I'm Julia Haaf, a Berlin-based creative explorer with a passion for surfing, storytelling, and capturing the essence of unique cultures. My love for travel began in 2017 when I started traveling solo for the first time and since then, I've been constantly seeking new adventures, life lessons, and the salty embrace of the ocean where I feel the most alive. 

Catching my first waves
In 2019, I signed up for my first surf camp in Fuerteventura. Little did I know that this spontaneous decision was just the beginning of a passion that would slowly but surely fulfil my life in many ways, making me feel safe, and connected from within. 🌊

Photography Journey
Even as a young child, I was drawn to the camera, fascinated by its ability to capture unique and special moments. While studying graphic design and earning my bachelor's in communication design, I had the opportunity to dive deeper into photography and get in touch with different areas.

What fascinated me at that time was architecture, landscape and street photography. I have been trying to find my voice and subjects that inspired me to develop a style people could associate with me and my work. 

Surprisingly, a break from photography altered my entire approach. It was during my transformative journey to São Tomé é Príncipe, volunteering  5 Months at SOMA Surf as a Surfbuddy and Photographer, that I rediscovered my passion for the craft and found my niche. I picked up my camera again with renewed enthusiasm and a fresh perspective.

São Tomé 🇸🇹
My time in São Tomé was a transformative experience in various aspects. It not only reignited my passion for photography and helped me discover parts of myself living surrounded by the ocean. It showed me how important community and taking care of our nature is. This island is full of magic, the culture, the people, the energy and the land ✨

Documenting the surfers and the vibrant community of Santana was incredibly fulfilling. Witnessing the strength, resilience, and joy of these individuals, particularly the young women conquering the waves, was truly inspiring.

This paradise became home, a turning point in my photography career and personal growth, without it I don’t know if you could experience all these pictures as you can see them here now. I'm grateful for the trust and opportunity to have captured the stories of the surfers and the community and share them with the world. Living, surfing and shooting together created a special bond between us, which made it possible for me to capture those special moments.

I'm excited to continue my journey, through the tides of passion and adventure, exploring the untold stories of surfers and their communities. Let’s ride the waves of creativity together and create something amazing.

～ YOURS JULIA