Locals Only: Aaron Chang

Whether it’s the majestic peak of Machu Picchu or a blazing sunset over Swami’s, Aaron Chang’s photographs capture the divine and inspirational beauty of nature. Chang has long been renowned for his surfing images —  many of them taken during his tenure as a senior photographer for Surfing magazine — and his work has appeared on the covers of more than 100 magazines; he also counts Apple, Nike, and ESPN among his clients. Last year, Chang opened the Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery with painter Wade Koniakowsky. The Solana Beach venue is not only a space that showcases Chang’s large-format photos, but a place that has supported several charitable causes, such as Stand Up for Kids, Nourish the Children, and World Vision. When he’s not out on location, he’s at home in Encinitas, where he lives with his wife, Erika, and their two boys.

How he describes his work: My job is to make beautiful photographs that inspire people to appreciate life. My art reflects my inquisitive nature and my passion for the ocean and nature.

His favorite Encinitas locale to photograph: As a lifelong surfer, the beach is my favorite place to work.

Favorite meal at a local restaurant: The chicken soup at

Last purchase made in Encinitas: RC car at AmpDraw Hobbies on Encinitas Boulevard. Shane awesome and helps us with all our stuff.

Ideal Encinitas day: Surfing at sunrise; breakfast at ; launching rockets with my boys at Stagecoach Park; going for a walk with my wife, Erika, and our dog, Wally; buying stuff at Home Depot and building new projects at home; more surfing; riding bikes with my pal, Mark; hanging at the hobby shop with my boys and driving RC cars; eating soup from serving food to the homeless with Fill-A-Belly; more surfing. Did I mention surfing?

Favorite civic organizations: Fill-A-Belly, Cub Scouts, YMCA.

Favorite local business: AmpDraw Hobbies, YMCA.

Favorite Encinitas event: 

Best thing about living in Encinitas: Small-town atmosphere, with all the amenities to live a very comfortable life, in close proximity to the ocean.

The one thing he’d like to change about the city: Take out the traffic light cameras on El Camino Real.

A place in Encinitas more locals should visit: The walking trails at Encinitas Ranch. The view east from the top of the hill on a clear morning is spectacular.

How he’d dress up the Cardiff Kook: I’d dress the Kook in a tux as an orchestra conductor surrounded by a live philharmonic orchestra playing Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. While we’re imagining, make that the London Philharmonic playing the theme from Batman Begins.

Best place in the city to watch the sun set:  This is where I caught my first breaking wave as a kid.

The Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery is at 415 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. For more information, call 858-345-1880 or visit aaronchangoceanart.com. You can also see more of Chang’s work at aaronchanggallery.com.