SAN CLEMENTE, CA — June 22, 2011 — Follow The Light Foundation (FTFL), a non-profit that continues to fuel the dreams of the world’s most talented young surf photographers, announced its 2011 finalists today after an evening of review and deliberation. This year’s installment of young visionaries include: Quincy Dein from Maui, Matt Kurvin from Santa Cruz, Ricky Lesser from Manhattan Beach, Duncan Macfarlane from Australia and Carlos Santana from Anaheim. The winner of the $5,000 grant will be announced during the US Open of Surfing at the Shorebreak Hotel in Huntington Beach on August 2. “This is the best collection of photos I’ve seen all year,” said longtime SURFING Magazine Photo Editor Peter Taras. “It’s so inspiring to see the act of waveriding through fresh eyes.”
The FTLF was founded after iconic photographer Larry “Flame” Moore’s passing to ensure that up-and-coming surf photographers continue to get the recognition and support they deserve. Flame — legendary Photo Editor of SURFING Magazine for more than three decades — made it a priority to teach and inspire anyone with a passion for photography. This grant helps keep that legacy alive. Details can be found on the FTLF website.
Now in its sixth year, the FTLF awards ceremony is part of the world’s largest action sports festival. The US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach will reach all kinds of people, but there is no better place to showcase the best rising talent in the surf photography world. In years past, FTLF grant winners like Morgan Maassen, Chris Burkard, Matt Clark, Ray Collins and Todd Glaser have continued to change the game in what is possible in surf imagery. This year, previous winners played a huge role in selecting the 2011 recipient. “This was probably one of the hardest things I have ever had to do,” says former winner and SURER staff photographer Todd Glaser. “I found this year to be extremely difficult to judge. There were a lot of excellent submissions. At the end of the day, seeing these images made me want to shoot!” Come August 2, a new artist will get his due recognition. There will also be a “People’s Choice” winner, where fans will text to vote for the winner. The reception begins at 7:00PM, The Shorebreak Hotel, 500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, www.shorebreakhotel.com. Event is open to the public and free of charge. Please register on a first-come basis for this event on Facebook at our Follow the Light Foundation “Flame Grant” page.