What inspires me are the endless arrival of waves to our beautiful coastline and occassionally catching a perfect peeler, equally exciting either with my surfboard or my camera. Not to sound too esoteric, but when you consider the cosmic origin (our sun) of the surf and the way the ocean transforms that energy into beautiful waves that we can ride — well, as surfers have always realized: we are the luckiest of humans. (Right up there with the dolphins.)

True spirit of aloha also inspires leefoto, as do the smiles of pretty wahine.

“As a surf photographer, shooting in Kona has several advantages: the light (capturing brilliant color with full saturation starts with the early-morning sun’s rays pouring down the mountains and over my shoulder), the color (blue skies plus crystal-clear water plus white sand equal ocean waves washed in an alluring palette of tropical shades), the waves (seeing the surf depicted in my Magic Sands books make it obvious that we are blessed with world-class waves), and the people (expert wave-riders make a photographer’s job easy, and the smiles of aloha on everyone’s face in the books show how much we all love being here.)

Anna, who splits her time between Kona and Toronto:
“I’ve bought seven of Lee’s Magic Sands books because they make such perfect gifts for my family and friends who have heard so much from me about this fantastic beach. With these beautiful books, now they can all see that what I’ve been telling them is so true.”

Alana and David, Taos, New Mexico:
David: “We’ve got two each of all of leefoto’s books – copies for the coffee table back home and for the condo here in Kona where we spend a couple months every year. If you love the Big Island (and especially Magic Sands Beach) the way we do, well, we just had to have these books, both to share with friends and to remember this special place when we’re not here.”

TO SHOP ~ CLICK HERE (opens a new window)

leeofoto also maintains a wavesite on the web where locals and visitors can purchase prints, posters and digital downloads of all the beachside action.