Steve Sherman is a legend in the world of surf photography, known for capturing not just the action, but the soul of surf culture. With over 30 years behind the lens, “Sherm” has become a trusted insider and visual historian of professional surfing — documenting its icons, its backstage moments, and the emotional depth that lives beyond the waves.

A North San Diego County local, Steve’s journey began at age 13 with a hand-me-down camera and a self-built darkroom. After an early start at Transworld Skateboarding under J. Grant Brittain, he helped launch Transworld Surf Magazine as photo editor, then became a senior staff photographer at Surfing Magazine, where he cemented his reputation as the man who sees what others miss.

His signature black-and-white portraits cut against the grain of the glossy surf mags of the '90s. Gritty, intimate, and unmistakably human, Sherman’s photos brought fans into the locker rooms, hotel hallways, and quiet moments of surfing legends like Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, Carissa Moore, Shane Dorian, and Mick Fanning.

But Sherman’s lens doesn’t stop at surf. He’s also photographed some of the most legendary names in music, including Eddie Vedder, Neil Young, Tom DeLonge, and members of countless iconic rock bands. Whether on tour buses, at late-night jam sessions, or in raw black-and-white portraits, Steve brings the same unfiltered storytelling energy to music as he does to surfing.

As The Inertia put it: “Steve Sherman is an icon in the world of surf photography.” But he's also a cultural bridge — capturing the shared spirit of rebellion, artistry, and passion that unites surfers, skaters, and musicians across generations.

Today, Steve continues to travel the globe, camera in hand, chasing the stories that matter — the ones just beneath the surface.