Meet Bo Bridges | Photographer, Film Maker, Gallery Owner

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

Hi Bo, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk has been a constant companion in my life and career. From shooting the first-ever X Games to filming in the impact zone at Jaws or Teahupo’o, I’ve built my career by getting as close as possible to the action—oftentimes in places where one wrong move could be life-threatening. But to me, risk is where the magic happens.

You don’t get the shot of a lifetime by playing it safe. Whether I’m hanging out of a helicopter, duck diving with a fisheye lens into heavy surf, or launching an immersive film like Big Wave with new technology that’s never been used like this before—risk is always part of the process.

But it’s calculated. It’s about preparation, respect for the environment, and trusting your team. The ocean doesn’t give second chances, and neither does the camera when the moment passes. Taking those risks is what allows me to capture something real, something immersive, something people can feel in their bones.
If you want to break boundaries and create something that’s never been done before, you have to be willing to step into the unknown.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets my work apart is my constant pursuit of innovation. I’ve never been content just capturing beautiful moments—I want to capture them in ways no one’s seen before. Whether that means shooting with custom rigs from helicopters, using underwater subs, or filming a full-length immersive film with a single fisheye lens, I’m always looking for ways to push creative and technical boundaries.

Technology is evolving fast, and I’ve built my career on staying ahead of that curve. From being one of the early photographers to capture extreme sports at the X Games, to now working with Cosm to create immersive visual experiences that surround and move with the audience, my goal has always been to make people feel like they’re in the shot—not just looking at it.

At the end of the day, it’s about bringing emotion, scale, and energy to life in a way that feels real. I want people to walk away not just impressed—but transported. That drive to innovate, adapt, and explore new mediums is what fuels my art and sets it apart.

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No, it definitely wasn’t easy to get to where I am today professionally. I put my head down, believed I could do it, and worked like hell to make it happen. There were a lot of long days, late nights, and moments where I questioned if it would all come together. But I just kept pushing—kept saying yes to the next opportunity, kept learning, kept showing up.

I didn’t have a roadmap. I had passion, curiosity, and a willingness to outwork everyone. I started with aerial photography, then dove headfirst into action sports, traveling nonstop, building relationships, and capturing moments most people never get to see. Every challenge became part of the process—whether it was learning a new skill on the fly, figuring out how to shoot in dangerous conditions, or launching a gallery from scratch.

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What I want the world to know is that my work—and my story—covers a lot of ground, literally and creatively. I’ve built a brand that moves fast, adapts quickly, and isn’t afraid to take chances. Whether it’s jumping on a last-minute flight to chase a swell, setting up an immersive film shoot in the middle of a remote ocean break, or capturing the perfect moment for a global ad campaign—I’m all in, every time.

I’ve spent my career blending adventure, fine art, and commercial photography, and I’ve never believed in staying in one lane. One day I’m shooting out of a helicopter or underwater with big wave surfers, the next I’m curating large-scale installations for stadiums, galleries, or private homes. The gallery is the heart of my personal work, the film pushes the boundaries of what visual storytelling can be, and the advertising side keeps me sharp, precise, and always thinking ahead.
At the end of the day, my brand is about saying yes to the unknown, and trusting that bold moves lead to meaningful work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was in town for a week, I’d kick things off with something unforgettable—a screening of Big Wave: No Room for Error at Cosm. There’s nothing like seeing that film in full immersive surround—especially for someone who’s never experienced big wave surfing up close. It’s the perfect way to set the tone for an epic week.

The next day, we’d hop on beach cruisers and ride The Strand south down to Old Tony’s in Redondo. We’d grab a few Fire Chiefs, take in the view, maybe even catch some live music if the timing’s right.

For food, I’d make sure we hit Hook & Plow in Manhattan Beach— for killer seafood and a relaxed vibe. Then we’d roll right next door to the gallery. I’d walk them through some of the stories behind the pieces, maybe even throw on a playlist by the DJ booth and have a drink in the back next to the golf simulator.

Beyond that? Paddle out if the swell’s right. Every day’s a little different—but it’s always an adventure out here.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d dedicate my shoutout to On the Road by Jack Kerouac. I read it my senior year of high school, and it planted something in me—a craving for movement, exploration, and capturing moments as they happen. Kerouac’s stream-of-consciousness storytelling and the way he spoke about the open road felt like permission to chase the world in real time, to say yes to the unknown.

That book wasn’t just a story— taught me that life isn’t meant to be lived on the sidelines. That every journey, even the messy and unplanned ones, has meaning. That outlook shaped how I approach photography and filmmaking. Whether I’m chasing storms across oceans or documenting athletes pushing their limits, I’ve always seen my career as one big road trip—with a camera in hand and no clear destination, just the drive to go, to feel, and to tell stories that matter.
So much of what I’ve captured has come from that instinct to move, to explore, and to say, “let’s see what’s out there.” On the Road gave me that instinct—and I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since.

Website: https://www.bobridges.com/

Instagram: @bobridges and @bobridgesgallery

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobridges/