river riding 2008...

A few years ago I embarked on an amazing journey with my parents, uncle and aunty, to travel the length of the Canal Du Midi (from Toulouse in Southeast France to Agde on the Mediterranean) Over the course of eight days we covered about 250km, saw many beautiful sights and gorged ourselves on baguettes, cheese, wine and cassoulet. Sweet life.

I'm reminded of this as, in just a couple of months, we'll be setting off again on the second installment of river riding, this time across Austria following the mighty Danube! 

Here's a few favourite images from the first trip.

happy days evil twin...

Imagine having a best friend who you'd known all your life, was the same age as you, kinda looked like you and enjoyed almost all the same things you did... It'd be pretty rad huh?! Throw in a couple of amazing parents and that's my world... Happy birthday brother! Loooove yooou...

Desert brothers...

NAW's latest exhibition at Bleach... Nice work!

london snow...

London was transformed into a wintery wonderland on Saturday evening as snow fell all over the surrounding boroughs. A general mood of childhood wonder seemed to permeate the population as snowballs were thrown, snowmen were built, and hills were hiked in pursuit of the perfect toboggan ride. Lucy and I slipped, slid and strolled our way through the already picturesque Greenwich Park and enjoyed every minute of it. 

Give me snow over rain any day!

Settled snow early on Sunday morning in Lewisham...

What a tree-t!

Snow covered limbs...

Frosty and friend...

Ready?

Dropping!

The perfect toboggan ride...

The perfect toboggan trashing...

one love yo...

Last year wasn't the most productive snow season for me photographically, despite committing to a full stint in the alps with grand plans. It's bound to happen when you put all your chips in mother nature's hands... However everyone was dealt the same average hand in Europe and it showed in many a creative/DIY feature through the 2011/2012 mags...

This DPS came about care of hard work when it mattered, making the most of what we were given... And so I present to you Mr Andy Phillips, all round ripper and husband extraordinaire 5-0ing some Westendorf wood in the latest issue of The Reason... With a bonus teaser from what has already been an amazing 2012 season... Let it snow!

The Reason 3.3 contents DPS...

Andy pushing 2012 snow...

first time first page...

Coooovvveeerrrrrssss! 

I was super surprised and stoked when I awoke Thursday morning to find a photo of mine on the cover of Riptide Bodyboarding Magazine Issue 186. 

I'd say it's pretty much a dream come true for any photographer and, understandably, I'm over the moon! 

Even more stoked that it's the talented Mr Jack Johns boosting into the stratosphere at Fronton, and onto his second Riptide cover. 

London brothers making it happen yo!

Thanks to Tim Leeson for the selection, to Jack and Jeff for pushing it that session, and to my family and friends and colleagues for supporting me and my love of photography over the years. Much love yo!

Riptide 186, Jack Johns at Fronton

team africa...

In an effort to catch up with my feathered brethren heading for the equator, I was soon on a big metal bird headed for the Canary Islands. I spent the first week surfing and shooting with brothers FOM Jack Johns and Jeff Hubbard, and also taking in the sunshine and serenity with sisters FDM Ruth Ley and Nicky Robey.

Quality company makes good times great and this was certainly the case for our crew. Unforgettable soundtrack highlights from the week which will forever remind me of the trip include Toto's "Africa", Florence ATM's "Only if for a Night", a Girltalk "rock-hop" mash up and one incredible Maspalomas lounge singer... Eclectic madness...

Honey rum, sun bathing, confectionary pumps and rock stacking/smashing (not to mention some epic sessions in the sea) are just a few of many epic memories which kicked off my 2011 Canarian season. Thanks Team Africa, I love you all...

It's gonna take a lot to drag me awaaaayyy from you...

Ms Ley...

Ms Robey...

Cocktails in Chavtown...

Jack and Jeff at the ol' swimmin hole...

The best rock stack... EVER...

meet the smiths...

Late last year my wonderful friends, Mickey and Riv, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely Eiva Cherry Raven Smith over the Christmas period as well as fitting in a quick catchup with the new parents. Massive congratulations and all the best for an amazing 2012! Much love you three! xxoo

Radiant Rivie...

Amazing Eiva...

flying north...

Back in November I decided to go against the advice of the local geese(rs) and fly north in search of some new waves, landscapes and experiences. Two weeks later I returned with all three boxes ticked and a new love for this particular part of the world... I'll be seeing you again soon... This time probably when the geese are on their way back...

Road to elsewhere...

Follow that goose!

You can guess what they get a lot of here...

That's right it's rain... deer... Oh dear...

At this time of year it's certainly not holiday makers...

But there's plenty of places to explore...

And you never know what you might find...