bio
| Bio |
| Hank is one of the surf industry’s leading photographers. After countless covers on books and magazines around the globe Hank is still out in the water every day. Like a fingerprint Hanks work is unique to him and his style and it comes through in his work. He learned early from his mentor Flame, to compose each shot and get the light in the wave. Hanks work is by no means random but a true moment in time. Another aspect that sets Hank apart from other photogs is that Hank himself is a soul surfer. Hank lives in Haleiwa, on the North Shore of Oahu, home to world famous Pipeline. When not shooting he’s still in the water surfing himself. Through his surfing he understands the waves and the surfer which gives him an edge over other photogs. In addition, he has personal and direct relationships with the pro and soul surfers in the industry. Understanding the surfer on the wave and his relationship with them is key to getting the shot. Hank Foto was born in Newport Beach, California, home to some of the best surf waves. He was raised in a household of 4 young boys. You could say he started developing his edgy personality then. Growing up in Laguna Hills the boys spent as much of their time as they could at Salt Creek. At 13, he started developing a friendship with a young photographer Larry “Flame” Moore, editor and staff photographer of a magazine called Surfing. A young Flame was a daily staple at Salt Creek shooting photos. Hank was an avid surfer and quickly learned through Flame that he wanted to surf and shoot photographs. As their friendship developed Flame took Hank under his wings and over the course of time he became a strong mentor to Hank. Hanks respect for Flame runs deep, his influence on Hanks life is evidenced on many levels besides photography. Through Flame’s tutelage he published his first photograph in the magazine in 1985, and contributes to this day. |
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