Surf photographer Daniel Russo captures the awesome power of shore breaks

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.