12 Remarkable Images Pulled From John Respondek’s Taj, Dion, And Craig Books

(Ed Note: John Respondek is a character we’re fond of. He got his start as Taj Burrow’s righthand lensman, and since has hopped through generations of surfers moving the cultural needle in Australia. He’s worked with Stab since the early days. Spon possesses a special type of ride or die enthusiasm. He’s always excited and looking for new trips and projects; it’s that, plus his imagery (which speaks for itself) that’s kept him in this game for so long. We’re fans. If you’re liking what you see below, head here to order any of his Taj, Dion, Or Craig books. They’re 120 pages of tangible gold and a fine accouterment to any coffee table or bookshelf.) 

About five years ago I realised something as a surf photographer…

While I appreciated much of the success I received in published work, at times I was a little disappointed in what images were run, and how they were edited. So, I thought it would be fun to take control and whip up my own publications.

I also realised that I usually worked closely with a small selection of surfers, which has, in turn, resulted in a huge image archive of these guys. Most of this imagery, and the imagery in the books, had been laying dormant in old hard drives for years. I wanted to give them a chance to breath and see the light of day in some kind of tangible piece.

I also have a massive love for surf print, and with surf magazines dropping like flies… I wanted to do my part to keep the art form alive. That’s how the Craig, Taj, Dion and a soon-to-come Chippa books were born.