Surfing fans and photographers around the world are mourning the sudden death of Finnish surf photographer Timo Jarvinen, who passed away at the age of 60 after a battle with thyroid cancer. The news has sent shockwaves through the surfing community, with tributes pouring in from some of the sport’s biggest stars.
Triple world champion Mick Fanning led the tributes, expressing his heartbreak over the loss. “Oh my. Heartbroken to see this. So much love Timo. Miss your sense of humour brother,” Fanning wrote on social media.
Other surfers, including Stephanie Gilmore, Leonardo Fioravanti, Tom Carroll, and Sean Doherty, also paid their respects, praising the impact Jarvinen had on the sport and the photography community.
Jarvinen was known for his stunning wide-angle water shots, capturing the intense action of surfers riding some of the world’s most iconic waves. His ability to capture the peak moments in surf without relying on a full narrative set him apart from other photographers. In the early 2000s, his work became a fixture in magazines like Surf Europe, where he was known for submitting a portfolio that made an immediate impact despite its brevity.
Born in Helsinki, far from the coastlines of traditional surfing destinations, Jarvinen’s passion for photography was instilled in him by his father and grandfather, both of whom were skilled darkroom technicians. This early exposure to the craft spurred his curiosity and eventually led to his rise as one of Europe’s most respected water photographers.
Jarvinen’s career took off when he became a staff photographer for Quiksilver, capturing powerful images of surfers like Kelly Slater and Clay Marzo. His work in the impact zones of legendary breaks such as La Graviere, Mundaka, and Teahupoo demonstrated his ability to capture action amidst the chaos of the ocean. Although initially hesitant to embrace digital photography, he eventually came to appreciate its benefits, particularly the ability to shoot longer sessions and instantly preview his images.
Over the years, Jarvinen expanded his photographic range, branching out from surf to explore other aspects of action sports and lifestyle photography. He was known for his resilience in extreme environments, from being submerged in the surf to braving freezing temperatures in the snow. His philosophy centered on delivering high-quality work under pressure, even when plans went awry.
In recent years, Jarvinen voiced his concerns about the direction of surf photography, particularly with the rise of stylized, static images on platforms like Instagram. He continued to advocate for dynamic, high-action imagery that truly captured the essence of the sport.
Though his life was cut short, Jarvinen’s work remains a lasting legacy in the world of surf photography. He will be remembered not only for his remarkable images but also for his character and contributions to the surfing community.
Former Surf Europe editor Pauly Evans shared a heartfelt tribute, reflecting on Jarvinen’s “short but beautiful life” and his indelible mark on the world of surf photography.
Comments and tributes continue to pour in from all corners of the surfing world as fans and fellow photographers remember Timo Jarvinen’s extraordinary career and the impact he made on the sport he loved.