BEHIND THE LENS: NICK GRUEN

There’s a raw honesty to the way Nick Gruen sees the world — shaped by long hours in the water and a life lived outdoors. The Encinitas-born, Oahu-based photographer has carved out a life that blends commercial precision with the unpredictability of the ocean. From shooting in the water at Pipe to flying drones high above the Pacific, Nick’s work captures both the beauty and volatility of Hawaii’s natural world. After a back-breaking injury at Pipe shifted his path from surf photography to the sky, he’s built a career rooted in adaptability, gratitude, and a deep respect for the environments he calls home.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself—where you’re from, your age, and how you’d describe what you do?

Aloha! My name is Nick Gruen. I grew up in Encinitas, CA and Oahu . Hawaii’s been home for over 10 years and I’ve started my family over here. I grew up doing Ocean Rescue in Encinitas and thought that may be my career for several years til I got some opportunities that dove me into commercial photo work. I am an outdoors commercial photographer and heavy drone operator and love what I do. I’m 30 years old and spend as much time outside as I can.

What first inspired you to pick up a camera, and how did you get started in photography?

I took photography classes from 7th to 12th grade. I eventually saved up enough money for a water housing thinking it would be a way to share surf photos with friends and also get some of myself if my friends would switch off with me… boy was I wrong hahah. It very quickly turned into me being the only one who was in the water shooting but I fell in love with it and still felt like I was riding and sharing waves with friends.

How is it living in Hawaii? What do you like to do besides shoot photos/video?

Besides creating my family here, I love my community and the culture of this place. Culturally there is significance of who you are, the paths you take, your family, and living life as a good human being. I really love that. 

I spend a lot of time outside. Hawaii’s environments are extreme at times but perfect for all of it. I do a lot of diving, hunting, spearfishing, surfing, hiking, and taking my boat out for deep sea fishing. I also love taking the jet ski to the outer-reefs for some uncrowded surf sessions.

Can you share a standout moment or story from your time shooting on the North Shore?

One of the gnarlier things that’s happened to me out here was breaking my back at Pipeline while shooting. It was a pumping day and a set switched directions a little bit and I got stuck in a terrible place (I was shooting wide that day under the lip) . I Couldn't duck dive through every wave and eventually got sucked back over the falls onto my head and back. I broke 7 vertebrae in my back. Even had to get wheel-chaired into the hospital. I was pretty messed up for a long time but during recovery I got more into flying drones cause that’s all I could do. 

I feel like this was a real blessing in disguise because it allowed me to pursue a whole other side of work that I didn’t know I’d end up fully sending it in. 

It also taught me that there’s more to my work than just shooting surf… it was a hard needed reality check & made me pursue other work in the photo / drone world… It’s not all about surf.  

What makes an image stand out to you?

I really appreciate images that make me think. Images that bring out emotion and make you want to know more about that captured moment. I also love seeing photos that break the trends of social media or the same repeat angles that others will piggyback off of each other. We are all guilty of it.

How has the North Shore shaped your photography style and approach?

Shooting in Hawaii is beautiful but it can very unpredictable with weather and ocean conditions. Living and working here has helped me understand the land and ocean and how to be better prepared to get the job done. It definitely makes you flexible and ready with some back up plans. 

One camera, one lens for the rest of your life, what's the kit?

Oofff that’s so hard. I  worked with Sony team for over 2 years so there might be some bias here but I'm going to say a Sony A1 and a 24-70 2.8. 

I don’t think its important to focus on the camera body as much as the lens though… I feel like the 24-70mm range is still action/ outdoors enough but can cover that commercial perspective needed while on shoots. 

What advice would you give to aspiring outdoor photographers?

Don’t cheat yourself. Wake up at the crack of dawn, stay up past your bedtime and enjoy nature and where you stay. TAKE IT ALL IN! The most important advice I can give is don’t compare…

“Comparison is the thief of joy”

(that’s one of my favorite quotes I keep written on my office wall and try to live by.) 

Your favorite photograph you’ve ever taken.

I thought a lot about this question. Quickly went to some of the meanest water angle barrel shots of Pipeline or landscape action shots I've taken with one of the big drones and I realized that’s not right. I'm being asked what photo is MY favorite… Not what others might think is the best so I switched it up and decided to throw this whale photo in here. 

I took this frame for me… spent years and many trips to get this close to them. It wasn’t for a client or product. Not for pay but for the joy of taking photos. I think it’s a rad little way to remember to keep shooting for myself and not just for work! 

Shot on a 14mm fisheye.  Crazy to feel the water pressure of the whales as they swam by me during a bull run.