Jeff Hornbaker
Jeff Hornbaker, born in 1955 in Pomona, California, is a visionary surf photographer, cinematographer, director, and visual artist whose work has profoundly shaped surf culture since the late 1970s. Starting his photography journey in 1976 while studying marine biology at the University of Hawaii, Hornbaker quickly transitioned to capturing the ocean's beauty through his lens after buying his first camera.
His early images appeared in Surfer magazine in 1975, marking the beginning of a career that would span decades of global travel and iconic imagery. Known for his quiet, adaptable, and peripatetic style, Hornbaker developed an unparalleled eye for beauty, blending technical precision with an artistic sensibility that elevated surfing photography to new heights. In the 1980s and 1990s, Hornbaker emerged as one of the premier surf photographers, contributing stunning covers, features, and advertisements to major publications like Surfer magazine.
Visonary
He became particularly renowned for his long-term collaborations with Quiksilver and Roxy, during which he helped define the visual identities of these leading surf brands for over two decades.
His campaigns captured the essence of surf lifestyle—graceful turns, powerful barrels, and the serene magic of the ocean—often featuring top athletes in remote, exotic locations. Hornbaker's images, including underwater masterpieces and high-performance action shots, appeared in countless ads, editorials, and events such as the Roxy Jam in Biarritz, solidifying his status as a master at capturing the ocean's allure and the spirit of progressive surfing.
Hornbaker's talents extended into filmmaking, where he directed and co-directed several standout surf movies that highlighted innovative performances and exotic wave-hunting adventures. Notable works include Strange Desires (featuring Martin Potter), The Hole (1996, co-directed with Don King, showcasing exclusive footage of one of the world's best left-hand breaks), and No Destination (1998, also with Don King, following surfers like Kelly Slater, Taylor Knox, and Ross Williams on a transformative odyssey). These films, celebrated for their cinematic quality and focus on progressive surfing, are now remastered and streaming on Nalu TV, allowing new generations to experience his unique storytelling through motion. Hornbaker's contributions as a cinematographer also appear in projects like Water Man (2008) and others, blending his photographic artistry with dynamic video.
Legendary surf photographer
Hornbaker's global pursuits have taken him to legendary surf destinations across the planet, from Hawaii's North Shore (including Pipeline and Backdoor) to Indonesia's G-Land and beyond. His travels for Quiksilver, Roxy, and independent projects captured not just waves but the cultural and natural beauty of places like Tahiti, California, and remote Indo breaks. Renowned for his ability to shoot in challenging conditions—whether from the lineup, underwater, or aerial perspectives. Hornbaker's work often emphasized the harmony between surfer and sea, producing timeless images that continue to inspire.
Jeff Hornbaker's legacy endures as a cornerstone of modern surf imagery, with his photographs and films preserving the golden eras of the 1990s and 2000s. Through his work with Quiksilver and Roxy, he helped brand surf culture worldwide, while his movies on Nalu TV keep his vision alive. Still active as a visual artist, Hornbaker's eye for genuine, distinct beauty remains influential, mentoring emerging talents and continuing to create art that celebrates the ocean's endless grace. His archive stands as a testament to a career dedicated to capturing the soul of surfing.
Founder: Third Eye Aquatic and Surf Goggles