Based in San Clemente, Kalani Cummins is a father, husband, and storyteller who’s spent over a decade behind the lens. His work is shaped by his love for surfing and the ocean, but also by his deep appreciation for people, place, and presence. For this edition of Paradise Found, Kalani shares the location that’s carved out a permanent place in his heart — and the images that speak for themselves.
Follow photographer and surfer Kalani to the revered reef break of Teahupoo, Tahiti — a place as formidable as it is breathtaking. With an instinctive eye for light, motion, and emotion, Kalani captures more than just waves; he documents the spirit of a place that feels suspended in time.
"My name is Kalani Cummins. I’m a freelance photographer and small business owner. I’m 26 years old, and I live in San Clemente with my beautiful wife, Kaelyn, our two groms, Knox & Addix, and our pup, Oaklee. As my friends and family know, my everyday driver is a Sprinter van, I start every day with a cup of coffee, surfing is a crucial part of my daily routine, and I’d rather spend my money on experiences than things (unless it's camera gear or surfboards lol).
I got into photography when I was about 15 years old. It started out as a hobby—shooting surf both in and out of the water—because I loved it, but over time it became my dream job. As I developed my own style, my photography took off, and my passion to capture a variety of subjects grew exponentially. It’s crazy to think I’ve been shooting for 11 years now."
Teahupoo, Tahiti: I chose this location because anyone who has ever been here will agree with me... this place is magical from the second you arrive. It's untouched, and its raw beauty is something you can't explain until you see & feel it. Hopefully these images will give you a little glimpse of what it's like in my slice of paradise.
"Home Court Advantage"
One of my favorite images of local Matahi Drollet. Sometimes color is distracting. I love throwing certain images in B&W because it draws your attention to what is happening in the image, and it lets you focus on the subject and appreciate how calm he is amidst the chaos.
"Serenity"
With every picture I take, I want to tell a story for the viewer. I want something more than just a plain moment in time. I want it to bring up feelings and capture memories. I want viewers to think about my photo for days after they lay eyes on it. I want my subjects to be able to look back on my images days, weeks, months, years later and have them transported back to that exact moment… Here is 14-year-old local Naiki Vaast, moments after he got one of the best waves of the day. This shows a combination of pure happiness and disbelief at its finest.
"That's A Wrap"
At the end of this kind of day at Teahupoo, everyone is stoked. The adrenaline is high, and you feel like you could take on the world. Yet, in reality, the second you go from water to sand, you eat dinner, set your alarm, and pass out. When the 5 AM wake-up call comes, you’re hoping you get to do it all over again.
Surfer: Tyler Newton
"Liquid Bomb"
No takers on this one... not sure anyone was even surfing over here... don't blame ’em.
"Simplicity"
Mountains of Teahupoo – It’s so rad when you're in the water and you look back at the valley… It's a pretty surreal feeling.
"Hang On Tight"
Probably the most memorable wave I've seen ridden.
Surfer: Balaram Stack
"Tranquility in Paradise."
"So beautiful she could kill ya."
I've been all over the world the past 10 years searching for and capturing surf. Truly, this place holds a special place in my heart. Every time I go, the second my feet hit the ground after getting off the plane, I feel a sigh of relief. The local community is so friendly, and I've created some amazing friendships here. They are truly some of the most down-to-earth people, and the way they’re connected to the land that they live on is inspiring. They live life the way we often forget to... no one’s in a rush, no one’s worried about where they’re going out this weekend or what car they drive or how much money they make... it’s about family and traditions and being present.
The short answer is: it’s paradise to me because of the community and the values they uphold collectively as a small little village. It’s the most beautiful place on earth with the most incredible wave—and hopefully it remains this way as the world just keeps getting more and more fast-paced.
Camera Used
Canon R5 with an Aquatech Housing
