A Photo Essay by Aaron Chang

July 31, 2008

Aaron Chang is a legendary name in the sport of surfing and the craft of photography. With over 100 magazine covers to his credit, Aaron’s work has appeared in a multitude of publications in many genres— from sports, to rock and roll, to fashion. Aaron continues to pioneer the intersection of stunning photographic imagery and evocative clothing design in his apparel company aptly named Aaron Chang. Aaron also maintains a thriving commercial and artistic photography business. This summer Aaron will open a gallery in Solana Beach, California.

For more information on Aaron and his work go to aaronchanggallery.com.

As a professional photographer for the past thirty odd years, I have spent most of my days looking. It is, perhaps simplistically, one of the most important things I do. You can’t shoot what you don’t see and you can’t see what you aren’t looking for. It takes more than vision to make a great photograph; but a great photograph can rarely be made without seeing something new and different—or seeing something ordinary in a new and different way.

For years God presented Himself in the places and people that came into the path of my eye. For years I saw God, but didn’t realize what I was looking at. Now that I see Him, I hope to convey through my images a sense of wonder with the amazing architecture of life. It’s my hope that the images I create inspire viewers to appreciate what surrounds them.

The images in this journal are entirely comprised of what is currently hanging on the walls of my home. They are images that I enjoy and that I have captured throughout my travels. From my home surf break in Del Mar, California to the south island of New Zealand these photos reflect, in a small way, the breadth and scope of my career. When I view this group of photos I give thanks for the incredible experiences I have been privileged to witness and to the glory of God.