Jason Reposar is a pioneering surf photographer from Liverpool who transformed the industry by shooting from within the waves. Now based in Bali, he’s expanded into fashion and music photography, working with major brands and artists worldwide including Metallica and Queens of the Stone Age.
- What You’ll Learn
- From Liverpool Streets to California Waves
- The Birth of a Revolutionary Photographer
- Ten Years at Transworld Surf Magazine
- Moving to Bali: A New Beginning
- Expanding Beyond Surf Photography
- Current Work and Creative Philosophy
- Jason Reposar’s Impact on Surf Photography
- Key Career Moments
- Lessons from Jason’s Career
- FAQs About Jason Reposar
- The Man Behind the Camera
- What’s Next for Jason Reposar
- Finding Jason Reposar’s Work
You rarely see a photographer willing to jump into dangerous waters with expensive equipment. But that’s exactly what made Jason Reposar stand out from everyone else. When other photographers stayed safely on the beach, he grabbed his camera and paddled into the lineup.
His story is about more than just taking photos. It’s about a Liverpool kid who found his purpose thousands of miles from home and changed how we see surf culture forever. From working with surfing legends to shooting rock bands and fashion campaigns, Jason has built a career that defies easy categorization.
What You’ll Learn
This article covers Jason Reposar’s complete journey from his Liverpool roots to becoming a Bali-based creative force. You’ll discover his revolutionary approach to surf photography, his transition into fashion and music, and what drives him today. We’ll also explore his most notable work and where his career is headed.
From Liverpool Streets to California Waves
Jason Reposar grew up in Liverpool, England—a city known for music and culture, not surfing. His early years had nothing to do with cameras or ocean waves. He was, by his own admission, an unruly child who needed direction.
Everything changed when his family moved to California. They bought him a surfboard to keep him out of trouble. This simple decision altered the course of his life completely.
California introduced Jason to surfing, but it also introduced him to a completely different lifestyle. The warm water and consistent waves were nothing like rainy Liverpool. He tried competing with elite surfers but quickly realized performing wasn’t his path. Instead, he found something better—a way to stay connected to surfing without being the best athlete in the water.
The Birth of a Revolutionary Photographer
Jason started his surf photography career in September 1999 in the Ventura and Oxnard areas of Southern California. His timing was perfect. The surf photography world was ready for fresh perspectives and new voices.
He started photographing a crew of local surfers who would later become household names. Dane Reynolds, Tim and Nathaniel Curran, Bobby Martinez, the Malloy brothers, and Tom Curren were among his regular subjects. These weren’t just photo opportunities—they were the beginning of lifelong relationships.
Breaking All the Rules
Most surf photographers in 1999 shot from the beach, jetties, or boats. They kept their expensive equipment safe and dry. Jason took a completely different approach. He decided to shoot from inside the waves, paddling out into the lineup with his camera.
This wasn’t just creative—it was dangerous. Water housings weren’t as reliable as they are today. One wrong move could destroy thousands of dollars in gear. But Jason believed this was the only way to capture the true essence of surfing.
The results spoke for themselves. His photos made viewers feel like they were right there in the barrel. You could sense the power of the wave, feel the spray, and experience the intensity firsthand. His work showed surfing from the surfer’s perspective, not as an outsider looking in.
His unique eye and relentless drive landed him a senior staff position at Transworld Surf magazine in October 1999—just one month after he started. This rapid rise proved that the surf world was hungry for his innovative style.
Ten Years at Transworld Surf Magazine
Jason’s decade at Transworld Surf shaped modern surf photography. He held a senior staff position during the magazine’s golden era, when print publications still dominated surf culture. His work appeared in countless issues, helping define what surf photography looked and felt like.
During this time, he photographed the biggest names in surfing. Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, Taj Burrow, Josh Kerr, and dozens of other pros trusted Jason to capture their best moments. He created portrait series in Hawaii and other surf destinations, establishing himself as one of the best portrait photographers in the industry.
His approach went beyond technical skill. Jason lived the surf lifestyle completely. He traveled to remote breaks, spent days waiting for perfect conditions, and built genuine friendships with the athletes he photographed. This authentic connection showed in every image.
The Unexpected Departure
Jason’s time in America ended unexpectedly. In 2002, after returning from Australia, he had his green card revoked and faced removal proceedings that would take five to seven years. The restrictions prevented him from leaving the country—a death sentence for an international surf photographer whose job required constant travel.
He faced a difficult choice: abandon photography and get another job, or find a new path. Rather than give up, he made a bold decision that would define the next chapter of his career.
Moving to Bali: A New Beginning
In 2007, Jason moved to Bali, positioning himself at the center of surf culture in Southeast Asia. Indonesia offered some of the world’s best waves, and Bali specifically had become a hub for surfers, artists, and creatives from around the globe.
The move wasn’t just about surfing. Bali represented freedom and possibility. Jason could travel throughout Indonesia, exploring breaks he’d dreamed about since childhood. Desert Point, Nias, Super Suck, and dozens of other legendary spots were now accessible.
Living in Bali opened unexpected doors. Local clothing designers and fashion brands noticed his unique photographic style. They started asking him to shoot lookbooks and campaigns. This marked his first serious foray into fashion photography.
Fashion work in Bali paid cash immediately, unlike surf photography where payments could take months. This allowed Jason to upgrade his equipment rapidly, buying new lenses and building a comprehensive camera kit. The more gear he acquired, the more opportunities emerged.
Expanding Beyond Surf Photography
Jason’s work in fashion revealed a new creative passion. He enjoyed the challenge of conceptualizing shoots, managing lighting, directing models, and executing complete creative visions. It required different skills than surf photography but satisfied his artistic drive in new ways.
He signed with an agency and began taking fashion photography seriously. His surf background gave him an edge—he understood how to capture authentic moments and work with unpredictable conditions. Fashion clients appreciated his relaxed approach and ability to make subjects feel comfortable.
Music Photography
Jason’s portfolio expanded to include music photography. His work includes shooting and following bands like Metallica and Queens of the Stone Age. He photographed musicians backstage, on stage, and in candid moments that revealed their personalities.
The connection between surf culture and rock music has always been strong, and Jason lived at that intersection. He photographed Bruce Irons with musicians, captured surf stars at concerts, and documented the lifestyle that connected both worlds.
Current Work and Creative Philosophy
Today, Jason splits his time between Bali, Australia, and London. His Instagram account @repofoto showcases his work to over 17,000 followers. His portfolio on reposarphoto.com displays recent projects including fashion campaigns for brands like Religion, editorial work for magazines like Fauve, and ongoing surf photography.
What motivates Jason after 25 years behind a camera? He says light motivates him most, explaining he sees himself shooting light rather than people or garments. This philosophy explains why his work looks consistent across different genres—he’s chasing the same thing whether photographing a surfer, a model, or a musician.
The Equipment He Trusts
Jason uses Liquid Eye water housings for his surf photography. He values the security and simplicity of knowing his camera gear is safe and fully functional. After decades of shooting in challenging conditions, he’s learned that reliable equipment matters as much as creative vision.
Jason Reposar’s Impact on Surf Photography
Jason helped pioneer the in-water perspective that’s now standard in surf photography. Before his generation of shooters, most surf photos came from land-based positions. Today, almost every major surf photographer shoots from the water at some point.
His influence extends beyond technique. Jason showed that surf photographers could build diverse careers spanning multiple creative industries. His success in fashion and music proved that the skills learned shooting waves translate to other fields.
Recent Recognition and Ongoing Projects
As recently as April 2025, Jason’s work appeared in Stab Magazine, showing his continued relevance in surf media. He remains active in the industry that launched his career while pursuing fashion and music projects that challenge him creatively.
His recent portfolio includes campaigns for clothing brands and editorial features that blend his various influences. Each project shows the distinctive style he’s developed over 25 years—relaxed yet deliberate, authentic yet refined.
Key Career Moments
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1999 | Started surf photography in Ventura/Oxnard, California |
| 1999 | Hired as senior staff photographer at Transworld Surf |
| 2007 | Moved to Bali, Indonesia |
| 2007 | Began fashion photography |
| 2018 | Featured in major interview discussing 20-year career |
| 2025 | Continues working across surf, fashion, and music |
Lessons from Jason’s Career
Take Risks When It Matters: Jason’s decision to shoot from inside the waves was risky but defined his career. He saw an opportunity and took it despite the potential costs.
Adapt to Circumstances: When legal issues prevented him from traveling, he could have quit. Instead, he found a new path that led to even more opportunities.
Build Real Relationships: Jason’s success came partly from genuine friendships with his subjects. People trusted him because he was part of their world, not just an observer.
Let One Skill Lead to Others: His surf photography opened doors to fashion, which led to music photography. Each skill built on the previous ones.
Stay Connected to Your Roots: Despite expanding into fashion and music, Jason never abandoned surf photography. He still proudly identifies as a Scouser from Liverpool and continues shooting waves.
FAQs About Jason Reposar
Who is Jason Reposar?
Jason Reposar is a pioneering surf photographer from Liverpool who transformed the industry by shooting from within the waves and now works internationally in fashion and music photography.
Where does Jason Reposar live now?
He currently lives in Bali, Indonesia, and splits his time between Bali, Australia, and London for various photography projects.
What makes Jason Reposar’s photography unique?
He pioneered shooting surf photography from inside the waves rather than from the beach, creating immersive images that make viewers feel present in the action.
Who has Jason Reposar photographed?
He’s photographed surf legends like Dane Reynolds, Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, and Taj Burrow, plus rock bands including Metallica and Queens of the Stone Age.
How long has Jason Reposar been a photographer?
He started his professional photography career in September 1999, giving him over 25 years of experience in surf, fashion, and music photography.
The Man Behind the Camera
Jason describes himself simply as a Scouser on his social media—a proud reference to his Liverpool origins. This unpretentious approach defines his personality. Despite photographing celebrities and working with major brands, he remains grounded and approachable.
When asked about happiness, he answered that it’s sharing time with friends and family. For someone whose career involves constant travel and exciting projects, his definition of happiness is remarkably simple.
He’s open about his past too. He mentions a brief stint in Los Angeles County jail and doesn’t hide the immigration challenges that forced him to leave America. This honesty makes him relatable and real in an industry often filled with carefully crafted personas.
What’s Next for Jason Reposar
When asked about future plans, Jason said he loves Bali but remains open to everything. This flexibility has served him well throughout his career. He’s never been someone who maps out every detail years in advance.
His recent work shows continued growth. Fashion campaigns demonstrate increasingly sophisticated lighting and composition. His surf photography still captures moments that newer photographers miss. And his music work reveals an artist comfortable in any environment.
The photography world keeps changing. Digital technology, social media, and new platforms constantly reshape how photographers work and share their art. But Jason’s career proves that fundamental skills matter more than trends. Good composition, understanding light, and building genuine connections with subjects never go out of style.
Finding Jason Reposar’s Work
You can explore Jason’s portfolio at reposarphoto.com, where he showcases recent projects across all genres. His Instagram account @repofoto offers regular updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses into his creative process.
For aspiring photographers, Jason’s career offers valuable lessons. Success doesn’t always follow a straight path. Sometimes the unexpected detours lead to the most interesting destinations. His journey from Liverpool to California to Bali shows that staying true to your vision while remaining open to new opportunities creates the most fulfilling careers.
Jason Reposar didn’t just take photos—he changed how people see surf culture. His willingness to take risks, adapt to challenges, and continuously grow as an artist created a career that spans three decades and multiple continents. Whether he’s shooting a surfer in a barrel, a model on a Bali beach, or a rock star on stage, his distinctive eye and authentic approach remain constant.
