A seasoned portrait photographer, David Cortes has spent over fifteen years perfecting his craft. Originally from Southern California, he embarked on his career in the vibrant streets of Los Angeles before finding his way to the bustling metropolis of New York City. While he currently resides in Brooklyn, his love for the water continues to draw him back to the waves, seeking solace and connection in the art of surfing. Rockaway Beach has become his sanctuary, where he merges his passion for photography with the exhilaration of riding the waves.
Throughout his career, David has skillfully captured the spirit of people and their stories. While many assignments demand quick turnarounds, lasting mere minutes or days, a particular body of work has consumed his creative energy for the past five to six years. This collection has afforded him the invaluable gift of time – time to fully immerse himself in the unfolding narratives, delve deeper into the souls of his subjects, and artfully convey their unique stories through his lens.
David's photographs transcend mere images, windows into intimate moments that offer a glimpse into lives and experiences. With his discerning eye for detail and innate understanding of human emotion, he freezes genuine moments, capturing them for eternal contemplation.
"As I've gotten older," David reflects, "surfing has become more than a sport. It's a way for me to bond with people in what are sometimes extreme situations. You see who your real friends are in those places."
In this series, David embraces the challenge of pushing his boundaries, stepping outside his comfort zone, and capturing the dynamic surfing environment. Surfing, once an escape from the demands of everyday life, has now become a fusion of two passions. The satisfaction he derives no longer stems solely from the act of surfing or capturing the perfect photograph but from the ability to encapsulate the essence of surfing through photography.
Through his lens, David Cortes invites us to witness intimate narratives woven within each image. His work transports us to a world where passion and camaraderie collide. In an era where individualism often prevails, he reminds us of the power of human connection and the indomitable spirit that emerges when two passions intertwine.
As David rides the waves of his artistic journey, we eagerly anticipate the stories he has yet to unveil, the narratives waiting to be shared with the world. Through his photography, he challenges us to redefine our perceptions of beauty, connection, and the profound experiences within surfing.
