You have what could very well be the best job in the world. How did it all begin?
I was working full-time as an electrician and just started taking some shots on various surf trips and selling them at the beach markets. That all went well and I moved into my first studio space in the old Burleigh arcade. Eventually I was finally able to quit my job as an electrician and work full-time as a photographer. That was a good day.

You’ve travelled to some of the world’s most picturesque locations in search of the perfect shot, any highlights?
Right here on the Gold Coast is pretty amazing! Besides the coast, there are two in particular that stand out as highlights. The first is a trip to Raja Ampat about two years ago. I was on an exploration trip with a surf travel company and we spent five days on a boat exploring islands in the middle of nowhere. Some of the island communities only see white people every few years so that was pretty special.

The second was a recent trip to Tahiti. I’d been trying to get back there for some time and finally made it. As it turned out my visit coincided with one of the best surfing comps of all time at Teahupoo. The next day I was out swimming with stingrays and sharks off the coast and a local guy told me about a spot where there were whales so I headed out there the very next day. Sometimes you spend weeks planning and can’t get that lucky.

Mother nature is fairly unpredictable at times, have you been caught in any hairy situations?
A couple! Water that was minus five degrees with high winds. Another time I was in the middle of the ocean and this huge shark swam toward me. It went right past me and whirled around to have another look. It was only a couple of metres away and then it just darted off.

What do you want people to feel when they look at a Sean Scott photograph?
I always try to show people what I feel when I take the shot. I want to share that experience with people.

Where in the world are you off to next?
Next year is already looking pretty crazy. I’m off to New Zealand in January and then off to Iceland, Norway and Greenland to minus 20 degree waters. And then I’ll be heading to the Maldives, Tonga , Tahiti and Canada and then back to New Zealand.

How do you prepare for minus 20 degree water?
I’ve honestly no idea!

Where do you find inspiration?
It’s a funny thing. Five or ten years ago I’d just head off on a trip without researching it too much and just try to find some interesting places. Nowadays with Instagram, you can see so much more before you go. You have some of the world’s best photographers at your fingertips, which can be inspiring. I try not to look too much though, I’d rather just do my own thing.

What advice would you have for people looking to pursue surf photography as a career?
Of course you need to love what you do and be prepared to work really hard but I think you also need to really push yourself to go that extra mile.

People often tell me I’m in the right spot at the right time but that’s because I’ve pushed myself to be there. Recently I was on a trip, I’d been out all day and had a thought that it would look great under the stars so instead of kicking back with a wine, I drove 100 kilometres and paddled back out there to get the shot. It turned out great. If you push yourself to get out there, you’ll get the shot eventually.

How do you like to spend your spare time?
My spare time and work time kind of all rolls into one to be honest. I love what I do so it’s all the same to me!

What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Family time and of course the beach.

What has been your greatest achievement?
Being able to do what I love as a career. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to travel the world for work.

Only a Gold Coast local would know that…
The best place to watch a storm roll in is from Kirra Hill.

FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up… Barefoot Barista.
Relax… Burleigh hill.
Indulge… Fresh seafood from the trawlers at The Spit.
Be inspired… The beach.