A simple trip to La Costa Beach three years ago sparked a passion for Malibu resident Nathan Fagan.
“When I was 12, I went down to the beach and saw the beauty of the ocean and the waves,” Fagan explained. “I decided to get a little GoPro and start taking pictures.”
Three years later, the 15-year-old Malibu High School (MHS) sophomore is making a name for himself in the world of surf photography, becoming the youngest photographer ever to have work displayed at The G2 Gallery of nature and wildlife photography in Venice.
Fagan uses a Nikon d7200 and FDL water housing to capture photos of waves and surfers —in the water — a technique that requires athleticism as well as skills with a camera.
“I always have to be looking through the viewfinder and can’t see the waves in front of or behind me,” Fagan said. “All of the kicking and paddling in big waves and strong currents can get hard and a little scary.”
Training in the pool helps build up Fagan’s endurance in the surf line. He trains during two-hour training sessions with Westside Aquatics in Pacific Palisades four times per week.
Fagan said that, despite the difficulty that sometimes comes with getting a perfect shot, surf photography also brings him peace.
“About a year after I started taking photos, there was a nice, clear sunrise at Zuma Beach,” he said, while recalling one of his favorite shoots. “I was in the water all alone and it was peaceful and calm. I got some of my best photos that day.”
Nathan’s mother, Tova Fagan, said her son has been taking photos from a young age. “He was always the one taking pictures on the camera on family vacations and his photos were always taken from his perspective. I’ve seen how his hobby turned into a passion over the past few years.”
Well-known surf photographer Clark Little is one of Fagan’s artistic role models. Fagan had the chance to meet Little in Malibu, and Little encouraged him to continue pursuing his craft. “He told me to keep shooting,” Fagan said.
Fagan began earning money from his passion about a year ago, when he started selling his photos to raise money for new camera equipment.
“I bought my new camera and the housing, and I’ve been able to keep buying new lenses and accessories,” he said.
Casa Escobar and the Malibu Rip Curl store were among the first local businesses to display Fagan’s works. His photos have also been seen at the Abbot Kinney fair and local school events, and are sold by Tova at local trunk shows.
“I love when I sell my photos to people and they say how amazing they are and how they would never be able to see [the waves] like that,” he said. “I like to be able to show them the inside of waves. It’s rewarding when people say how cool it is to buy my photos.”
G2 is the first ever gallery to feature Fagan’s works. He is one of three artists whose works are on display as part of the Emerging VIII exhibit, which opened on Nov. 17 and will run through Jan. 3.
Fagan said being featured at G2 came as a complete surprise that was over a year in the making. “We submitted an application over a year ago, and they recently sent us an email and said we were in. It was very exciting”
Charity involvement is an outlet through which Fagan exercises his passion. He regularly volunteers by taking photos for the Walk on Water Organization — a charity that teaches special needs children to surf.
“I just wanted to take pictures to capture [the children’s] moments of happiness,” he said.
Tova said she is most proud of Nathan’s charity involvement. “He loves to help out, take photos and be a part of groups that help children through water therapy.”
Although he is just 15 years old, Fagan already has plans for the future that heavily involve his photography. He hopes to study photography or marine biology in college, in keeping with his interest in Malibu’s marine life.
“I want to be a photographer with National Geographic for my career or be my own boss and make my own hours,” he said. “My dream is to travel and take pictures of the world.”
“He is so dedicated,” Tova said. “It has been great to watch him grow as an artist and a philanthropist.”
To view more of Fagan’s photos, visit The G2 Gallery in Venice or nathanfaganphotography.com.
