Photographer Profile: Scott A. Miller

Here’s something new that takes a better look at a photographer or artists’ work and give us an inside view of what inspires them to do what they do. I’ve done some one-off interviews with various talented people in the surf industry before and have interviewed artist Heather Brown, but moving forward I will try this will become a regular feature on the site. Our first of the series, is an exhibit of New Jersey photographer Scott A. Miller. Scott spends a lot of his time down at the beach shooting everything from sunrises to surfers to empty waves and he’s let us in to his world as a photographer.

Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a very down to earth, brutally honest, competitive and hardcore modern day pirate. I’m an adrenalin junkie. I grew up in NJ, moved to Florida then back to NJ. Screwed up my back and knee and it put an end to an over 25 year surf hobby for me but it just made me that much more determined in other ways.

How did you get started with photography?
I started photography in high school as a hobby and it just progressed over the years. When I was told I couldn’t surf anymore it was an outlet for me to get as close to surfing as I could. I get to live vicariously through surfers and also see it from a different perspective. There’s a lot of similarities whether you’re fighting for your right to ride waves or fighting for position to get the best shots. Surfers and surf photographers have to work close together for the best results all around.

Who or what inspires your photos?
I pretty much keep myself inspired, the colors, the swell, the sweet rides.. But there’s other surf photographers like Sean Davey and Daniel Russo that inspire me to work harder in this cut throat industry.

You’ve been taking photos of the sunrises pretty consistently nowadays. How did that start?
Sunrises are very special to me. I live 100 feet to the beach so I’m out every morning watching, the color, the warmth, the peacefulness, it’s all soul soothing to me, in a crazy world..

What is it about a sunrise that is so intriguing to you?
With each new sunrise there’s a new day for new beginnings and new opportunities in life. The sun gives me strength.

There are some amazing photos in your “Shore is Nice Here” gallery. How long did it take you to put together all these photos?
That album is just about 6 months of me picking my favorites of our true beach life. I’m a perfectionist so it’s really hard for me to pick photos for things like this, I’m my hardest critic..

Is there any one photo that stands out as your favorite from the set?
My favorite photo from the set is below, It was the day after Hurricane Earl was over. It’s the surfing riding a barrel, arm up grabbing spray, no matter who you are you can literally feel this guys stoke on that wave.

What’s the best way for people to view your photos or buy prints?
I have a blog set up at http://www.jerseyshoretog.com just for viewing some of my daily stuff but for buying my shots or discussing getting together for shoots professional or amateur people can go to my main website I offer photographs, merchandise and digital downloads.

What can we expect from you in the future?
I’d like to broaden my surf shots to different areas, Long Island, California and I’m hoping to go to Oahu’s North shore this year to photograph at Pipeline. I’d also like to broaden out and do some tornado chasing in the spring/summer out in the mid-west.

Anything else you’d like to tell the SURFBANG readers?
I’m also now shooting photos and videos, I’m available for private sessions, sponsorship work etc.. Just give me a holler and anything is possible.

I want to take this chance to say thanks to Scott for being a part of this and also to tell you to check out his websites: BBPhotography.net and JerseyShoreTog.com. If you’re on Facebook, make sure to also like his Facebook Page.

If you’re a photographer or artist and would like to be featured in a post like this, shoot me an email at jz [at] surfbang.com.

Related Posts

Hurricane Earl New Jersey

Photographer Profile: Greg Heine of Northeast Sessions

The New New Surf

Ryan Struck Photo Gallery Tonight in New Jersey