Meet Jean-Paul Van Swae | Photographer specializing within action sports and more

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jean-Paul Van Swae and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jean-Paul, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Well as they say “If you don’t risk it you’ll never get the biscuit.” Pushing into deeper more treacherous waters, literally to get the images I’m looking for or desire to capture, is one aspect of what I love about swimming in extreme conditions within photography.

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.
I started in the film era took a community college class and a computer course and got the gist of the idea then I kept visiting Brewer until he would put me on tasks yard work or anything to assist and watch. It’s the long road to get where your going in photography but it was the experience I would never give up on.
I’ve had more than a few job titles making money starting around the age of 7 and found a lot of them challenging and intriging in different ways. Ranch hand, commercial fisherman, Landscaper, butcher, bartender, Associate Photo Editor for Surfer Magazine plus a few more. But photography has captured my intrigue the fact that there is no perfect and that you essentially are the final judge of your work, makes me always want to learn more and explore. It’s a never ending puzzle to see things how you see them.

Being your particular version of creativity is interesting. I’ve come to the conclusion that I shouldn’t worry about messing things up. And now I believe things are not complete until I’ve messed something several times that im happy with it. But at the same time take the time do it right. My Grandmother Cecelia would always say ” Either you have time to do a job twice, or do it right once.” Learn the basics then throw away the rule book when you can.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I could say Venice beach for it’s eclectic personalities, Malibu for the ocean culture, a few inner city spots. But its the nooks and crannies places just around the bend or down a forgotten ally way where the light is just amazing at the right time of day. Sometimes not the best place to hang out all day, but has a worn and warm feeling like a thing well used like a craftsmans tools.

Eat I’m a fan of the Goucho Grill, Neptune’s Net, and tacos at El Carmen it’s a experience you’ll love.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I could go on with a laundry list of names that helped shape who I am. And I can always start with my Father Jean Pierre Van Swae AKA “THE FLY” who immigrated from Belgium who gave me the first basics in photography my Mother Jennifer a descendent of Spanish land grant heritage gave me a love for the ocean and adventure. But almost anything that i’ve learned came from a dear friend and mentor Art Brewer a legend in the action sports industry. That even photographed my family when i was around 4 years old. A true pioneer in the sports photography world and deserves more than enough credit.

Website: https://jpvsphoto.photofolio.com/

Instagram: @jpvsphoto

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/van-swae-jean-paul-063b39a/