An Interview With Lance Smith

1. So some Europeans may not know who Lance Smith is, so spills the beans who are you and what do you do?

Lance Smith is a local freelance photographer living in Carlsbad, Ca. I was born in Santa Monica, Ca and moved down to North San Diego county in 1972. I've been shooting skateboarding, surfing, baseball, football, weddings, band shots ever since.

2. You take some good action close up of surfers and have a very
destinctive style, how did you learn that and what advice can you give to
our budding readers who want to get a piece of the action on the
photographic scene?

One thing that really helps is to actually do the sport that you are shooting. Being a surfer/photographer helps me to know when the right time is to get the shot. Another essential factor is proper equipment. For surfing, a large AF telephoto of at least 600mm is necessary. If your just starting out I would suggest looking for a used AF telephoto and body, as the new stuff is very expensive. The more you shoot, the more you learn. Keep an open mind and look for unusual angles.

3. Who do you most enjoy taking shots of Pros or just local kids on the
beach?

Thats a tought question. I really enjoy shooting the pros, just because there sooo good. You can always count on some kind of radical move. On the other hand, the local kids have so much energy, and there so willing to go the extra mile for you to get the shot.

4. Talk us through a standard morning of Lance Smith, You wake up then
what, don't forget the details, our readers like to know what you eat, what
you do to the detail, strange question but fun to answer?

Yes, I wake up. I try to start everday with waking up. Breakfast is usually a protein shake, or some kind of protein like eggwhites, or just leftover meat. Go for a 2 mile walk with my wife Claudia, then come back an work out with weights for 30 min. or so. Get online and check my emails and the surfcheck sites. Jam down to the beach to shoot or surf. I'll then come back home and take care of the real world details.

5. What is the best wave in your opinion around the San Deigo region?

Man, there are so many good waves. In the winter, Swami's is one of the best. A great right point that holds a large swell. Sunset Cliffs is also great. Summer time, the La Jolla area is very good with WindandSea being a standout. I like the beach breaks in Carlsbad and Oceanside, and the Oceanside peir and harbor.

6. Does any of your family surf?

Nope, just me.

7. Whats your opinion on the polution and damage along the west coast of
the US of A?

It's a real problem. More people, more sewage, more spills. South San Diego county is right next to Mexico, which is a real polluter. After a rain we can't surf anywhere near a storm drain because of the polluted run off. It's a shame such a beautiful area and become ugly with pollution. Theres no magic cure for it, just be aware of your environment and do your best to keep to keep things clean.

8. OK, Lance this is the real big question, what is your favourite
restaurant and meal? where is it located?

KoKo Beach in Carlsbad, Ca. is one of my favorites, nothing fancy, but good, cheap food and drinks.

9. Where have you travelled to?

Hawaii, Mexico, East coast, Alaska.

10. Finally? all you southern californian drive open top cars and look
cool, what do you drive? just to make us jealous....

Well, I don't drive a rag top (convertable) and not very many of my friends do either. There are a ton of SUV's in southern California, and thats what I drive, it's a 2000 Ford Explorer Sport.