Leroy Grannis is one of the guys that keeps me going. Known as Granny, he’s one of my heroes and when I found out Taschen had produced a book on his work I nearly pissed myself.
Granny was born in 1917 and started surfing when he was able to pick up the board (aged 14) – then a six foot slab of pine. He didn’t pick up a camera until 1959 when he was 42 years old. He simply started taking pictures to relieve the stress from his day job. So he built a waterproof housing for his camera and jumped in.
At the time the California surf scene was attracting a lot of attention and becoming very fashionable and he soon became one of the most famous surfing photographers in the world. I find it so inspiring that he just said I’m gonna do this now and just did it. A real shining example of believing in yourself.
Perhaps it doesn’t need to be said but the book is brilliant. Taking advantage of the great light in California and the vibrant colours that were on everything in the 60s and 70s. The pictures are so rich, they just ooze life and expression.
Plus I bought it with my Wedge card getting 10% off for supporting independent shops. Nice.
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