An Interview with Surf Photographer, Jimmy "Jimmicane" Wilson

Former Surfing Magazine Photo Editor

Jimmy "Jimmicane" Wilson, lives an astounding life. Since pursuing his dream of becoming a surf photographer at only 14 years old, my younger brother has traveled to some of the most remote and beautiful destinations on the planet - in the company of world-class surfers and swimsuit models, of course.

Jimmy at work. Left: With his daughter, Koura. Right: With his friend and pro surfer, Michael Dunphy

Jimmy at work. Left: With his daughter, Koura. Right: With his friend and pro surfer, Michael Dunphy

Jimmy “Jimmicane” Wilson lives an astounding life. Since pursuing his dream of becoming a surf photographer at only 14 years old, my younger brother has traveled to some of the most remote and beautiful destinations on the planet - in the company of world-class surfers and swimsuit models, of course.  

Jimmy is the former Photo Editor at Surfing Magazine, two-time Red Bull Illume Finalist, and is now the Online Content Editor and Social Media Coordinator for Vans Surf, working from home in Southern California. He has also worked at Eastern Surf Magazine, Transworld Surf, and has contributed to Surfer and Stab Magazines. 

Mick Fanning post-shark attack (Pic: Jimmicane)

Mick Fanning post-shark attack (Pic: Jimmicane)

In this episode of Badass Digital Nomads, Jimmy shares what a day in the life of a surf photographer is like, including stories of multiple life-or-death experiences he has witnessed in his travels around the world (like the time he saw Mick Fanning get attacked by a shark in J-Bay, South Africa). 

He shares how he funded his passion for surf photography by painting houses in Puerto Rico, and how to turn doing what you love into a long-term career while giving back to your community and the planet.

Jimmy also offers tips and advice on how to to reinvent yourself when circumstances force your industry to change (or go extinct).

⚡️LIGHTNING ROUND: ⚡️

Photo: Stab Magazine
  • Which camera and equipment Jimmy uses

  • His favorite surf destination and non-surf destination

  • Cheap flight and travel hacks

  • Jet Lag tips

  • How to stay motivated working at home

  • A photography tip everyone should know

  • What his future goals include 

I hope that this episode inspires you to carve your own path in the world and serves as a reminder for how much we can learn about ourselves and the world through travel!


📝 EPISODE RESOURCES & SHOW NOTES

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