About D.J. Struntz Photography

DJ Struntz finds success wherever he searches. He certainly found it in academics, where he was valedictorian for both his high school and college and eventually received a Masters in Biology at UNC Wilmington. He found it in writing, where he recently placed second in "The Road Warrior Essay Challenge" by American Airlines. But instead of becoming the next Nobel prize winner or an acclaimed novelist, Struntz found another way to channel his relentless pursuit of perfection – a way he wouldn't have dreamed 10 years ago. "I received my first camera as a graduation present from high school," remembers Struntz. "And my first surf/photo trip was to Pascuales, Mexico in 2002. After that, I was hooked." Surf photography was the harmonious marriage of all of Struntz's passions: surfing, life around the ocean, art, technical wizardry and the idea that those who work hardest are rewarded. Never is this truer for Struntz.

Based in the wave-challenged zone of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, he's quickly risen up the ranks of the ultra-competitive surf photography world and emerged as one of the sport's leading visionaries. DJ's established a reputation for being more "on it" than anyone, finding a whole spectrum of ways to capture unique images of the world's best surfers even in the most challenging conditions. From water to pulled-back lineups, portraits to subtly-lit speed blurs, Struntz can do it all. And he'll continue doing it all as long as he feels there's room to improve. Which, knowing DJ, will most certainly last a lifetime.
by Evan Slater