Surfing is one of the freest ways to spend time on this planet. The power and majesty of nature, caught for a moment by a surfer as they look to catch that perfect wave. Lars Jacobsen is one of those people who are inspired to ride that free wave. He’s accomplished so much already, like being editor-in-chief for SURFERS magazine and lives his life up in the air, traveling from one adventure to another.

Surfing is what inspired Jacobsen to first take up photography. He was transfixed by the beautifully intense images of nature and people married together in surfing.

“I could not believe the environment that these photographers were working in” Lars says of the first time he picked up a surfing magazine. “They were swimming in the heaviest waves of the planet with their camera” he says. “After the surf-shooting, they were hanging out with some of the most inspiring people I had ever heard of!”

Take a look at his work and Lars’ passion for his subject matter is evident.  He is clearly captivated by the striking beauty of nature. This even comes across in his portrait photography. He is a photographer who loves the natural world.

Jacobsen’s most recent trip was to Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora, where he was able to capture some amazing images. Reefs, waves and surfers; paradise in other words, with a few sharks and palm trees thrown in for good measure!

Jacobson shoots with a Nikon D800. The most important pieces of equipment to him though are the things that allow him to get his camera in place for the perfect shot. His Burton Photo-backpack is vital for him to bring his gear around and to make sure it stays in good condition.

Working around water he needs a good SPL Waterhousing. Jacobsen admits he was apprehensive the first few times he brought his camera into the Ocean but now he says the more he brings his camera out swimming, the more he loves it, and this becomes evident. The love for what he does translates into the images he takes. This is what makes Jacobsen’s photos feel so fresh and vibrant.

You can purchase Lars’ work on Photocircle while also donating to education and development projects. If you’re interested in finding out more about Lars Jacobsen, check out his website.