Dane Reynolds and Taj Burrow, surf check in California

Morgan Maassen, at 21, is Stab‘s youngest profiled shooter. And admittedly, one of our very favourites. But, who are his favourites? Kelly Slater, Craig Anderson, Ryan Callinan, Warren Smith, Sterling Spencer, Brandon Smith, Trevor Gordon and Travers Adler, actually. Morgan digs on the unknown: Places he’s never been before, photos of things he’s never seen before, taken in ways he’s never imagined. And, the unknown world: Massive thunderstorms, big cities, sand dunes. There’s a sense of mystery in all Morgan’s work – he always finds fluorescence under ominous clouds. But ask Morgs what gets his creative juices flowing and you’ll hear nothing about surfing: “Elliot Erwitt’s work of NYC between the 50′s and 70′s really captivates me,” he says. “As well as Werner Herzog films, Basquiat and Kandinsky art, and music.” And while surf photography’s a pleasure for Morgs, it ain’t what pays the bills: “The fashion and lifestyle campaigns are what kindly subsidize my foray into surf photography,” he says.

More photos from Morgan Maassen