I have been taking photographs since I was about 15 years old. My Dad loved to take photographs and I still have most of them on slides. I have been paid for my photos in the past but have never done it for a living. Taking pictures has never been about making money. It has been a reason to get out and discover the world.

I was born and raised in Los Angeles California and played tennis and body surfed for years. I basically lived the LA dream lifestyle as a boy. I have been in marketing and sales my entire career but have now retired along with my wonderful wife Elsa in beautiful Brentwood, Tennessee.

Photography to me is a form of relaxation and a way to express the beauty I see in the world through my camera lens. I look for special lighting, colors and shapes. I wish I had carried my camera more often as I was going through life but found myself busy chasing the American dream. Did I ever catch it? Well I think so. I have lived a wonderful life full of laughter, family and close friends.

I hope that some of my photos add a little joy to your lives.

Thank you to the entire Flickr community for opening your arms to me as a new member. Your talents are really unbelievable and a little bit intimidating.

All my best,

Dave Lanz

aka: Big Wave Dave

Paddling Out