UNC TV-MUSE 2018 EMMY AWARD WINNING "BEST ARTS FEATURE" [Outer Banks Surfing Photographer] Produced by: Katy Loebrich and Morgan Potts // Videographer: Jonathan Duran | Photograph: Duy Ho
2021 North Carolina Press Association Hugh Morton Photographer of the Year
Drawing from his intense passion for photography, Daniel's life + work is fueled by the pursuit of mastering the art of photographic storytelling. Daniel is a descendant of 9 Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Keepers and grew up on Hatteras Island. Backed by a deep love of the ocean and surfing, he pursued a career as a surf artist and photographer in his teens. By his 20’s Daniel had gained notoriety for his unique style: a marriage of fine art, surf, and documentary photography. In 2003 he founded Pullen Art & Photography, a business blending surf art & documentary photography with professional event and freelance photography. In 2014, he began teaching 1:1 and group photography workshops, and in 2018 he launched his first year-round workshop schedule. Daniel is a proponent of art education, and he regularly volunteers his time and expertise with local non-profit organizations. He was named 2018 Dare County Artist of the Year.
He lives in Buxton with his wife, Kate, and children Jackson + Makenzey.
Publications:
Homesick | 2018
Mommicked | 2020
The Independent Waterman | 2021
On Point | 2021
We founded Daniel Pullen Photography in 2003. At the time we were newly married, expecting our first child, and knew we were called to do something creative together -- and to pursue Daniel's passion for surfing, photography, and art. I left a job as a National Park Ranger to manage the business, while Daniel continued to work part-time at Natural Art Surf Shop, and paint murals + surfboards until we had "both feet on the ground." It was a whole different world back then... we were shooting film, coding our own website, sending out negatives and paper prints... and it would be seven years before we posted our first images on social media. Supported by an amazing community, and encouraged by our dear friend, Jinny McBride, we dove into the world of wedding and portrait photography. We are so thankful for God's leading, direction, and grace as we've learned from success, failure, and everything in-between. Now, over 16 years later we're still pursuing the same dream to make images that reflect how deeply we treasure our home, community, and the human connection that unites us all.
-kate