San Clemente, CA: The surfing world’s most prestigious photographic award is open for entries!

Follow The Light Foundation has made a call for submissions from the world’s top young surf image-makers, who will have a chance to put themselves in the running for the top Foundation Grant of $5000.

FTLF has announced four further runner-up grants of $1000 each.

The Grant and associated awards, including the popular People’s Choice Award, will be presented in July around the US Open of Surfing at Huntington Beach, CA (date and location to be announced).

Presented in honor of pioneering surf photography legend Larry “Flame” Moore, the Foundation’s award and associated Grant is in its eighth year.

It continues Larry’s lifelong commitment to encouraging the art and skill of surf photography. As a lensman himself, Larry pioneered numerous surf-image techniques both in and out of the water. As Surfing Magazine’s photo editor, for over 30 years he nurtured the best and brightest in the game, while always having a word of advice for the hopeful kid whose first submission crossed his desk.

Recipients of the FTLF Grant have included young champions of the surf photo world such as inaugural winner Chris Burkard and subsequent winners Matt Clark,Todd Glasser, Morgan Maassen, Ray Collins, Duncan Macfarlane and 2012’s award winner, Shawn Parkin.

2012 Winning Slideshow: Shawn Parkin

Check out SWELL’s “Follow The Light Foundation” Catalog Feature Here

FTLF judge and masterful photographer Aaron Chang says it isn’t getting any easier to pick the winners. “Over the years the judging has been increasingly more challenging, because the photographers are beginning to understand that in addition to great photography, the judges are looking for the feeling created by the overall presentation.”

Aaron thinks that along with the extraordinary exposure to key surf industry people involved in an FTLF entry, young photographers gain an extra benefit: community. “Just being able to sit and watch what your peers are presenting provides aspiring photographers with a fresh set of goals and inspiration that is very difficult to access otherwise.”

Photographers who wish to submit in pursuit of the Grant should first spend time familiarizing themselves with the rules and process of entry, which can be viewed here.