The Surfing Heritage and Culture Center (SHACC) is excited to announce the return of the Follow the Light (FTL) grant program for aspiring surf photographers.
Shortly after legendary surf photographer and 30-year photo editor of SURFING Magazine Larry “Flame” Moore’s passing in October 2005, a group of friends and family formed the “Follow the Light” Foundation to ensure that Flame’s legacy of passionately supporting up-and-coming surf photographers continued. Originally running from 2006 to 2015, FTL has been a catalyst for the careers of modern masters such as Chris Burkard, Todd Glaser, Ray Collins and Morgan Maassen.
“It’s an incredible honor for SHACC to be bringing back Follow the Light” said FTL committee chair Don Meek. “Flame was responsible for launching so many careers and supporting so many talented young photographers. We’re beyond stoked to continue his legacy.”
Recognizing that the arena in which surf photographers work today has changed dramatically since Flame was at the helm of Surfing Magazine, the FTL committee has rededicated itself to helping up-and-coming lensmen and women get their start in the business and develop the tools and relationships necessary to take their careers to the next level.
“It’s not easy to be a surf photographer today, but it’s vitally important to the sport and culture that it continues to be documented and celebrated through photography,” said Shawn Parkin, photo editor of The Surfer’s Journal, and former Follow the Light grant winner. “It’s exciting to see Follow the Light come back as a platform for young photographers to showcase their work and be recognized for it.”
“It’s so special to see FTL come back this way” said Celeste Moureaux, Flame’s sister and one of the founders of FTL. “The amount of love and positive energy we’re feeling is incredible and I know it really would have touched Larry to see all of the passion for keeping his vision going. He loved fostering talent and it’s so great to see his legacy alive and well.”
In keeping with the tradition of FTL, the grant winner will receive a minimum $5,000 award and a working opportunity with supporting brand sponsors. The global competition is open to anyone under the age of 25, with the winner selected from a pool of five finalists.
The entry window will open on April 1, 2019, with the submission deadline of May 31, 2019. The FTL event and awards ceremony will be held September 12, 2019 at the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point.
Entry information, website, program details, including selection criteria and submission process to come.
About Follow the Light: Shortly after legendary surf photographer and 30-year photo editor of SURFING Magazine Larry “Flame” Moore’s passing in October 2005 a group of friends and family formed the “Follow the Light” Foundation to ensure that Flame’s legacy of passionately supporting up-and-coming surf photographers continued. FTL dedicated itself to honoring this next generation through an annual grant program that also included an awards presentation ceremony highlighting the work of each of the five finalists. Running from 2006 to 2015, “FTL” brought together our community of surf media and industry professionals, athletes and friends to recognize each year’s winner. Past honorees include some of today’s most important and talented photographers.
