self-published photobook and short film.

Written by: Zoe Whitfield

Culture

Harry Gruyaert’s vintage, kaleidoscopic scenes of New York

A Sense of Place — For 50 years, the Belgian photographer and Magnum Photos member has been capturing NYC’s colourful chaos. A new photobook and exhibition showcase his unique, technicolour view of the city.

Written by: Miss Rosen

Sport

In the pit at one of the UK’s last stock car & banger speedways

Stock Car Racing Isn’t Dead — Photographer Liam McCarthy spent time in and around the Arlington Raceway’s circuit, capturing the diehard community that keeps the sport alive.

Written by: Isaac Muk

Culture

Inside Lower Duck Pond, the nicest town on the internet

/r/HaveWeMet — With a population of 2,500 and no fixed location, the subreddit is a space for roleplaying citizens to solve mysteries, host fictional events and ultimately connect. In an internet that’s often divided and toxic, Vicky Jessop hangs out in one of its most wholesome corners.

Written by: Vicky Jessop

You've read articles this month Thanks for reading

Join Club Huck — it's free!

Valued Huck reader, thank you for engaging with our journalism and taking an interest in our dispatches from the sharp edge of culture, sport, music and rebellion.

We want to offer you the chance to join Club Huck [it's free!] where you will receive exclusive newsletters, including personal takes on the state of pop culture and media from columnist Emma Garland, culture recommendations, interviews and dispatches straight to your inbox.

You'll also get priority access to Huck events, merch discounts, and more fun surprises.

Already part of the club? Enter your email above and we'll get you logged in.