Alan van Gysen is one of South Africa’s most respected surf photographers. With an inextinguishable drive and natural flair he has spent the past five years carving his mark into the local and international scene. His dedication to his craft has seen him capturing the artistry of South Africa’s and the world’s top surfers. Alan’s style is unmistakable. Preferring to shoot from the water he feeds off his subject’s energy, bringing his personal perspective to the moment and creating a tailored fusion of motion, time and space. His photographs exude a clarity and vibrancy that stirs every droplet of water to life, reflecting the very essence of what it means to be a surfer.
Alan’s presence in the line-up has been a blessing to Cape Town’s and South Africa’s surfing fraternity. Many an up and coming grommet’s career has been fast-forwarded by a centre-spread shot in premier national magazine Zigzag. Underground enthusiasts and traditional stalwarts have also enjoyed fleeting moments of fame, finding themselves featured in the pages of Zigzag or mainstream international publications.
Alan’s work has been published in almost every top-line surf magazine worldwide. He is a senior staff photographer for Zigzag (RSA) and a regular freelance contributor to Surfing (USA), ASL (Australia), Surfer’s Path (UK), Carve (UK), Surf 1st (Japan) and Fluir (South America). A seasoned traveler his exploits have taken him on multiple trips to Indonesia, the Maldives, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia.
In his life and his work Alan maintains an infectious positivity and enviable sense of balance. He is always looking forward and has the ability to constantly see the bigger picture. A meticulous work ethic, down to earth attitude and passion for his life behind the lens has brought him a degree of contentment seldom seen in others his age. A successful career that continues to flourish, an amazing wife and a wonderful home in the coastal suburb of Kommetjie, nestled in the south peninsula of the Western Cape, a stone’s throw away from the beaches he loves to surf.
