 
In
many ways I would have to say I owe a lot of my success
to John Keppler. When I first met him, he was working on
his own magazine called Waves. I am not sure if he actually
liked my images, or was just trying to help me out, but
he gave me the encouragement and guidance I needed to start
becoming a professional surf photographer. While my experience
with him at Waves was short lived, as he was forced to shut
down his magazine shortly after I met him, I was fortunate
enough to hook up with him again at Wave Action when he
hired me as an intern. For the next year, John helped me
develop my photographic skills, my organization skills and,
most importantly, he helped me network with key surfers
and companies. After a year of working for next to nothing,
I was then fortunate enough to be hired as the Photo Editor
@ Wave Action. For the next year and a half, John and I
worked together to produce the editorial content of Wave
Action, and John continued to aid me in furthering my career.
Then in the spring of '96 our paths parted when John decided
he had been stuck behind a desk for too long and it was
time for him to go back to being a freelance photographer.
His decision to leave actually inspired me to look elsewhere
as well. It was then that I was offered my job at SURFER
Magazine. It was a pretty big change for me and took a bit
to get settled in, but as soon as I got situated, one of
the first phone calls I made was to John. John had given
me so many opportunities and opened so many doors for me,
I thought the least I could do was phone him, let him know
where I was at and that his images were welcome at the magazine.
Since then I think John has been working on a number of
other things, aside from photography, but when he can, has
managed to provide us with essential content. Come to think
of it I don't think I have ever thanked him... Sorry about
that John, but I really do appreciate all that you have
done for me.”
Marc Kozai, Assistant Photo Editor,
SURFER Magazine |
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“I've
been working with Kep for 10 years now, and he has always
delivered the goods.... Especially during crunch-time assignments
- whether it's action or lifestyle. In an industry like
ours, with so many talented photographers, I know I can
always count on Keppler Photo. He's on it and I respect
him for that.”
Steve Clark, Surf Team/Marketing Manager, BILLABONG
USA
“John
Keppler has come a long way in becoming a very competent
action sports photographer. I have personally worked with
John for over fourteen years and would not hesitate to recommend
him as a reliable shooter who can get the job done."
Flame,
Photo Editor, SURFING Magazine
“John
Keppler was one of the first guys to market his photo career
around the future stars of surfing. Over the last 15 years
John has followed the youth around to all the worlds best
surf destinations. His drive and ambition is only comparable
to that of a NBA draft scout. Constantly on the trigger
and developing tight relationships with future world champions,
he has taken over the market of shooting the younger hip
surfers. No one even comes close in his field. On top of
that John is overall a great caring person.”
Pete Taras, Photo Editor, Transworld Surf Magazine
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