Meet Devon Cardamone | Film-based Photographer & Surfer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Devon Cardamone and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Devon, what inspires you?
My inspiration comes from a drive to be immersed in everything real. For me, it’s film photography, a life built around surfing, and an interest in cars that goes far deeper than attention-seeking. Whether it’s an analog camera or a conversation, I’m inspired by the feeling of realness in something that is stripped down to its base level and devoid of any embellishment. Classic cars are more alive than most people I’ve met and old cameras have a whole lot of character themselves. I think this all boils down to the unadulterated form of any thing being so meaningful. Whether it’s a connection to a wave in the ocean or a well-built man made machine, interacting with such a thing inspires me and allows me to transcend thought. I’m really hesitant to use the term “flow state” or meditation, but anything in the world that allows me to get there is what inspires me.

Specific to photography, since that’s where I’ve been most successful creatively, the analog film cameras I use are what get me there. Capturing a single moment on film instead of a million digital photos to choose from is a bit of a cliche, but I really do enjoy the raw difficulty in it. Without any back up shots or supplemental images taken, any mistake I make tells a story about the moment itself and how impossible it was to be in position to take such a photo.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My photography, then my surfing beneath that, and even my interest in building old cars all share a similar relationship with the idea of art. They are similar in that all of it is creative from the start, but not necessarily a fine art until an immense amount of time has been dedicated.

I think that’s what sets me apart creatively. It’s not that I’ve completed that journey and am the best film-based photographer in the world. I am not the best surfer, nor have owned and built all the most interesting cars out there. It’s that I have put a huge amount of time in so far and I know for a fact that I won’t ever stop. I’ll pursue these artistic endeavors endlessly no matter the result and I do think people take notice of that.

To expand a little more on my work in photography, being interested mostly in street-shooting and creating art out of a casual encounter or moment near the water, I think it will take a very long time to truly demonstrate my “proof-of-work.” I don’t think that casually organized photography is so easily marked as fine art, but if my love for everything analog and real continues to shine through in my imagery, it begins to tell a story. I’m so lucky to be at a point where anyone in the world has noticed this about what I’ve shot so far.

With that said, I’m most excited about the future of my work. I look forward to learning and growing as I continue to shoot and pursue my interests. As much as I stand behind the art I’ve created today, I cannot wait for it to matter more. I’ve met so many incredible people on the way, but with time the narratives I choose to tell or support with my photography will only become more meaningful. I hope that with each passing year the photos I take have more impact and are able to do more good in the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Living in Venice, I like to say that I don’t go East of Lincoln Ave for fear of traffic and the unknown. Jokes aside, I think there are incredible places all over the city of LA and it’s not a bad idea at all to try and explore everything and see what you’re able to check off your list. But I have another idea. I think that the best way to visit a place like Venice or really anywhere else in the city is to find something you like and really dig into it. If you chose to stay in Venice for a few days or a week, I’d like to suggest going to the same coffee shop every morning or even repeating a few nights at a dive bar. Even if you might miss out on a few attractions, I think the most interesting thing about a place is really feeling some familiarity and what a life there might be like.

Maybe I’m crazy, don’t necessarily listen to me if you’re visiting LA. Go see anything and everything.

On that note, I do go pretty far up and down the coast on a daily basis. I’d tell visitors to go explore Malibu. Not the pier or the country mart, but go look for what else is out there. Not necessarily the well-known hikes or restaurants along the way, but just go and get out there. You don’t need to jump in the water or put yourself in danger, but my best recommendation is to go find out just how close the sprawling city of Los Angeles is to real, raw nature. Stop the car near some cool looking rocks and go check ’em out!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give direct thanks to Photographer Tony DiZinno, a mentor and a friend. Without his help and guidance, I wouldn’t have this opportunity and I would still be confused as to whether I’m doing the right thing with my camera. He’s taught me that simply doing anything at all in the name of creativity and growth is worthwhile. I’d also like to thank both of my loving parents for understanding that my interest in photography and surfing takes priority over the 9-5 job that pays my bills and for bearing with me as I ride a life full of stress and enjoyment as a result. For both my mental and physical health, I have the ocean and all of the time I spend in it to thank.

Instagram: @Rollei__tax,

Other: No website right now, but coming soon!