As the youngest winner ever, 19yr old Morgan Maassen stunned the audience and judges with his radical vision of the surf world. He also took home the “People’s Choice” award from the audience pool full of photog favorites like Rob Machado, Taj Burrow, Kolohe Andino, and Jamie O’Brien.
Picture pioneer Aaron Chang took the stage to introduce the talented finalist whose artistic approaches ranged from progressive surfing specialist Billy Watts of San Diego, to Brooks Institute student Corey Wilson, and Outter Banks warrior Matt Lusk. SWELL happily sponsored the 5K grant to encourage this young talent to raise the bar of surf photography that “Flame” so passionately pursued.
Morgan’s credited his family for making world-travel a priority in his childhood.
Congratulation again to all the finalists.
Check out all the slide shows from the ceremony at: http://followthelightfoundation.org/
or check out Morgan’s website and judge for your self: http://morganmaassen.com/