Surf Fridays!

all photos © Jay Watson Photography

PineappleLuv was very impressed with some blog posts this week from a handsome and talented photographer by the name of Jay Watson. It's a gorgeous series depicting Northern California surfers during "Our Only Summer Swell". I decided to do this interview in person, over leftover Chinese food. And it was all business - there was no kissing or hand-holding.

Jay, what are some nicknames you have?

Juice, JDub, J-dawg. And my dad calls me Buck.

What are the best few songs you've heard in the past few days?

My Kingdom, Echo & the Bunnymen; Caribou, The Pixies; Shimmy Shimmy Ya, Old Dirty Bastard.

Why does classical music make you "hyper"?

Because it's associated with being soothing and because I don't like that style of music, it makes me want to break something.

What is your favorite iPhone app besides email? They're all tools. With the Wordpress app I can update my blog. I use SportsTap for NBA scores. Shazam is crazy technology. I can't believe it actually works.

What are some things you've always wanted to do that you've never done before?

- Ride a horse while shooting a gun
- Steal a car while shooting a gun out the side of a window while turning a corner with the wheels screeching
- A 24 hour solo mountain bike race
- I want to be sent to Japan for work
- And build a log cabin.

Do you have a favorite shot from your series this week?

Probably the overhead shot of the little grommet climbing down the cliff.

You are going to Oahu next week. What are you most excited about?

Waves.

What is your favorite meal that I cook?

That arugula rice dish or the chicken lime soup.

Most influential photographer that you've never met?

Robert Frank.

I was going to ask you what equipment you are using these days, but instead I want to hear something you talked about recently - about how "what" you are shooting with doesn't matter...

I hate how photographers get obsessed with the tools. Filmmakers and photographers are like that but other artists aren't. I don't like the purity of "Oh it's film or it's digital". They're just tools. I could go on, but it's almost as simple as that.

What is the most fun shoot you've ever been on?

Probably something for Garage Magazine. Maybe Bobby Green at the El Mirage Desert. Such a beautiful place, amazing light and car...

Do you have anything fun planned for your interviewer this weekend?

We have to pack!

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Thanks J-dawg. Currently you can catch Jay's work in the November issue of Inked Magazine - the Freddy Corbin feature.