Photolyfe: Brian Bielmann

Welcome to PhotoLyfe, in which Stab’s favourite photographers answer questions about themselves with their own images. It’s that old picture-tells-a-thousand-words chestnut but with more colour and pop. It’s a way to cut out all the bullshit. It’s like jacking into the main vein of those who supply us with exquisite surf imagery every day. Give thanks by studying each image with a more careful eye than ever!

Today we have the absolute pleasure of a man you might call Hawaiian surf photog royalty – Mr Brian Bielmann. Brian recently relaunched his new online portal, and while discussing just that, it transpired that he’d combed through his extensive archives to curate the the new site’s content. So, we had to jump in and request he scoop a few gems for the visual stream you see below. This is a man who’s had 154 print covers, with more to come (all of which you can see on his new site). He’s been at the top of the game through a career that started with film shooting and seamlessly adapted when the digi wave hit. Last year Brian was asked to light up the stage for the TED talks. If y’know about TED you’ll know how prestigious this is. Steve Jobs (Apple), Tony Robbins (motivation), Bill Clinton (ex-prez), Jane Goodall (monkey gal) and Bill Gates (unusable software) are all former speakers. And, Brian? He lit up better than anyone. The comic timing! The familiar tone! Brian does charm better than anyone. Ladies and gents, welcome to the PhotoLyfe of Brian Bielmann…

1. Describe yourself

2. Where are you from?

3. What got you into photography?

4. Where do you wish you were right now?

5. What inspires you?

6. Who’s your favourite person to photograph?

7. What makes the best photograph?

8. What’s your favourite weapon?

9. Describe your mood right now.

10. What else should we know about you?