Legendary photographer Leroy Grannis, 93, has died. He was reportedly with his family in Hermosa Beach, California at the time.
In his years as a photographer Grannis delivered some of the most timeless surf (and skateboarding) images from a era when everything was fresh and new. He captured it all and lived well.
According to Surfine.com:
Grannis’ first published photos appeared in Reef Magazine in 1960. Other photographers were shooting from the water, but they were forced to return to land to reload. Grannis developed a rubber-lined box that enabled him to change film in the lineup. He spent the decade between California and Hawaii, capturing the best surfers in the world riding the best surf. He helped start Surfing Illustrated in 1962 and contributed to every other major surf publication of the time. By 1964, he worked exclusively with International Surfing, and it eventually dropped the “International” tag.
We are honored to have shared the ocean with him on many mornings. We think of the days we’d see him knee-paddle by on the outside, first south then north, making us believe that it was possible to enjoy the surf forever. We thank him for all he gave and the images he saved. Our thoughts are with his family. Rest in peace.
[Link: OCWeekly]
