2008 Follow The Light Foundation Finalists Announced

Well, the judges have deliberated, and they think they have a winner. Follow the Light Foundation, formed in the honor of the late photo legend Larry “Flame” Moore, is set to choose the third recipient of its $5,000 grant dedicated to the art of surf photography.

Each year since Moore’s passing in 2005, the foundation has called on all aspiring young photographers to submit their best work and put together a proposal on what they’d do with the money. In years past, winners Chris Burkard (now at Surfline) and Matt Clark (New York-based photographer) have proposed book and film projects. This year, the judging panel – consisting of SURFING Photo Editor Peter Taras, Sam Olson, Aaron Chang, Tom Servais, Surfer’s Journal Photo Editor Jeff Divine, Steve Wilkings and others – considered more than 60 entries and thousands of images.

When it was all viewed and done, they narrowed it down to the following five finalists and picked a winner. Here are the finalists, in alphabetical order, and why – according to Peter Taras – they impressed the judges:

Ryan Craig, Santa Cruz
Strengths: “Ryan Craig has a great usage of light. In particular, one of his photos from the Hook in Santa Cruz. He also probably has the strongest composition out of everyone.”

Todd Glaser, San Diego
Strengths: “Glaser’s strength is pure well-roundedness. He can do it all and thinks about it all on a particular trip. How am I going to capture the lifestyle, the lineups, the water shots, the mood?”

Zak Noyle, Hawaii
Strengths: “Zak had one of the strongest essays – what he would be doing with the grant money. He also has a shot of a Teahupo’o barrel – side angle and black and white – that really stood out. Intimate, up-close big-wave photography.”

Shawn Parkin, San Clemente
Strengths: “Shawn Parkin’s strengths were capturing heavily photographed waves in an all-new style. Some very unique angles of Trestles.”

Pat Ruddy, Florida
“Ruddy’s moody photography is really strong. They had the strongest ‘feel’ overall.”

The winner will be announced on October 16, 2008 at the Surfing Heritage Foundation.

Prices for reservations before Oct. 10th $45.00 each, $450 for a table of 10. After the 10th, tickets go up to $55.00 each.The event is expected to sell out

Please send name, address, phone number and e-mail address to:
Follow the Light Foundation
23 Terraza Del Mar
Dana Point, Ca.
92629
Make checks payable to "Follow the Light Foundation"

Special Thanks to Surfing Heritage Foundation for graciously hosting this event and to the Photo Committee for their time in selection of the finalists.

Reader Comments

Posted Thu Oct 9, 2008, 11:09 PM — By Kyle Buthman

Yeah Ryan! Good luck bud...

Posted Fri Oct10, 2008, 2:04 PM — By Tyler Fox

Ryan "CHACHI" Craig! Great job and best of luck!

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