John Kurt Valles
NAME :
John Kurt Valles
OCCUPATION :
Photographer and filmmaker
WHERE WERE YOU BORN :
The island province of Catanduanes in the Philippines.
WHERE DO YOU LIVE :
Dubai.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 3 WORDS :
Sometimes quiet, funny, adventurous.
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB :
Honestly, it’s getting to travel to amazing places with beautiful waves. There’s nothing like chasing the perfect swell, feeling the ocean around you, and just being out in nature. For me, it’s more than a job, it’s a lifestyle. I get to do what I love every day, meet cool people, and discover new spots that inspire me. The ocean is where I feel most alive.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST SURFING SHOT :
My favorite surfing shot is of a friend of mine surfing right in front of me. Suddenly, a plane flew by perfectly in the background. The timing was perfect, and it was a really candid moment.
HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU STARTED SURFING :
I started surfing a bit late, around 20 years old. I grew up skating since elementary, then got into skimboarding, downhill longboarding, and finally found my way to surfing in college.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST SURF-RELATED PHOTOGRAPH YOU TOOK :
Back then, I had a Canon 6D with a 35mm, inside a DiCAPac, just a plastic case, haha. That’s how I started surf photography. I’d ask my friends if we could surf so I could shoot them in the water. I was pretty nervous, thinking it might leak!
ARE THERE DAYS YOU DO NOT WANT TO GO TO WORK :
Yeah, there are days like after a solid surf session. You’re sunburnt, muscles sore, just drained. But gotta get up, can’t miss that coffee from Single Fin, haha
AT WHAT AGE DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A PHOTOGRAPHER : FILMMAKER :
Since elementary school, I used to borrow my cousin’s camera and take random photos. Then in high school, I kept shooting for fun. But it was in college when I joined the school publication that I really realized I wanted to do photo and video. My cousin was already doing it, and honestly, it just runs in the family. It’s always been our thing.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF SURF PHOTOGRAPHY :
The biggest challenge for me is the ocean itself, especially strong currents at point breaks. But here in Dubai, it’s different because there are no point breaks, waves break everywhere. That makes it hard to find the best spot for a good shot.
IF YOU COULD SPEND THE DAY SHOOTING ANY SURFER, WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE :
John John Florence and Rachael Tilly.
ANY SKETCHY MOMENTS WHILE IN THE WATER :
At my home break, the swell is very big and the current is strong. The current pushed me inside where the waves break. I got caught inside and was spinning underwater while my back hit the reef because I was protecting my gear from hitting the reef or getting lost. It’s funny whenever I remember this
WHO WOULD BE YOUR PERFECT COLAB :
Probably Andy Woodward, haha. He’s such a solid ocean filmmaker. It would be epic to work with someone like him.
WHAT SURF PHOTOGRAPHERS DO YOU ADMIRE :
Benthouard and Andy Woodward, and Matt Power.
YOUR CAMERA OF CHOICE :
For video, I’m all about the Sony FX3. I tried it once, and it’s really good. For underwater photos, I’d love to try the Sony A7RV someday. I’m also really into analog cameras and have some nice ones in my collection. For daily shooting, I stick with my Fujifilm X-Pro 1.
IF YOU COULD SPEND A FEW HOURS WITH ANY PERSON ALIVE OR DEAD, WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE :
My mom and my partner Joyce.
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY :
My earliest memory? Every Sunday, I used to sing in church. I was actually a pretty good singer back then; everyone said so! Now, I’m not so sure what happened to my voice, haha. But those mornings singing with the choir were always fun and something I really looked forward to.
WHAT WERE YOU LIKE AS A KID :
As a kid, I was playful and clever, always full of energy and curiosity. But I could be pretty stubborn too, I’d get really upset and cry whenever I didn’t get the toy I wanted.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION :
Honestly, it’s not something expensive or flashy. It’s the memories I’ve made, especially the moments spent with family, friends, and the ocean.
WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE :
It’d probably be Pedro Pascal. People tell me I kinda resemble him, at least sometimes, haha, gotta take that as a compliment!
CHOOSE A SUPERPOWER :
It’d definitely be invisibility. Haha, imagine all the sneaky stuff you could do! hahaha.
WHAT IS YOUR WORST TRAIT :
My worst trait? I’m really messy with my clothes (Sometimes), especially when I’m taking them out of the cabinet. It’s like a mini tornado every time!
WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT :
Sometimes it’s just the buzz of life, you know? Thoughts about family, work, and what I want next.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT :
Back in the Philippines, it’s pretty amazing to be counted among the top 10 local surfers on Instagram, sharing space with some of the Philippines’ best surfers and artists – Here in Dubai, one of the coolest moments was when I got to shoot Hans Zimmer for Visit Dubai. It was definitely something special.
DO YOU LISTEN TO PODCASTS :
Not really a fan.
WHAT’S YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE :
I’m low-key obsessed with anything vintage. Cameras, bikes, even a classic Volkswagen I scored in the Philippines. Classic is just my thing. Drinking way too much Coke, even if it’s not healthy. Can’t help myself!
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 4 MUSICIANS / BANDS :
I’d say Elevation, The 1975, Urbandub, and The Beatles are my top 4. They all bring something different that I really vibe with.
WHAT’S THE BEST THING YOU EVER STOLE :
We didn’t technically steal it, but back in high school, we took our classmate’s motorcycle for a ‘test ride’ without telling him. Long story short: we crashed it. Good news? He didn’t kill us. Bad news? His dad got mad at him. So technically, we stole the bike and the blame.
YOU ARE HEADING TO THE ISS / INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION, CHOOSE 4 FELLOW SURFERS TO TAKE A LONG :
My crew: Paulo, the all-around guy; Ian, the cook; Ralph, the manager; and Sam, the one who’s always got the gear dialed. They are not just my closest surf buddies they are family
WHAT WOULD A PERFECT DAY FOR YOU LOOK LIKE :
Imagine waking up on an island, the waves are perfect, the air is warm. You’re with your family, your cats, in a beachside villa. There’s barbecue on the grill, the sun’s setting, and at night, you’re watching movies under the stars.
IF YOU COULD BE FRIENDS WITH A FICTIONAL CHARACTER, WHO WOULD IT BE :
I’d choose Peter Pan. Always thought it’d be fun to hang out with someone who’s carefree and full of adventure, never worrying about adult stuff.
PICK YOUR TOP 5 MAGAZINES :
Back in the Philippines, I used to collect Surfer Magazine and Thrasher. Just loved the vibe, the photos, the stories.
WHAT IS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ :
The Bible, every day.
WHAT WAS THE LAST GIFT YOU GAVE SOMEONE :
Mom turned 60, so we threw her a party with the fam and her friends, buffet and flowers. Wish we could’ve gone back to the Philippines, but we made it special from here.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU :
I’m motivated by the people around me, my family, friends, and the community. Knowing they believe in me pushes me to keep improving.
YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATION :
I love Mozambique in South Africa. For me, as a surfer, it’s all about finding good waves, so I only go to spots where I can surf and Mozambique is definitely one of the best. The Maldives is nice as well.
YOUR LEAST FAVOURITE DESTINATION :
My least favorite destination? Probably places where there’s no surf, Surfing’s a big part of why I travel, so spots without that vibe don’t sit well with me.
WHAT’S ON YOUR BUCKET LIST :
On my bucket list? Skydiving in Dubai would be epic! Now just waiting for a sponsor to make it happen, haha
DO YOU LIKE BEING INTERVIEWED :
Being interviewed? Eh, it really depends on the interviewer. I’m not the best at speaking all formal, so yeah, it’s not really my thing
WHAT’S THE CLOSEST YOU HAVE COME TO DEATH :
When we were in Mozambique, it was my first time shooting there. The waves were firing, but there was a spot where the current was really strong. I didn’t realize it was pulling me away from the lineup. I tried swimming back to shore, but the current kept dragging me farther out. I ended up swimming with the current for around 30 minutes. Luckily, I knew how to handle the situation but yeah, I was really close to running out of strength
IF YOU HAD A BOAT, WHAT WOULD IT BE CALLED :
EASLA (short for Eastern Island, because this is where I live in the Philippines)
WHAT’S A PERSONAL MOTTO OR MESSAGE :
Just stay low and go fast !
